Researchers used the Thompson Reuters MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and the Medicare Supplemental and Coordination of Benefits database for a retrospective analysis of longitudinal administrative data from 189,000 patients.
The study includes complication rates through 30 days after surgery. Here are five key findings from the report:
1. The overall complication rate for all spine surgeries was 13.6 percent. The complications increased to 22.8 percent at 30 days after surgery.
2. The wound dehiscence, infection and other wound complications increased frequencies between 10 days and 20 days postoperatively.
3. Complication rates for chronic pain, delirium and dysrhythmia increased gradually over the 30 days after surgery.
4. The 30-day complication rate for single-level anterior cervical fusions was 8.6 percent; for multilevel fusions combining anterior and posterior lumbar spinal fusion, the complication rate was 27.3 percent.
5. The frequency of individual complication types increased at different rates, and the study authors concluded using the database provided comparable results to prospective studies and superior results to nonlongitudinal administrative databases.
More articles on spine surgery:
13 things for spine surgeons to know for Thursday
Does Cell Saver make sense for lumbar spinal fusion?
Strengthening spine in the ASC industry
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.