Researchers assessed both direct and indirect costs related to patients undergoing TLIF. At the two-year follow-up, all patients reported significant improvement from their preoperative levels. The study authors also noted:
• Patients reported less disability and improved quality of life according to questionnaires they were given.
• The mean two-year direct medical cost was $25,251.
• The mean surgical cost was $21,311±2,086, and the mean outpatient resource cost was $3,940±2,720.
• The average total two-year cost of TLIF was $36,835±11,800.
• The average reported annual income prior to surgery was $50,000. Patients missed an average of 60 work days, representing a two-year societal cost of $11,584.
• At two years after surgery, the total cost per Quality Adjusted Life Years gained of TLIF was $42,854, well below the accepted $50,000 cost-effective threshold.
Read the AANS news release on the cost of TLIF (pdf).
Read other coverage on TLIF:
– Performing Minimally Invasive TLIF Procedure: Q&A With Dr. Navin Subramanian of Houston’s Orthopaedic Associates
– Spine Surgery Comparison: Open TLIF Versus Minimal Access TLIF
– Study: TLIF With rhBMP-2 Increases Postoperative Osteolysis Risk
