The federal government has launched an investigation into adult scoliosis treatment after reports were released suggesting that the U.S. spends about $860 billion on therapy, braces and pain injections when spine surgery may be the best option, according to an NBC news report.
The National Institute of Healthcare will be funding the research to determine the differences in outcomes and cost of surgical and non-surgical treatment for patients with scoliosis. The Hospital for Special Surgery reports that about 500,000 people in the U.S. have adult scoliosis. A recent study shows that operative patients saw a significant boost in function and quality of life after surgery for scoliosis, while the patients who were treated conservatively showed no improvement.
There are six facilities across the U.S. that are involved in the government's adult scoliosis study. Results are expected to be released 2015.
Read the NBC news report on the investigation into scoliosis surgery.
Read other coverage on scoliosis treatment:
- The Implication of SCOLISCORE on the Future of Scoliosis Treatment: Q&A With Dr. Kenneth Ward of Axial Biotech
- Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery for Adult Scoliosis: Q&A With Dr. Neel Anand of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles
The National Institute of Healthcare will be funding the research to determine the differences in outcomes and cost of surgical and non-surgical treatment for patients with scoliosis. The Hospital for Special Surgery reports that about 500,000 people in the U.S. have adult scoliosis. A recent study shows that operative patients saw a significant boost in function and quality of life after surgery for scoliosis, while the patients who were treated conservatively showed no improvement.
There are six facilities across the U.S. that are involved in the government's adult scoliosis study. Results are expected to be released 2015.
Read the NBC news report on the investigation into scoliosis surgery.
Read other coverage on scoliosis treatment:
- The Implication of SCOLISCORE on the Future of Scoliosis Treatment: Q&A With Dr. Kenneth Ward of Axial Biotech
- Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery for Adult Scoliosis: Q&A With Dr. Neel Anand of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles