A new study published in Spine highlights the regional variations in technique for treating degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine, according to a News Medical report.
The study, led by Kevin J. McGuire, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston, examined data from 1999-2009 to track trends in the rates and types of surgery performed for cervical spine DDD. The study focused on surgeons performing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Around 40 percent of the fusions performed in the United States during that time were in the cervical spine.
According to the report, cervical fusions performed by orthopedic surgeons increased by around 66 percent, and the number of surgeons performing them increased by 50 percent. The number of self-described spine surgeons increased by 25 percent at the same time that general orthopedic surgeons decreased by 25 percent.
Regionally, the study found that:
• Surgeons in southern and southeastern states were more likely to use artificial discs than surgeons in the Midwest.
• Surgeons in southeastern states were also more likely to use metal plates than surgeons in the northeast.
• Surgeons in midwestern states were most likely to use allograft than autograft.
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
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According to the report, cervical fusions performed by orthopedic surgeons increased by around 66 percent, and the number of surgeons performing them increased by 50 percent. The number of self-described spine surgeons increased by 25 percent at the same time that general orthopedic surgeons decreased by 25 percent.
Regionally, the study found that:
• Surgeons in southern and southeastern states were more likely to use artificial discs than surgeons in the Midwest.
• Surgeons in southeastern states were also more likely to use metal plates than surgeons in the northeast.
• Surgeons in midwestern states were most likely to use allograft than autograft.
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
Perioperative Complications Affect Survival of Neuropathic Spine Deformity Correction Patients
What Was the Most Important Development in Spine Surgery for 2011?
Spinal Fusions Increased 137% in 10 Years