Health resource utilization and direct procedural costs of arthroplasty surgery: a retrospective cost analysis

Background As osteoarthritis becomes more prevalent, demand for procedures such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), and other joint replacement procedures is rising. Understanding the cost drivers and patient demographics is important for maintaining financial sustainability while ensuring optimal patient care. This study aims to determine the costs associated with various arthroplasty procedures, analyze comparison of costs between different arthroplasty procedures, and fill the gap in the local literature regarding direct cost burden of arthroplasty surgery in Saudi Arabia. Methods This retrospective study included 1,833 patients who underwent arthroplasty procedures. The costs were converted into USD, and their trends over time were analyzed. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t tests and chi-square tests, were used to compare costs across procedures, age groups, and sex. The projection analysis was applied to project the number procedures and expected costs for 2030. Results The total expenditures for the study period exceeded $25 million, with TKA accounting for 65% of the total cost. Female patients composed 74.7% of the patient population, and male patients were generally older. TKA had the highest total cost at $16,632,000 and the greatest number of cases at 1,386. The highest average cost was for hip revision arthroplasty at $18,666.67, followed by shoulder arthroplasty at $16,533.33. By 2030, arthroplasty cases are projected to increase 3-fold, with the total cost rising to $20.87 million compared with 2021. Conclusion The total expenditures of arthroplasty procedures, particularly TKA, are significant, with the costs projected to increase by 2030. Strategic planning, including expanding infrastructure, optimizing resources, and adopting cost-saving measures such as bulk purchasing, will be crucial to maintaining high-quality patient care while addressing the increased demand.