Factors influencing direct clinical costs of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery.

BACKGROUND: Very limited information exists about factors affecting direct clinical costs of rotator cuff repair surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the direct cost of outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery using a unique value-driven outcomes tool and to identify patient- and treatment-related variables affecting cost.
METHODS: Cost data were derived for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed by 3 surgeons from March 2014 to June 2015 using the value-driven outcomes tool. Costs included overall total direct cost, which included facility utilization costs, medication costs, supply costs, and other ancillary costs. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to determine the effect of various patient-related and surgical-related factors on costs.
RESULTS: There were 170 arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed during the study period. Multivariate analysis showed significant correlations between higher total direct cost and the presence of a subscapularis repair being performed (P = .015) and total number of anchors used (P < .0001). Higher body mass index, severe systemic illness, 1 of the 3 surgeons, biceps tenodesis using an anchor, and total sum of anchors were correlated with higher facility utilization costs (P < .04). Severe systemic illness, addition of a subscapularis repair, 1 of the 3 surgeons, and additional subacromial decompression were correlated with higher pharmacy costs (P < .006). The addition of a subscapularis repair, total sum of anchors, and severe muscle changes to the supraspinatus were correlated with higher supply costs (P < .015).
CONCLUSIONS: From a direct cost perspective, implementation of strategies to reduce overall costs should focus on reducing overall anchor quantity or price.