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Donnelly MR, Noh KJ, Silverman J, Donnelly JH, Azad A, Nicholas R, Reavey P, Dane B, Hacquebord JH. Body Mass Index Is Associated With Myocutaneous Free Flap Reliability: Overcoming the Obesity Obstacle With a Proposed Clinical Algorithm to Identify and Manage High-Risk Patients Undergoing Gracilis Free Flap With Skin Paddle Harvest. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 92:68-74. [PMID: 38117047 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of body mass index (BMI) in predicting postoperative complications following myocutaneous free flap transfer. In addition, we sought to identify certain body composition variables that may be used to stratify patients into low- versus high-risk for gracilis myocutaneous free flap with skin paddle failure. METHODS Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we collected data for all patients who underwent myocutaneous free flap transfer from 2015 to 2021. Demographic data, medical history, surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes, including complications, reoperations, and readmissions, were collected. Body mass index was correlated with outcome measures to determine its role in predicting myocutaneous free flap reliability. Subsequently, we retrospectively obtained measurements of perigracilis anatomy in patients who underwent computed tomography angiography bilateral lower extremity scans with intravenous contrast at our institution. We compared body composition data with mathematical equations calculating the potential area along the skin of the thigh within which the gracilis perforator may be found. RESULTS Across the United States, 1549 patients underwent myocutaneous free flap transfer over the 7-year study period. Being in obesity class III (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) was associated with a 4-times greater risk of flap complications necessitating a return to the operating room compared with being within the normal BMI range. In our computed tomography angiography analysis, average perigracilis adipose thickness was 18.3 ± 8.0 mm. Adipose thickness had a strong, positive exponential relationship with the area of skin within which the perforator may be found. CONCLUSIONS In our study, higher BMI was associated with decreased myocutaneous free flap reliability. Specifically, inner thigh adipose thickness can be used to estimate the area along the skin within which the gracilis perforator may be found. This variable, along with BMI, can be used to identify patients who are considered high-risk for flap failure and who may benefit from additional postoperative monitoring, such as the use of a color flow Doppler probe and more frequent and prolonged skin paddle monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Donnelly
- From the NYU Langone Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Karen J Noh
- From the NYU Langone Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Jeremy Silverman
- From the NYU Langone Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York, NY
| | | | - Ali Azad
- From the NYU Langone Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Rebecca Nicholas
- From the NYU Langone Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Patrick Reavey
- University of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, Rochester
| | - Bari Dane
- NYU Langone Health Department of Radiology
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Kay HF, Buss JL, Keller MR, Olsen MA, Brogan DM, Dy CJ. Catastrophic Health Care Expenditure Following Brachial Plexus Injury. J Hand Surg Am 2023; 48:354-360. [PMID: 36725391 PMCID: PMC10079640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) are devastating to patients not only functionally but also financially. Like patients experiencing other traumatic injuries and unexpected medical events, patients with BPIs are at risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in which out-of-pocket health spending exceeds 40% of postsubsistence income (income remaining after food and housing expenses). The individual financial strain after BPIs has not been previously quantified. The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of patients with BPIs who experience risk of CHE after reconstructive surgery. METHODS Administrative databases were used from 8 states to identify patients who underwent surgery for BPIs. Demographics including age, sex, race, and insurance payer type were obtained. Inpatient billing records were used to determine the total surgical and inpatient facility costs within 90 days after the initial surgery. Due to data constraints, further analysis was only conducted for privately-insured patients. The proportion of patients with BPIs at risk of CHE was recorded. Predictors of CHE risk were determined from a multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS Among 681 privately-insured patients undergoing surgery for BPIs, nearly one-third (216 [32%]) were at risk of CHE. Black race and patients aged between 25 and 39 years were significant risk factors associated with CHE. Sex and the number of comorbidities were not associated with risk of CHE. CONCLUSIONS Nearly one-third of privately-insured patients met the threshold for being at risk of CHE after BPI surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Identifying those patients at risk of CHE can inform strategies to minimize long-term financial distress after BPIs, including detailed counseling regarding anticipated health care expenditures and efforts to optimize access to appropriate insurance policies for patients with BPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison F Kay
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Joanna L Buss
- Center for Administrative Data Research, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Matthew R Keller
- Center for Administrative Data Research, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Margaret A Olsen
- Center for Administrative Data Research, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - David M Brogan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Christopher J Dy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
