Researchers report increase in spine fusions, structural allografts (OrthoSuperSite)
Between 1999 and 2008, orthopedic spine surgery rates increased, with more surgeons performing fusions and using structural allografts, interbody devices or anterior cervical plates, according to Boston researchers.
The researchers aimed to determine the change in rates and types of procedures performed for cervical spine surgery by geographic region. The study highlights the need for better scientific research into the best techniques for and the outcomes of cervical spine surgery, Kevin J. McGuire, MD, MS and his coauthors wrote in their report.
“[O]ne must question the increase in surgical rates among orthopedic candidates, and continued regional variations in the types of procedures,” the authors wrote
The researchers pulled records from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons part II examination from 1999 to 2008. They used Current Procedural Terminology and ICD-9 codes to pinpoint what procedures and types of plating orthopedists were using. They measured outcomes using physician workforce and rates and variations in the different procedure types, according to the study abs...
