[Cost coverage for complex paediatric spinal deformities with preoperative halo traction-an economic problem?]

Spinal surgery is largely reimbursed in a differentiated manner via the DRG system. For treatments of complex paediatric deformities with increased pre and postoperative effort due to special treatment approaches, it seems that the costs for the treatment are not fully covered.

All paediatric cases with surgical treatment of the spine that were treated in a single spine centre from 2018-2020 were considered. The subgroup of patients with inpatient halo-gravity traction (halo group) before surgery was compared with all other cases treated in terms of economic and demographic factors.

There were 86 cases that were treated surgically without halo traction and 6 cases with halo traction. The groups did not differ significantly in age (p = 0.41) or Patient Clinical Complexity Level (PCCL, p = 0.76). The average length of hospital stay in the halo group was significantly longer than in the other cases (84.2 ± 40.1 d vs. 11.0 ± 6.4 d; p = 0.001). Due to DRG grouping and long-stay surcharges, the mean revenue per case was significantly higher in the halo group than in the other cases (€ 63,615 ± 45,138 vs. € 16,836 ± 9356) (p = 0.003). The contribution margin for the period of the long-term surcharges varied between 11,394 and 9766 €. The high additional costs due to the necessary medical devices of halo traction were not sufficiently reflected in the reimbursement.

Paediatric spine surgery can be challenging in special cases. In particular, severe deformities of the spine may require additional procedures. The subgroup of patients requiring preoperative halo traction is not adequately compensated by the DRG system.