Cost of Surgical Treatment of Closed Ankle Fractures

Abstract

Background: Assessment of costs following open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fractures has not been reported previously. Patients and Methods: All 224 patients admitted to Ulleval University Hospital with an ankle fracture during two 12-month periods in 1995 and 1998 were evaluated for inclusion, 191 patients (118 women, 73 men) treated by open reduction and internal fixation were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. Patients with multiple injuries (n = 10), open fractures (n = 10) and a clinical observation time < 3 months (n = 13) were excluded. The costs of surgery, hospitalization, follow-up appointments, and sickness benefits during the 1st postoperative year were assessed. Results: The overall cost of treatment in the 1st postoperative year was calculated at Euro 12,498.- (SD 8,728.-). The expenses did not significantly differ when comparing age, sex and fracture types. The difference in the total cost for the patients with no, minor and major soft tissue problems was highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures are costly. Efforts should be made to avoid major complications as these increase the costs considerably.