Knee Replacement Cost-Effective Procedure for Older Osteoarthritis Patients

Total knee replacement, commonly performed on older adults with advanced osteoarthritis, is a cost-effective procedure. That's the conclusion drawn from a study published in the June 22, 2009 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Of adults older than 60 years, about 12% have symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Their direct medical costs range from $1000 to $4100 per person per year.

In 2005, nearly 500,000 total knee replacements were performed in the U.S. -- and the cost exceeded $11 billion. Over the next two decades, there will be even more need for total knee replacement surgery. According to the study results, a knee replacement offers about one year of better quality of life compared to patients who don't have a knee replacement.

Researchers created a computer model using Medicare claims and other data. This included patients averaging 74 years of age. The analysis concluded that the year of benefit cost about $18,300 -- well within the threshold of the $50,000 per year that is considered cost-effective. When making a decision about whether or not to have the surgery, cost effectiveness is just one consideration. Knee replacement surgery was also found to be more costly and less effective in low-volume centers compared to high-volume centers.

Related Resources:

• Knee Replacement - What You Need to Know
• Why Patients Delay or Decline Knee Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement v. Partial Knee Replacement
• 16 Non-drug Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
• 22 Recommendations for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

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