FORTY YEARS OF SURGERY FOR IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS: THE COST-BENEFIT RATIO

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Increased cost of care and limited resources have become important factors in patient treatment. We wanted to ascertain the cost of hospital care, the duration of the hospital stay, the number of rest days, and the degree of correction achieved in a group of patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated surgically over a period of 40 years using four different surgical techniques: Hibbs, Harrington, Harri-Luque, and a multiple hook system.

Material and methods: This retrospective analysis included 50 patients treated in the same center (Scoliosis Center of the Buenos Aires Italian Hospital. Duration of hospitalization before surgery, total duration of the hospital stay, duration of rest, degree of correction, updated hospital cost and updated expenditures for implants and physician fees were noted.