Economic impact of cancellous bone grafting in trauma surgery.
BACKGROUND
Cancellous bone grafting is currently the most frequent method for replacement of bone material. In recent years, several alternative methods came into practice. However, up to now it remains unclear whether cancellous bone grafting is cheaper as compared to these new methods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to calculate the direct costs of cancellous bone grafting.


METHODS
For calculation of the direct costs operation time needed in addition to the main surgical intervention was measured and the material used recorded in a consecutive series of 50 interventions including bone grafting at the Department of Trauma Surgery at the University Hospital of Bonn Medical School. Surgical staff costs were calculated on the basis of a standard team consisting of one surgical attendant, surgical resident, surgical nurse, and nurse's service. Cost of anaesthesia was calculated on a per minute base.


RESULTS
Mean additional operation time was 26.3 min (range 17-35 min). Surgical staff costs per operation minute were 2.70 Euro, costs for anaesthesiological service were 4.18 Euro/min. Material additional used consisted of sutures and sterilization costs. Material costs summed up to 32.01 Euro. The total direct costs of bone grafting were 212.95 Euro.


CONCLUSIONS
The direct costs of harvesting cancellous bone graft and the use of bone replacement material are comparable. Due to the high complication rate at the donor site the total-cost-of-illness might be higher when using autologous bone graft.
Lohmann
Holger
H
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany.
Grass
Guido
G
Rangger
Christoph
C
Mathiak
Guenther
G
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000191:economics; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000191:economics; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery; D005858:Germany; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000191:economics; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000191:economics