Population growth, ageing and obesity do not sufficiently explain the increased utilization of total knee replacement in Australia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The utilization of total knee replacement (TKR) has increased significantly. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of changes in population demography (population growth, ageing and gender) and body mass indices (BMIs) on the additional volume of knee replacement surgery undertaken in Australia. METHODS: Using national data, we compared estimates based on changes in population demography and BMIs to the reported increase in TKR between 2007 and 2017. The costs of additional surgery were estimated using the National Hospital Cost Data Collection. RESULTS: An additional 25 814 TKRs were performed in 2017 compared to 2007. Contributions from population growth, ageing ..