Lumbar disc herniation: what has the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial taught us?

Introduction: Intervertebral disc herniation (IDH) can cause back pain and/or radiculopathy and accounts for a significant portion of patients having spinal surgery in the USA. One of the most impactful and well-executed randomized trials to study diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes in patients with three commonly treated spinal conditions was the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). This study and the subsequent data analyses have resulted in numerous publications related to IDH.

Current Evidence Regarding the Treatment of Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Report From the Scoliosis Research Society Evidence Based Medicine Committee.

Study Design: Structured literature review.

Objectives: The Scoliosis Research Society requested an assessment of the current state of peer-reviewed evidence regarding pediatric lumbar spondylolisthesis to identify what is known and what research remains essential to further understanding.

Summary Of Background Data: Pediatric lumbar spondylolisthesis is common, yet no formal synthesis of the published literature regarding treatment has been previously performed.

Cell Saver for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Reduces Cost.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objectives: To determine if the use of cell saver reduces overall blood costs in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Recent studies have questioned the clinical value of cell saver during spine procedures.

Impact of cost valuation on cost-effectiveness in adult spine deformity surgery.

Background Context: Over the past decade, the number of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgeries has more than doubled in the United States. The complex surgeries needed to manage ASD are associated with significant resource utilization and high cost, making them a primary target for increased scrutiny. Accordingly, it is important to not only demonstrate value in ASD surgery as clinical effectiveness but also to translate outcome assessment to cost-effectiveness.