Preoperative patients' health decrease moderately, while hospital costs increase for hip and knee replacement due to the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this study was a comparison between osteoarthritis patients with primary hip and knee replacements before, during and after the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany. Patients' preoperative health status is assumed to decrease, owing to delayed surgeries. Costs for patients with osteoarthritis were assumed to increase, for example, due to higher prices for protective equipment. Hence, a comparison of patients treated before, during and after the first lockdown is conducted.

Methods

In total, 852 patients with primary hip or knee replacement were included from one hospital in Germany. Preoperative health status was measured with the WOMAC Score and the EQ-5D-5L. Hospital unit costs were calculated using a standardised cost calculation. Kruskal-Wallis tests

SUBMITTER: Schatz C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8868037 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature