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Published on: August 6, 2019
Cost-effectiveness of image-guided spine surgery
Robert Green Watkins1, Akash Gupta, Robert Green Watkins
1Marina Spine Center, 13160 Mindanao Way, Suite 325, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, USA.
The Open Orthopaedics Journal
|January 21, 2011
Summary
Image-guided spine surgery significantly reduces revision rates and offers cost savings. This technology is particularly beneficial for high-volume practices performing complex procedures with long surgical times.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Medical Technology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Image-guided surgery systems are increasingly utilized in spinal procedures.
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new surgical technologies is crucial for healthcare adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of image-guided spine surgery for pedicle screw placement.
- To compare outcomes and costs between image-guided and conventional techniques.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case series of 100 patients using image-guidance (NaviVision, Arcadis Orbic) versus 100 retrospective controls.
- Analysis of revision surgery rates, surgical time, and associated costs.
Main Results:
- Revision surgery rate decreased from 3% to 0% with image guidance (p=0.08).
- Image guidance resulted in cost savings of $71,286 per 100 cases.
- Surgical time for pedicle screw placement was reduced, with calculable cost savings.
Conclusions:
- Image-guided pedicle screw placement demonstrates potential cost-effectiveness.
- Benefits are most pronounced in high-volume spine practices and complex, lengthy procedures.
