Clinical and economic impact of using generic 7.3-mm cannulated screws at a level II trauma center.

We retrospectively studied the clinical and economic impact of a cost-containment program using high quality generic 7.3-mm screws for fixation of femoral neck fractures and pelvic ring injuries at a level II trauma center. Included in the study were 174 patients with femoral neck fractures or posterior pelvic ring injuries. These injuries were managed with 203 conventional and 178 generic implants. Study results showed no significant differences in age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, or fracture pattern; no differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, or complication rates; no increase in varus collapse, shortening, screw cutout, screw deformation, loosening, or conversion to arthroplasty; and no differences in hospital complications of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, or pressure sores. Overall, our hospital realized a 70% reduction in implant costs, resulting in calendar-year savings of $50,531. At our institution, use of generic 7.3-mm cannulated screws has been a success. Hospital implant costs decreased significantly without any associated increase in complication rate or change in radiographic outcome. Generic implants have the potential to markedly reduce operative costs as long as quality products are used.