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Steendam TC, Nelissen RGHH, Malessy MJA, Basuki MH, Sihotang ABP, Suroto H. What is the Elbow Flexion Strength After Free Functional Gracilis Muscle Transfer for Adult Traumatic Complete Brachial Plexus Injuries? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2022; 480:2392-2405. [PMID: 36001032 PMCID: PMC9653183 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) in the nerve roots of C5 to T1 lead to the devastating loss of motor and sensory function in the upper extremity. Free functional gracilis muscle transfer (FFMT) is used to reconstruct elbow and shoulder function in adults with traumatic complete BPIs. The question is whether the gains in ROM and functionality for the patient outweigh the risks of such a large intervention to justify this surgery in these patients. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES (1) After FFMT for adult traumatic complete BPI, what is the functional recovery in terms of elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and wrist extension (ROM and muscle grade)? (2) Does the choice of distal insertion affect the functional recovery of the elbow, shoulder, and wrist? (3) Does the choice of nerve source affect elbow flexion and shoulder abduction recovery? (4) What factors are associated with less residual disability? (5) What proportion of flaps have necrosis and do not reinnervate? METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. A total of 180 patients with traumatic BPIs were treated with FFMT between 2010 and 2020, performed by a senior orthopaedic hand surgeon with 14 years of experience in FFMT. We included patients with traumatic complete C5 to T1 BPIs who underwent a gracilis FFMT procedure. Indications were total avulsion injuries and delayed presentation (>6 months after trauma) or after failed primary nerve transfers (>12 months). Patients with less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded, leaving 130 patients eligible for this study. The median postoperative follow-up period was 47 months (interquartile range [IQR] 33 to 66 months). Most were men (86%; 112 of 130) who had motorcycle collisions (96%; 125 patients) and a median age of 23 years (IQR 19 to 34 years). Orthopaedic surgeons and residents measured joint function at the elbow (flexion), shoulder (abduction), and wrist (extension) in terms of British Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength scores and active ROM. A univariate analysis of variance test was used to evaluate these outcomes in terms of differences in distal attachment to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), extensor digitorum communis and extensor pollicis longus (EDC/EPL), the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus (FDP/FPL), and the choice of a phrenic, accessory, or intercostal nerve source. We measured postoperative function with the DASH score and pain at rest with the VAS score. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to investigate what patient and injury factors were associated with less disability. Complications such as flap necrosis, innervation problems, infections, and reoperations were evaluated. RESULTS The median elbow flexion muscle strength was 3 (IQR 3 to 4) and active ROM was 88° ± 46°. The median shoulder abduction grade was 3 (IQR 2 to 4) and active ROM was 62° ± 42°. However, the choice of distal insertion was not associated with differences in the median wrist extension strength (ECRB: 2 [IQR 0 to 3], EDC/EPL: 2 [IQR 0 to 3], FDP/FPL: 1 [IQR 0 to 2]; p = 0.44) or in ROM (ECRB: 21° ± 19°, EDC/EPL: 21° ± 14°, FDP/FPL: 13° ± 15°; p = 0.69). Furthermore, the choice of nerve source did not affect the mean ROM for elbow flexion (phrenic nerve: 87° ± 46°; accessory nerve: 106° ± 49°; intercostal nerves: 103° ± 50°; p = 0.55). No associations were found with less disability (lower DASH scores): young age (coefficient = 0.28; 95% CI -0.22 to 0.79; p = 0.27), being a woman (coefficient = -9.4; 95% CI -24 to 5.3; p = 0.20), and more postoperative months (coefficient = 0.02; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.05]; p = 0.13). The mean postoperative VAS score for pain at rest was 3 ± 2. Flap necrosis occurred in 5% (seven of 130) of all patients, and failed innervation of the gracilis muscle occurred in 4% (five patients). CONCLUSION FFMT achieves ROM with fair-to-good muscle power of elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and overall function for the patient, but does not achieve good wrist function. Meticulous microsurgical skills and extensive rehabilitation training are needed to maximize the result of FFMT. Further technical developments in distal attachment and additional nerve procedures will pave the way for reconstructing a functional limb in patients with a flail upper extremity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawatha C. Steendam
- Department of Orthopaedics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rob G. H. H. Nelissen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J. A. Malessy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mohammad H. Basuki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga / Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Airlangga B. P. Sihotang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga / Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Heri Suroto
