Introduction: It is unclear whether cost-based decisions to improve the value of surgical care (quality:cost ratio) affect patient outcomes. Our hypothesis was that surgeon-directed reductions in surgical costs for tibial plateau fracture fixation would result in similar patient outcomes, thus improving treatment value.
Methods: This was a prospective observational study with retrospective control data. Surgically treated tibial plateau fractures from 2013 to October 2014 served as a control (group 1). Material costs for each case were calculated. Practices were modified to remove allegedly unnecessary costs. Next, cost data were collected on similar patients from November 2014 through 2015 (group 2). Costs were compared between groups, analyzing partial articular and complete articular fractures separately. Minimum follow-up (f/u) was 1-year. Outcomes data collected include Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference domains, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, visual analog pain scale, infection, nonunion, unplanned return to surgery, demographics, injury characteristics, and comorbidities.
Results: Group 1 included 57 partial articular fractures and 57 complete articular fractures. Group 2 included 37 partial articular fractures and 32 complete articular fractures. Median cost of partial articular fractures decreased from $1,706 to $1,447 (P = 0.025), and median cost of complete articular fractures decreased from $2,681 to $2,220 (P = 0.003). Group 1 had 55 patients who consented to clinical f/u, and group 2 had 39. Median PROMIS PF score was 40 for group 1 and was 43 for group 2 (P = 0.23). There were no significant differences between the groups for any clinical outcomes, demographics, injury characteristics, or comorbidities. Median f/u in group 1 was 31 months compared with 15 months in group 2 (P < 0.0001).
Discussion: We have demonstrated that surgeons can improve value of surgical care by reducing surgical costs while maintaining clinical outcomes.