Comparative analysis of inpatient costs for the surgical treatment of distal radial fractures in children and adults: a retrospective cohort study from a single surgeon’s experience

Abstract

Purpose: Distal radial fractures are common in children and older adults, and numerous studies have analyzed their medical costs. However, no study has attempted to compare the medical costs of distal radial fractures in children and adults requiring surgical treatment in Korea. We therefore investigated this issue for the first time.Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 96 pediatric and adult patients who underwent surgery for distal radial fractures performed by a single surgeon between January 2021 and January 2023. Patients were divided into adult (>16 years) and pediatric (≤16 years) groups. We examined patients’ demographic factors, surgical details, and inpatient costs.Results: The average total inpatient cost in the pediatric group was 1,640,000 Korean won (KRW), compared to 2,940,000 KRW in the adult group. The largest difference was in surgical material costs, which were approximately 700,000 KRW more expensive in adults. Kirschner wires were mainly used during surgery for pediatric patients, whereas volar locking plates were mainly used for adults. The number of C-arm fluoroscopy images obtained during surgery was higher in pediatric patients than in adults. The reoperation rate was higher in pediatric patients. Conclusion: The inpatient costs of surgical treatment for pediatric patients with distal radius fractures were lower than for adults, primarily due to differences in the costs of surgical materials. However, the reoperation rate was higher in the pediatric group, and radiation exposure was also greater. Policy adjustments may be necessary to address these unique challenges in the treatment of pediatric wrist fractures.