In another retrospective study (2004-2009), clinical outcomes and fusion rates were compared for 260 patients undergoing anterior cervical surgery with INFUSE versus 515 (control) anterior procedures performed without INFUSE. In the anterior cervical studies in which INFUSE was utilized as an “off-label” device, there was a 5.8% incidence of postoperative soft tissue swelling/dysphagia. One study systemically assessed 240 articles written between 19 on utilizing INFUSE for cervical, thoracic, and lumber surgery only 31 were adequate for inclusion. The increased risks associated with utilizing INFUSE for anterior cervical spine surgeries are well publicized. As Medicare and more insurance companies no longer reimburse or are considering cessation of reimbursement for INFUSE used in an “off-label” capacity (anywhere excluding ALIFs), surgeons may have to turn toward other supplements/alternatives to attain fusion.Ĭons for INFUSE in Cervical Spine Surgery: A Literature Review
Presently, INFUSE costs hospitals an average of $5000-6000 for a large package (actual cost without overhead to the hospital). Furthermore, several of the studies look at the major financial implications of utilizing INFUSE. Surgeons validate its use based upon the “standard of care.” In this review, we examine the cons of utilizing INFUSE, citing its common (e.g., anterior cervical complications) and not-so-commonly known complications, while also taking a cursory look at its pros. Despite its Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval solely for anterior lumbar interbody fusions (ALIFs) with a lumbar tapered fusion device (LT Cage Medtronic), it has been applied at the discretion of individual surgeons in an “off-label” capacity throughout the spine. The use of bone morphogenetic protein INFUSE (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 Medtronic, Memphis, TN, USA) in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine surgery remains controversial.
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