Cost of physiotherapeutic treatment in the postoperative period of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a University Hospital in Minas Gerais.

Cost of postoperative physiotherapeutic treatment for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are recurrent in sports activity practitioners. Surgical treatment has an adequate cost-benefit ratio, but when adding postoperative physical therapy treatment, the impact on the health system becomes higher. Costs in the health area are relevant, as it is essential that management dominates and knows the processes of expenditure. Objective: Evaluate the costs involved in the rehabilitation process after ACL reconstruction surgery in a University Hospital and compare these costs with the amount agreed with the local public manager for physical therapy treatment. Materials and Methods: observational and retrospective study. Data were collected by analyzing the electronic medical records of the Management Application System for University Hospitals of the Physiotherapy Outpatient Clinic, using a convenience sample. Results: Nine patients were eligible for this study. The average cost per physiotherapy session was R$ 100.30. Thus, the average total cost of postoperative ACL rehabilitation per patient was R$ 2,507.50, corresponding to an average intervention period of 25 sessions. Conclusion: The average cost per physical therapy intervention in the postoperative period of ACL reconstruction was R$ 100.30, much higher than the amount agreed with the local manager.