Tyler D Goldberg1, John A Maltry2, Mukesh Ahuja3, Jason A Inzana4. 1. Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates, Austin, TX. 2. Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, Tucson, AZ. 3. Medacta USA, Inc, Chicago, IL. 4. Telos Partners, LLC, Denver, CO.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is well established as a clinically successful and cost-effective procedure. The transition of the US healthcare system from a fee-for-service model to a value-based care model requires careful examination of patient care to ensure both quality and efficiency. Sterile-packed, single-use instruments have been introduced as a tool to help streamline the operating room (OR) logistics while reducing sterilization requirements. The aim of this study was to examine the potential logistic and economic benefits of single-use instruments compared to traditional, reusable instruments for TKA. METHODS: Four variables related to TKA costs and logistics were modeled in this study: OR turnover time tray sterilization, tray management time, and 90-day infection rates. Model input data for traditional instruments and single-use instruments were based on peer-reviewed literature. A total of 200 sites and 500 cases per site were simulated using the Monte-Carlo-Technique. RESULTS: The median total cost savings with single-use instruments was $994 per case. The largest driver for cost savings was tray sterilization. Sites with higher staff wages and sterilization costs had a larger probability of realizing greater cost savings with adoption of single-use instruments. In cases using single-use instruments, up to 51% of operating days could have accommodated an additional procedure due to the time savings in OR turnover. CONCLUSION: This cost modeling study observed significant potential for logistical and economic improvements in TKA with single-use vs reusable instruments. Although few studies have been conducted to measure the impact of single-use instruments in practice, the results of these simulations motivate further investigation.
BACKGROUND:Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is well established as a clinically successful and cost-effective procedure. The transition of the US healthcare system from a fee-for-service model to a value-based care model requires careful examination of patient care to ensure both quality and efficiency. Sterile-packed, single-use instruments have been introduced as a tool to help streamline the operating room (OR) logistics while reducing sterilization requirements. The aim of this study was to examine the potential logistic and economic benefits of single-use instruments compared to traditional, reusable instruments for TKA. METHODS: Four variables related to TKA costs and logistics were modeled in this study: OR turnover time tray sterilization, tray management time, and 90-day infection rates. Model input data for traditional instruments and single-use instruments were based on peer-reviewed literature. A total of 200 sites and 500 cases per site were simulated using the Monte-Carlo-Technique. RESULTS: The median total cost savings with single-use instruments was $994 per case. The largest driver for cost savings was tray sterilization. Sites with higher staff wages and sterilization costs had a larger probability of realizing greater cost savings with adoption of single-use instruments. In cases using single-use instruments, up to 51% of operating days could have accommodated an additional procedure due to the time savings in OR turnover. CONCLUSION: This cost modeling study observed significant potential for logistical and economic improvements in TKA with single-use vs reusable instruments. Although few studies have been conducted to measure the impact of single-use instruments in practice, the results of these simulations motivate further investigation.