A new study published in Spinal Deformity examines resource utilization in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery.
The study authors led by Baron S. Lonner, MD, conducted a multicenter prospective adolescent idiopathic scoliosis operative database query to examine resource utilization for individual surgeons and identify opportunities for cutting costs while achieving similar outcomes through standardization.
The study authors matched patients for Lenke curve type and magnitude, eventually comparing five surgeons and 35 matched groups. The surgeons found:
1. There wasn't a significant difference in curve correction or levels fused between the surgeons examined.
2. The differences identified between procedures included:
• Percentage posterior approach
• Operative time
• Length of stay
• Estimated blood loss
• Cell saver transfused
• Rod material
• Screw density
• Number of screws
• Antifibrinolytics use
• Intravenous analgesics cessation
3. There weren't any differences in allogenic blood use despite the differences in estimated blood loss and cell saver transfused.
4. The radiographic results between the patients were uniform.
5. The study authors concluded, "Standardization of resource utilization and cost containment opportunities include implant usage, rod material, LOS and transition to oral analgesics, as these factors are the largest contributors to cost in AIS surgery."