The volume-value threshold for spinal deformity: How many cases surgeons, hospitals need

A new study published in Spinal Deformity aimed to find the threshold for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery volume to equal value in outcomes and economies of scale.

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The study highlights data from 3,224 patients who underwent spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and examined outcomes by length of stay and cost and surgeon volume. Study authors found:

1. The cost and length of stay had a significant decrease between surgeons who performed zero to five AIS surgeries per year and those who performed more than five procedures annually.

2. Between low and high volume hospitals — those with zero to 15 procedures and 15 or more procedures — the cost difference was $1,500, which isn’t statistically significant.

3. Risk-based volume stratification showed a direct relationship between volume and value for surgeons and hospitals, according to the study’s authors.

4. The study authors noted there wasn’t a consensus on a minimum number of procedures for hospitals, but the threshold approached 10 to 15 annual procedures.

More articles for spine surgery:
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