Abstract

Objective

Early and accurate diagnosis of hip fractures minimizes morbidity and mortality. Although current guidelines favor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of occult hip fractures, a new technology called dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) seems an effective alternative. This article investigates a potentially cost-effective strategy for the diagnosis of occult hip fractures in older adults in Singapore.

Methods

A decision tree model was developed to compare costs from a payer’s perspective and outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of different imaging strategies for diagnosing occult hip fracture, comparing MRI with DECT supplementing single-energy computed tomography (SECT) and SECT alone. Model inputs were obtained from local sources where available. Sensitivity analyses are performed to test the robustness of the results.

Results

The MRI strategy was dominated by the DECT strategy, whereas DECT supplementing SECT provided 0.30 more QALYs at an incremental cost of SGD106.41 with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SGD352.52 per QALY relative to SECT alone. DECT seemed a cost-effective strategy at a willingness-to-pay threshold of SGD50 000 per QALY.

Conclusion

DECT supplementing SECT is a cost-effective imaging strategy to diagnose occult hip fractures among older adults in Singapore and should be included in clinical pathways to expedite timely treatment and considered for reimbursement schemes.