The Costs of Spine Deformity Surgery in Children

INTRODUCTION: Surgery for spine deformity is less common than many other procedures done in children, and its financial importance is unknown.

METHODS: Using the 1999 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we determined the number of admissions, mean charges per admission, and the aggregate national charges associated with treatment of pediatric spinal deformity. We compared these findings with those for other pediatric conditions.

RESULTS: There were 7389 discharges in children age 1 – 17 for which the principal diagnosis was spinal deformity. Average charges were $46,344, and aggregate charges were $309,623,386. Findings were similar for the procedure codes associated with spinal fusion for deformity. Idiopathic scoliosis ranked seventh in aggregate charges among all diagnoses, and spinal fusion was eighth among procedures. Charges were greater than those for femur fractures.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for spinal deformity is a major source of pediatric inpatient hospital expenditures.