Abstract

Purpose : To calculate the indirect costs of Patient Specific Instruments (PSI) based on an opportunity cost, cost of efforts and a supply chain cost model to compare PSI for value with conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods : In 81 patients the total (direct + indirect) cost of PSI-assisted TKA was compared with conventional TKA. Surgical times and coronal mechanical alignment were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the PSI system. Results : Indirect costs (459 euro) make up 40% of the total cost that can run up to 1142 euro for a patient operated with PSI guides. No difference in surgical times or coronal alignment was observed in between both groups. Conclusion : Considering the total cost of PSI no value was found for the use of PSI in primary TKA as measured by surgical times or for obtaining a neutral mechanical axis in the coronal plane.