OBJECTIVES: Compare costs associated with treatment for acute or degenerative medial meniscus tears. METHODS: Prospective, non-randomized, open-label, 24month observational surveillance study conducted between January 2011 and December 2014 at a single institution, approved by hospital Institutional Review Board, and with patient informed consent. Patients (n¼50) initiated into conservative (non-surgical) therapy or a surgical partial meniscectomy based on clinical assessment following physical examination and MRI analysis by the study investigator. Cumulative treatment costs were compared at 24 months for patients in three distinct treatment pathways during the observation time period: Group 1) conservative (non-surgical) therapy; Group 2) one or more surgical interventions without knee arthroplasty; Group 3) one or more surgical interventions with knee arthroplasty. Costs were calculated using billing record reimbursements for all services directly administered by the treating institution, and imputed for all services prescribed by investigator but provided external to the treating institution. RESULTS: At initiation, 33 patients (67%) were prescribed conservative care, and 17 patients (33%) were prescribed a partial meniscectomy. By 24 months, 26 patients (52%) remained in Group 1, 22 patients (44%) were in Group 2, and 2 patients (4%) transitioned to Group 3.
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