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga / Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Cell and Tissue Bank Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Brito S, White J, Hill B, Thomacos N. Effective long-term management of brachial plexus injury following surgery: What is needed from hand therapists' perspectives. J Hand Ther 2022; 35:267-274. [PMID: 35246366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic, brachial plexus injuries (BPI) result represent a significant cost to the individual and society. Recovery involves multiple surgeries, takes years, and often results in permanent physical dysfunction. While the last couple of decades have seen advancements in surgical management, the BPI rehabilitation literature has not kept pace with these developments. PURPOSE We aim to explore the experience of public and privately employed hand therapists' in delivering effective long-term rehabilitation services to inviduals with BPI in Australia. METHODS An interpretative qualitative study. Two focus groups were conducted with Australian hand therapists' (n = 10). Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS Three key themes were generated from the data. The first theme 'Falling through the gaps: overlooked components of therapy for BPI' captures participants' thoughts on postinjury health care and rehabilitation services. The second 'Developing a therapeutic alliance: underpinned by time and trust' relates to the relationship building challenges and opportunities following trauma that will withstand the long-term recovery of individuals following BPI. The last theme, 'Factors required for professional development: knowledge and support,' considers the variation seen with these clients in relation to therapy needs and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study highlight the need to better equip hand therapists' skills and knowledge in responding to pain and psychological management post BPI. Our results reinforce the benefit of interdisciplinary models of care in the management of individuals with BPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Brito
- Occupational Therapy Department, Federation University, Churchill, Victoria, Australia; Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer White
- Department of Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bridget Hill
- Epworth Monash Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Epworth Hospital, Richmond, Victoria Australia
| | - Nikos Thomacos
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
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Wade RG, Tanner SF, Teh I, Ridgway JP, Shelley D, Chaka B, Rankine JJ, Andersson G, Wiberg M, Bourke G. Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Diagnosing Root Avulsions in Traumatic Adult Brachial Plexus Injuries: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Front Surg 2020; 7:19. [PMID: 32373625 PMCID: PMC7177010 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cross-sectional MRI has modest diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing traumatic brachial plexus root avulsions. Consequently, patients either undergo major exploratory surgery or months of surveillance to determine if and what nerve reconstruction is needed. This study aimed to develop a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) protocol at 3 Tesla to visualize normal roots and identify traumatic root avulsions of the brachial plexus. Seven healthy adults and 12 adults with known (operatively explored) unilateral traumatic brachial plexus root avulsions were scanned. DTI was acquired using a single-shot echo-planar imaging sequence at 3 Tesla. The brachial plexus was visualized by deterministic tractography. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated for injured and avulsed roots in the lateral recesses of the vertebral foramen. Compared to healthy nerves roots, the FA of avulsed nerve roots was lower (mean difference 0.1 [95% CI 0.07, 0.13]; p < 0.001) and the MD was greater (mean difference 0.32 × 10-3 mm2/s [95% CI 0.11, 0.53]; p < 0.001). Deterministic tractography reconstructed both normal roots and root avulsions of the brachial plexus; the negative-predictive value for at least one root avulsion was 100% (95% CI 78, 100). Therefore, DTI might help visualize both normal and injured roots of the brachial plexus aided by tractography. The precision of this technique and how it relates to neural microstructure will be further investigated in a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of patients with acute brachial plexus injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryckie G. Wade
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Steven F. Tanner
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Irvin Teh
- Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - John P. Ridgway
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - David Shelley
- The Advanced Imaging Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Chaka
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - James J. Rankine
- Department of Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Gustav Andersson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology (Anatomy), Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science (Hand and Plastic Surgery), Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Wiberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology (Anatomy), Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science (Hand and Plastic Surgery), Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Grainne Bourke
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology (Anatomy), Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science (Hand and Plastic Surgery), Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Abstract
Purpose The economic implications of brachial plexus injuries (BPI) in the United States are not well understood. The purpose of our study was to quantify the direct costs associated with surgical treatment of BPI after traumatic injury in adults, which would enable future study of the societal value of surgical reconstruction. Methods Using an administrative database of patients with commercial insurance, a cohort of patients aged 18 to 64 years with BPI treated surgically from 2007 to 2015 was assembled and assessed for index admission associated with BPI surgery and all payments toward claims (including medical, surgical, therapy, and pharmacy claims) for 1 year after surgery. Results Among 189 patients undergoing surgery for BPI, median direct payments were $38,816 (interquartile range: $18,209 to $72,411; minimum: $3,512; maximum: $732,641). Conclusions Relative to recently published data for the indirect cost of traumatic BPI (median: $801,723), direct payments for 1 year after surgical treatment represent 4.6% of the total long-term cost of BPI. In the context of existing literature demonstrating cost-effectiveness in models of BPI surgical care, our data suggest that surgery and other interventions to maximize return to work after traumatic BPI in adults may be beneficial to society. Type of study/level of evidence Economic and Decision Analyses IV.
