Developing Research to Change Policy: Design of a Multicenter Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Comparing Intramedullary Nailing to Skeletal Traction in Malawi.

Abstract

The purpose of our study is to prospectively evaluate the cost effectiveness of intramedullary nailing compared with skeletal traction in a resource-limited setting where traction remains the most common definitive treatment. This multicenter, prospective multicenter investigation was conducted in Malawi at 2 central hospitals and 3 district hospitals. The project was divided into phases. In phase 1, the EuroQol-5D and SMFA were translated and validated in Chichewa. In phase 2, adult patents with OTA/AO 32 femur shaft fractures were prospectively enrolled, and a comparison of quality of life and functional status was made. In phase 3, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed between those treated with intramedullary nail and those treated with skeletal traction. This study serves as an example of an economic study in orthopaedic surgery conducted in a resource-poor environment through academic collaboration.