Cost-Effectiveness of Hip and Knee Replacements in Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Higashi Hideki, Barendregt Jan J.
Primary Institution: School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hip and knee replacements in Australia by accounting for the dual nature of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Conclusion
Both hip and knee replacements are cost-effective interventions to improve the quality of life of people with osteoarthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- Both hip and knee replacements are highly cost effective under an AUD 50,000/DALY threshold level.
- Hip replacements were found to be more cost-effective than knee replacements.
- The study followed individuals with osteoarthritis over their lifetimes to assess the long-term effects of the interventions.
Takeaway
This study found that replacing hips and knees helps people with arthritis feel better and is worth the money spent.
Methodology
A discrete-event simulation model was developed to follow individuals with osteoarthritis over their lifetimes, accounting for separate attributes for right and left joints and several repeat replacements.
Limitations
The study's assumptions about the durability of implants and the independence of OA progression between joints may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
The study population comprised Australians with osteoarthritis who were 40 years of age or older in 2003, including 68,908 individuals with hip OA and 100,657 individuals with knee OA.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website