Hospital Buyer

At this week’s annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, data was presented which indicates that replacement of degenerative cervical discs with artificial vertebrae is less costly over a two year period compared to disc fusion surgery. These findings are noteworthy because the initial cost to complete disc replacement is more expensive than fusion for patients, as well as society overall.

Researchers evaluated outcomes in a group of 541 patients. Patient had either undergone fusion surgery or arthroplasty, which is placement of an artificial cervical disc. Costs were examined, including the medical procedures (both primary surgery and additional) and lost wages from missed work.

Findings indicate that the the costs associated with medical treatment alone were higher in the group of patients that underwent arthroplasty. However, the complete costs calculated for two years of follow-up indicated a cost savings of around $6,000 for patients who underwent cervical disc replacement. Decrease costs are secondary to a lower incidence of additional procedures and returning to work sooner. In fact, the majority of increased costs are associated with earlier return to work.

Patients who were treated with arthroplasty went back to work an average 38 days sooner than patients who were treated with fusion. An additional benefit of returning to work sooner was a gain in productivity valued at more than $6,300. This improvement provides benefits for not just patients themselves but society overall due to diminished workplace productivity.

The study presented was funded by Medtronic, a manufacturer of artificial discs. In particular, the company procured FDA approval last year for their PRESTIGE disc, which is the only artificial cervical disc available on the U.S. market. The device is manufactured from stainless steel with a ball-in-trough design. The device is fixated within the vertebral column with bone screws.

May 1, 2008 Related topics: Finance, Orthopedic, Cost savings