Cost-Effectiveness of Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Review article. OBJECTIVE: A review of the literature evaluating the cost-effectiveness of undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery and potential avenues for reducing costs. METHODS: A review of the current literature and synthesis of data to provide an update on the cost effectiveness of undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery. RESULTS: Compared with nonoperative management, operative management for adult spinal deformity is associated with improved patient-reported outcomes and quality of life; however, it is associated with significant financial and resource use. CONCLUSION: Operative management for adult spinal deformity has been shown to be effective but is associated with significant cost and resource utilization. The optimal operative treatment is highly dependent on the patients’ symptomatology and is surgeon dependent. Maximizing preoperative surgical health and minimizing postoperative complications are key measures in reducing the cost and resource utilization of adult spinal deformity surgery. Future studies are needed to evaluate how to optimize the cost-effectiveness.