Surgical treatment for patients with spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis and intervertebral disc herniation show good value for spine care when compared with nonoperative treatment over a four-year period, according to a study published in Spine.
The cost-effectiveness study was conducted as part of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial. The study included 634 patients, 414 of whom underwent surgery either initially or during the four-year follow-up period.
Surgery was shown to improve health with persistent quality-adjusted life year differences throughout the follow-up period. The costs per QALY gained decreased for each group during the follow up period:
• Spinal stenosis: $77,600 at two years to $59,400 at four years
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis: $115,600 at two years to $64,300 at four years
• Intervertebral disc herniation: $34,355 at two years to $20,600 at four years
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Surgery was shown to improve health with persistent quality-adjusted life year differences throughout the follow-up period. The costs per QALY gained decreased for each group during the follow up period:
• Spinal stenosis: $77,600 at two years to $59,400 at four years
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis: $115,600 at two years to $64,300 at four years
• Intervertebral disc herniation: $34,355 at two years to $20,600 at four years
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
Adverse Event Rates for Infuse Higher Than Original Studies Suggest
Neuropathy or Radiculopathy: 4 Points on Differentiating the Diagnosis
Spine Surgery Outcomes Correlate With Psychosocial Behavior