H. Theodore Harcke Jr, M.D.,
A. Taylor, B.S., J. Richard Bowen, M.D.
Alfred I. duPont Institute
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
PURPOSE: To analyze the costs associated with management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), giving particular focus to imaging's portion. Understanding, cost might aid in the development of efficient treatment guidelines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of charges for a sample group of 10 infants treated for DDH of varying severity. From fiscal and medical records, the total billed cost of treatment was calculated in 1994 dollars. Billings included all professional and hospital fees, including, imaging and laboratory studies.
RESULTS: With the exception of surgical cases, imaging charges rep resented the largest single component of the total charge. In cases requiring surgery, the charges exceeded the charges for nonsurgical cases more than 6-fold. The orthopedic surgeon' s fees and the operating room charges together accounted for approximately 50% of inpatient charges.
CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment of DDH is significantly less expensive than surgical treatment. This should encourage programs for early diagnosis and treatment. Imaging costs account for the greatest part of charges when nonsurgical management is used. For the purpose of developing cost-effective treatment protocols, it is important to study the fiscal aspects of imaging.
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