Effect of a Digital Health Exercise Program on the Intention for Spinal Surgery in Adult Spinal Deformity:...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Digital Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Adult spinal deformity (ASD) affects 38% of adults and incurs significant healthcare costs.
• The efficacy of nonoperative interventions for ASD management is not well-established.
• The National Scoliosis Clinic's scoliosis realignment therapy (SRT) offers a personalized digital exercise program for nonoperative ASD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the SRT program on patients' intention to undergo spinal fusion surgery.
• To estimate potential annual cost savings for US payers by preventing spinal surgeries.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory study involving 62 participants who completed a pre- and post-intervention survey on surgery intent.
• Utilized a 4-point Likert scale to measure intent for spinal surgery.
• Calculated cost savings from averted spinal surgeries from commercial and Medicare payer perspectives.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in the mean intent for surgery score was observed after SRT use (1.29 to 1.14, P=.006).
• SRT demonstrated an 11% absolute risk reduction in surgery intent, with a number needed to treat of 9 to avert one spinal fusion.
• Estimated annual cost savings of $415,000 per 100,000 commercial beneficiaries and $617,000 per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries.

Conclusions:

• SRT is a promising digital health intervention for nonoperative ASD management.
• The program has the potential to avert spinal surgeries, leading to significant cost reductions for payers.
• SRT may improve the quality of care for individuals with ASD by offering a viable nonoperative alternative.