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Khalifeh JM, Dibble CF, Dy CJ, Ray WZ. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Combined Dual Motor Nerve Transfers versus Alternative Surgical and Nonsurgical Management Strategies to Restore Shoulder Function Following Upper Brachial Plexus Injury. Neurosurgery 2019; 84:362-377. [PMID: 30371909 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoration of shoulder function is an important treatment goal in upper brachial plexus injury (UBPI). Combined dual motor nerve transfer (CDNT) of spinal accessory to suprascapular and radial to axillary nerves demonstrates good functional recovery with minimal risk of perioperative complications. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CDNT vs alternative operative and nonoperative treatments for UBPI. METHODS A decision model was constructed to evaluate costs ($, third-party payer) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]) of CDNT compared to glenohumeral arthrodesis (GA), conservative management, and nontreatment strategies. Estimates for branch probabilities, costs, and QALYs were derived from published studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER, $/QALY) were calculated to compare the competing strategies. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses with 100 000 iterations were performed to account for effects of uncertainty in model inputs. RESULTS Base case model demonstrated CDNT effectiveness, yielding an expected 21.04 lifetime QALYs, compared to 20.89 QALYs with GA, 19.68 QALYs with conservative management, and 19.15 QALYs with no treatment. The ICERs for CDNT, GA, and conservative management vs nontreatment were $5776.73/QALY, $10 483.52/QALY, and $882.47/QALY, respectively. Adjusting for potential income associated with increased likelihood of returning to work after clinical recovery demonstrated CDNT as the dominant strategy, with ICER = -$56 459.54/QALY relative to nontreatment. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed CDNT cost-effectiveness at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY in 78.47% and 81.97% of trials with and without income adjustment, respectively. Conservative management dominated in <1% of iterations. CONCLUSION CDNT and GA are cost-effective interventions to restore shoulder function in patients with UBPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad M Khalifeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher F Dibble
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher J Dy
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Wilson Z Ray
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
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Wali AR, Brandel MG, Santiago-Dieppa DR, Rennert RC, Steinberg JA, Hirshman BR, Murphy JD, Khalessi AA. Markov modeling for the neurosurgeon: a review of the literature and an introduction to cost-effectiveness research. Neurosurg Focus 2019; 44:E20. [PMID: 29712528 DOI: 10.3171/2018.2.focus17805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Markov modeling is a clinical research technique that allows competing medical strategies to be mathematically assessed in order to identify the optimal allocation of health care resources. The authors present a review of the recently published neurosurgical literature that employs Markov modeling and provide a conceptual framework with which to evaluate, critique, and apply the findings generated from health economics research. METHODS The PubMed online database was searched to identify neurosurgical literature published from January 2010 to December 2017 that had utilized Markov modeling for neurosurgical cost-effectiveness studies. Included articles were then assessed with regard to year of publication, subspecialty of neurosurgery, decision analytical techniques utilized, and source information for model inputs. RESULTS A total of 55 articles utilizing Markov models were identified across a broad range of neurosurgical subspecialties. Sixty-five percent of the papers were published within the past 3 years alone. The majority of models derived health transition probabilities, health utilities, and cost information from previously published studies or publicly available information. Only 62% of the studies incorporated indirect costs. Ninety-three percent of the studies performed a 1-way or 2-way sensitivity analysis, and 67% performed a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. A review of the conceptual framework of Markov modeling and an explanation of the different terminology and methodology are provided. CONCLUSIONS As neurosurgeons continue to innovate and identify novel treatment strategies for patients, Markov modeling will allow for better characterization of the impact of these interventions on a patient and societal level. The aim of this work is to equip the neurosurgical readership with the tools to better understand, critique, and apply findings produced from cost-effectiveness research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - James D Murphy
- Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California
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Wade RG, Takwoingi Y, Wormald JCR, Ridgway JP, Tanner S, Rankine JJ, Bourke G. MRI for Detecting Root Avulsions in Traumatic Adult Brachial Plexus Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy. Radiology 2019; 293:125-133. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2019190218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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