Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Existing Pedicle Screws Reusing Technique in Extension Revision Operation for Adjacent Segmental Stenosis After Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion

Abstract

Study Design. Retrospective case-control study.

Objective. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by comparing patients who received extension revision operations for adjacent segment disease (ASD) reusing the pedicle screws extracted from fused segments with patients who received conventional surgery.

Summary of Background Data. ASD often required extension revision surgery, and during extension surgery, pedicle screws may be reused by extracting from the fused segments of primary surgery.

Methods. Study examined 37 patients who received extension revision surgery for ASD from January 2003 to December 2013. For the fixation of extended segments during revision operation, in 16 cases the pedicle screws extracted from fused segments were reused (group R), and in 21 cases new pedicle screws were used (group C) as a conventional method. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by means of visual analog scale scores for lumbago and leg pain, and the Korean Oswestry Disability Index. Radiologic outcomes were evaluated from the extent of bone union. The total operating costs in the two groups were compared.

Results. Visual analog scale scores for lumbago and leg pain, and the Korean Oswestry Disability Index measured at final follow-up averaged 3.6 and 3.8, and 19.9 in group R, and 3.8 and 3.1, and 21.1 in group C, respectively (P = 0.280, P = 0.387, P = 0.751). For radiologic outcomes, there was one case of nonunion in each group. The cost of surgery was 5332 US dollars in group R, and 6109 US dollars in group C, respectively (P = 0.036).

Conclusion. Reusing pedicle screws extracted from the fused segments during extension revision operation for ASD can reduce the cost of surgery, and achieves clinical and radiological results similar to those of the conventional operation.

Level of Evidence: 4.