The Cost and Educational Experience of Treating Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Pilot Analysis on Standardizing Surgical Care

Abstract

Introduction:Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) for supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) comprised considerable surgical volume in pediatric orthopaedics. Limited reports are available on how standardization of the surgical care affects the cost and trainee's learning experience.Methods:Cost analysis was performed by chart review with the billing department in a university teaching hospital. The association of cost with perioperative variables was determined by univariate and multivariable analyses. The educational experience was acquired by questionnaires completed by seven attending surgeons and 22 orthopaedic trainees.Results:Fifty-one patients were included, revealing the hospital charge of $6,345 per CRPP case. Most of the cost comprised OR time (67%) and anesthesia time (13%). The attending surgeon and fracture type were independently associated with anesthesia time. Standardization of care was perceived for better learning experience and cost saving.Conclusion:Efforts in the standardization of SCHF surgical care can improve cost saving and trainees' learning experience.