Economic Burden Of Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Primary Total Knee Replacement In Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The financial burden of prosthetic joint infection after joint replacement in developed countries is well known. There is a need to evaluate the economic burden in developing countries like Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases performed during this study are divided into two groups. 1. Uneventful primary total knee arthroplasty. 2. Prosthetic joint infection treated with two stage revision. Categorical variables were compared through Chi-square and Fisher Exact test. Continuous variables were compared using Mann-Whitney test. Multivariable regression analysis was done to identify the variable that places major financial burden on patient economy. RESULTS: The total cost of revision surgery for prosthetic joint infection considering twice hospitalization is found to be 7, 91, 353 ± 89,136 rupees. The total cost of uneventful arthroplasty is found to be 3, 50, 289± 32,123 rupees. We observed significant difference with respect to economic details between two groups. CONCLUSION: Measures should be undertaken to reduce PJI by encouraging healthcare providers to consider evidence based protocols to prevent PJI and financial constraints associated with these events.