Robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty: an economic analysis

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate 90-day episode-of-care (EOC) resource consumption in robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RATHA) versus manual total hip arthroplasty (mTHA). Methods: THA procedures were identified in Medicare 100% data. After propensity score matching 1:5, 938 RATHA and 4,670 mTHA cases were included. 90-day EOC cost, index costs, length of stay and post-index rehabilitation utilization were assessed. Results: RATHA patients were significantly less likely to have post-index inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility admissions and used fewer home health agency visits, compared with mTHA patients. Total 90-day EOC costs for RATHA patients were found to be US$785 less than those of mTHA patients (p = 0.0095). Conclusion: RATHA was associated with an overall lower 90-day EOC cost when compared with mTHA. The savings associated with RATHA were driven by reduced utilization and cost of post-index rehabilitation services.