Comparison of the Hospital Cost of Autograft Versus Allograft Soft-tissue Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with either hamstring autograft or tibialis anterior allograft.

Methods: The hospital cost and charge data for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon using either tibialis anterior tendon allograft (n = 49) or hamstring tendon autograft (n = 49) were retrospectively obtained and analyzed. Costs were broken down into several categories for comparison. The surgeon, operative technique, and surgical team were controlled.

Results: The mean total hospital cost for ACL reconstruction was $4,072.02 for autograft and $5,195.19 for allograft, for a difference of $1,123.16 (P < .0001). The only other statistically significant differences found were in the costs of the supplies ($1,296.07 more for allograft, P < .0001) and the recovery room ($82.54 more for the autograft, P < .01). No statistically significant differences were found in the costs for the operating room, anesthesia, or pharmacy.

Conclusions: In the setting of a high-volume, experienced surgical team, the additional cost of using an allograft for ACL reconstruction was not offset by the decreased operative and recovery room costs.

Level Of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.