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Frequency of total elbow arthroplasty increased in management of distal humeral fractures
Recently published results showed a significant increase during the past 10 years in the national rate of primary total elbow arthroplasty for the acute management of distal humeral fractures in elderly patients.
Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2002 to 2012, researchers categorized all patients 65 years of age and older with distal humeral fractures into either a total elbow arthroplasty subgroup or an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) subgroup.
Results showed a 2.6-fold increase in the annual frequency of total elbow arthroplasty for elderly patients with distal humeral fractures from 147 patients in 2002 to 385 patients in 2012. In 2002, researchers found 5.1% of patients with operatively treated distal humeral fractures underwent total elbow arthroplasty vs. 13% in 2012. While both ORIF and total elbow arthroplasty groups had a significant increase in mean hospital charges from 2002 to 2012, according to results, the average hospital charge for total elbow arthroplasty in 2012 was $16,358 higher compared with patients who underwent ORIF. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.