Chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the humerus: economic aspects of treatment with the method of transosseous osteosynthesis method using the Ilizarov fixator

Objective To review economic aspects of treatment of patients with chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the humerus. Material and methods Cost-effectiveness of treatment of chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the humerus using the method of transosseous osteosynthesis with the Ilizarov apparatus was evaluated. Medical expenses were compared with standard financial expenditures as established by regulations of medical assistance provided to the patients with osteomyelitis. Results Treatment of patients with the method of controlled transosseous osteomyelitis being highly effective, have shown to entail considerable economic losses due to the severe pathology, multiple stages of previous treatment performed untimely and inadequately. Conclusions Economic losses can be reduced through thorough preadmission examination of patients including bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests, decreased preoperative period, optimal choice of treatment tactics and quality care, to be followed by outpatient course.