Allografts in reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament: a health economics perspective

Purpose To review the relative cost-effectiveness of allografts and autografts in reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. Methods Systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis. Results The available evidence does not show any significant difference in clinical effectiveness between autografts and allografts. Given that, only a cost analysis is provided, which shows that allografts are more costly. Conclusion Given the lack of any benefit of allografts over autografts, autografts should be preferred on cost grounds, if available. However, there may be situations where an allograft is indicated, for example, in multiple ligament reconstructions.