Reducing the cost and frequency of explantations associated with single-level anterior diskectomy and fusion at a single institution through education.

Study Design: We prospectively evaluated the costs/frequency of explanted instrumentation (devices implanted but removed prior to closure) for all single-level anterior diskectomy (1-ADF) procedures performed in 2010 at a single institution before and after surgeon education.

Objective: To determine whether surgeon education would reduce the costs/frequency of explantation for 1-ADF.

Summary Of Background Data: In 2009, we reported that the cost of explanted devices was 9.

Costs and frequency of "off-label" use of INFUSE for spinal fusions at one institution in 2010.

Background: INFUSE, bone morphogenetic protein-2 combined with bovine Type I collagen in the lumbar tapered fusion device (LT Cage), is used to promote anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). In spinal surgery, INFUSE is only Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved for this "on-label" use. While the efficacy and possible complications due to INFUSE have been debated, we know less about the costs and frequency of "on-label" versus "off-label" use of INFUSE to perform spinal fusions.

The incidence and cost of devices explanted during single-level anterior diskectomy/fusions.

Background: Little is known about the costs of devices explanted during anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion surgery. This retrospective study analyzes the costs to a single hospital of plates, screws and spacers used in all single-level anterior diskectomy and fusion (single-ADF) operations performed during a 1-year period.

Materials And Methods: Our objective was to determine the costs of instrumentation explanted (i.