SF-36 PCS benefit-cost ratio of lumbar fusion comparison to other surgical interventions: a thought experiment.
METHODS
A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.


OBJECTIVE
To review systematically the SF-36 PCS outcomes of a large data set, including several randomized clinical trials for lumbar spine fusion at 1 and 2 years after surgery. We also present for comparison a review of typical changes in SF-36 PCS in other surgical interventions (total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and coronary artery bypass surgery) to define the average reimbursement costs per PCS improvement with each of these interventions.


BACKGROUND
Data from 11 prospective multicenter studies (9 Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption, Randomized Prospective Clinical Trials, class 1 data) accounted for the lumbar spine fusion group (n = 1826). Data for total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and coronary artery bypass surgery were obtained from a comprehensive review of the literature.


METHODS
Comparisons of SF-36 PCS improvements were made at defined postoperative time points and with published study findings of other medical conditions. Reimbursement estimates (not including estimated physician and rehabilitation fees) for each surgical intervention were based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Provider Analysis and Review and All Payer Data (2002). Cost estimates were calculated for a minimal clinical important improvement (reimbursement dollars/mean PCS change *5.42 point PCS improvement).


RESULTS
SF-36 PCS significantly improved at both 1 and 2 years following lumbar spine fusion surgery (P < 0.0001), and was comparable to the control surgical outcomes. With the use of data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Provider Analysis and Review and All Payer Data, hospital reimbursement averaged $15.2-18.2K for lumbar spine fusion, $9.8-11.3K for total knee replacement, $9.6-11.3K for total hip replacement, and $9.8-11.3K for coronary artery bypass surgery. Calculations of reimbursement dollars to elicit minimum clinically important change in PCS of 5.42 points following surgery ranged from $6.1 to $7.3K for lumbar spine fusion, $5.7 to $6.6K for total knee arthroplasty, $3.9 to $4.5K for total hip replacement, and $18.2 to $22.5K for coronary artery bypass surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
While the exact numbers may vary for each treatment based on the population studied and the cost estimates used, lumbar fusion cost per benefit achieved was very comparable to other well-accepted medical interventions (total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and coronary artery bypass surgery).
Polly
David W
DW
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. pollydw@umn.edu
Glassman
Steven D
SD
Schwender
James D
JD
Shaffrey
Christopher I
CI
Branch
Charles
C
Burkus
J Kenneth
JK
Gornet
Matthew F
MF
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000191:economics; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000191:economics; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic / Q000191:economics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000191:economics*