Economic Benefit to Society at Large of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Younger Patients

Abstract

The results of this model illustrate the need to account for the implications of treatment choices, not only at the individual patient level, but also for society at large. When deciding among available treatment options, patients, physicians, payers, and policymakers must consider individual treatment cost and effectiveness but also should account for future potential earnings generated when a treatment may restore a patient's ability to contribute to society.