Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Psychosocial, and Utility Outcomes of Early Mandibular Distraction in Craniofacial Microsomia

Background: The cost-effectiveness, utility outcomes, and most optimal timing of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) continue to be a topic of debate, especially in the population of patients with mild or nonsignificant functional issues. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the burden of mandibular asymmetry in CFM, and to accurately evaluate the impact of early MDO on patients' perceived quality of life and social acceptance, in addition to examining the cost-effectiveness of early MDO in CFM. Methods: A validated crowdsourcing platform was utilized to recruit participants. Psychosocial acceptance and utility outcomes were assessed for patients with CFM. Participants were presented with health-state scenarios supplemented with pre- and postoperative images. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were subsequently calculated and costs were estimated based on Medicare fee schedules using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for early MDO were calculated and plotted against a $100,000/QALY threshold. Results: : A total of 463 participants were included in the study. The mean visual analog scale score for untreated mandibular hypoplasia in CFM was 0.48 +/- 0.24, which improved significantly (P < 0.0001) to 0.63 +/- 0.20 following early MDO. Time trade-off scores for an imaginary surgery leading to perfect health with no complications were not statistically different from undergoing early MDO (P = 0.113). Early mandibular distraction decreased social distance in all 8 social situations assessed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios varied by the duration of time between early MDO and a potential second intervention, ranging from $148,142.09 per QALY gained at an interval of 1 year to $9876.14 per QALY gained after 15 years. Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY, early MDO in CFM becomes cost-effective when patients enjoy an improved health-state post-MDO for more than 1.48 years before a potential second intervention, if deemed necessary. Conclusion: Early mandibular distraction may lead to tangible positive gains in CFM patients based on utility outcome scores, psychosocial acceptance, and social distance. Therefore, although further interventions may be needed at skeletal maturity, early MDO can improve the psychological well-being of CFM patients during their crucial developmental years in a cost-effective manner. The incremental cost per QALY gained post-early MDO correlates negatively with time until a second potential surgical intervention.