Editorial Commentary: Performing a Concomitant Lateral Extra-articular Procedure Is a Dominant Cost-Effective Strategy Over Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction due to Higher Quality of Life and Lower Overall Costs.

Abstract

The frequency with which lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) is performed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has increased significantly over the past decade. On the basis of expanding indications recently defined by the International LEAP Consensus Group, it can be anticipated that this trajectory toward increased utilization of LEAPs will continue. The economic implications of these changing practice patterns have not been well studied. Given that payers often consider cost-effectiveness when making determinations regarding medical necessity, there has been an urgent need to address this deficiency in the literature. Markov analysis demonstrates that adding a LEAP at the time of primary ACLR represents a dominant cost-effective strategy when compared to isolated ACLR due to better quality of life and lower overall costs.