Analytical approach:
The analysis was based on a single study, with a one-year horizon. The authors did not explicitly state the perspective adopted.
Effectiveness data:
The clinical evidence was from a prospective cohort study of 30 patients, who were followed up at six weeks, six months, and one year. The mean age was 54 years (range 34 to 78) in the arthroscopic group and 57 years (range 45 to 73) in the open group. The key clinical endpoint was the treatment efficacy, which was assessed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (patient completed) and Constant Shoulder Score (clinician completed) questionnaires.
Monetary benefit and utility valuations:
Not considered.
Measure of benefit:
The change in Oxford Shoulder Score from before surgery to one year after surgery was the summary benefit measure and the data were derived directly from the clinical study.
Cost data:
The economic analysis included the direct costs of consumables for the two procedures, including drapes, cannulae, connecting tubes, saline, acromionizer, thermal probe, needle for suture passer, anchors, sling, saw blade, diathermy tip, Ethibond suture, and diagnostic arthroscopy. The resource use data were from the sample of patients in the clinical study. The unit costs were from the hospital finance department. The costs were in UK pounds sterling (£) and were also reported in US dollars ($), for the fiscal year 2004 to 2005.
Analysis of uncertainty:
Not investigated.