Here are seven key stories on outpatient spine trends and news.
What to know about spine in ASCs
Spine surgery is often considered the most profitable and cost-effective ambulatory surgery center procedure, but it is far from being the most efficient. Spine procedures typically take longer and require much more preparation and organization than other operations offered in ASCs. Typical spine surgeries performed in ASCs include anterior cervical fusion; artificial cervical disc replacement; posterior cervical nerve root decompression; lumbar microdiscectomy; lumbar laminoforaminotomy; lumbar laminectomy; minimally invasive fusion and decompression; and lateral spinal fusion. CMS approved 10 new ASC spine codes in 2017. Read more about spine in ASCs here.
Inspired Spine's study on minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion favorable for outpatient setting
Minneapolis-based Inspired Spine published results from its study on minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion in Cureus. Patients experienced an average pain score of 9.3 on a 10-point sliding scale prior to surgery. During the first surgery follow up, patients noted an average pain score of 4.8. The study found an average surgery time of 44 minutes for one-segment procedures, and 85 minutes for two-segment procedures. Inspired Spine concludes this study supports MIS-DLIF as an outpatient procedure.
Dr. Solomon Kamson presents 5-year review of full-endoscopic assisted MIS lumbar decompression in outpatient setting
Solomon Kamson, MD, PhD, of Bothell, Wash.-based Spine Institute Northwest, presented findings from a five-year review of full-endoscopic assisted minimally invasive lumbar decompression in an outpatient setting. Full-endoscopic assisted lumbar discectomy studies reported a 16.6 percent overall complication rate. Study authors concluded MIS is a safe and viable alternative to open back surgery.
AxioMed president comments on outpatient cervical disc replacement study
Malden, Mass.-based AxioMed's President Jake Lubinski observed that cervical TDR is "becoming a standard outpatient procedure, and AxioMed is leading the way with the most advanced disc replacement on the market." He believes many surgeons will use the AxioMed viscoelastic disc, which is designed to restore natural disc alignment and motion, for outpatient surgeries, including multilevel surgeries.
SC health department denies Medical University of South Carolina's CON application for ASC
The South Carolina health department denied Charleston-based Medical University of South Carolina's certificate-of-need application to build a freestanding ambulatory surgery center. MUSC planned to open The Surgery Center at Mount Pleasant (S.C.) alongside East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant-based Southeastern Spine Institute Partner Steven Poletti, MD, spoke out in opposition of the center and sent a letter to the health department referring to MUSC's proposal as "premature" and "vague."
Medacta offers 4-step program for surgeons to successfully perform outpatient spine, hip & knee surgery
As outpatient orthopedic procedures continue to increase, San Diego-based Medacta has reengineered its spine surgery and joint platforms for outpatient and same-day surgery facilities. The company's same day surgery initiative pairs hip, knee and spine products with a suite of software programs aimed at ASCs.
MIS driving ambulatory surgery center market
Minimally invasive surgeries will spur growth of the ambulatory surgical centers market, according to a Market Reports World analysis. The increasing mergers and acquisitions activity surrounding small practices will also spur market growth. Unfavorable reimbursement will hinder market growth, however. Additionally, ASCs are in a competitive hospital landscape, making it difficult to maintain independence.