Comparing Total Hip Replacement Drug Treatments for Cost and Length of Stay

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the potential effect anticoagulants, spinal blocks, and antifibrinolytics have on overall cost, length of stay, and re-admission rates for total hip replacement patients. We use ordinary least squares regression, multiple comparison testing, logistic regression, and chi square tests to fulfill this objective. The combination of warfarin and enoxaparin is associated with the highest cost and length of stay out of the anticoagulants studied. There is no clear combination of spinal blocks associated with the highest cost and length of stay. Tranexamic acid is associated with a reduction in length of stay and likelihood of receiving a blood transfusion, while not increasing overall cost. No drug combination in any category is associated with a change in re-admission rates.