The Modern Universal TKA: Improved Value without Compromising Quality

Abstract

In the current economic state of healthcare, efficiency and cost reduction has come into focus. Healthcare spending is accelerating faster than the growth in GDP and with a large portion of hospital costs associated with operating room expenses, inefficiencies are something that should be scrutinized closely. Several studies have demonstrated increased efficiency with an intelligent reduction in instrumentation and trays. European studies have analyzed the cost of sterilization demonstrating up to $11.52 USD per instrument sterilized. Universal tibial components have been accepted in the past and several studies have demonstrated noninferiority or even superiority over asymmetric tibial designs. Modern universal femoral designs have improved from antiquated symmetric femoral designs and recent studies have demonstrated similar femoral rollback and axial rotation compared with non-resurfaced knees along with excellent knee society scores. A modern total knee system designed around efficiency capable of maximizing patient outcomes and restoring normal knee kinematics is needed. Reductions in tray and instrument counts have saved over $250,000 annually in sterilization and storage space while improving tray utilization. Set up time is reduced, thereby enhancing room turnovers. This cost reduction comes at no detriment to the patient and with the excellent knee kinematic and outcome scores boasted by this implant, the modern universal knee system is a great value to healthcare.<br></br> Abbreviations: USD = United States Dollar; GDP = Gross Domestic Product; TKA = Total Knee Arthroplasty; CMS = Centers for Medicare and Medicaid; OR = Operating Room; PSI = Patient Specific Instrumentation