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Abstract

1. 2024;8;265-271 Time to Treatment Versus Health Care Utilization in Compression Fractures Treated With Vertebral Augmentation: The Vertebral Augmentation Care Pathways Case Series
   Case Report
   Emanuel Narcis Husu, MD, Edward S. Yoon, MD, Neal H. Shonnard, MD, Justine Norwitz, MD, Nell Shonnard, BS, and Douglas P. Beall, MD.

BACKGROUND: There is little data on the economics of the timing of percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

CASE REPORT: The purpose of this case series is to compare health care utilization (HCU) costs vs the time to treatment (TTT) of the VCF. The BenchMarket Medical VCF Registry (now Talosix) was utilized. Patients receiving acute or intermediate treatment had the greatest pain and function improvement and the lowest HCU costs. Patients receiving delayed treatment had the least improvement and the highest (3-fold) HCU costs. Any TTT delay resulted in higher HCU costs and diminished benefits. The most beneficial PVA outcome and lowest HCU costs were recorded in patients whose PVA was expedited and performed within 3 months from injury.

CONCLUSIONS: This series suggests  the best pain and function improvement and lowest HCU costs result from efficient, timely PVA.

KEY WORDS: Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, health care economics, registry, osteoporotic fracture, health care overutilization, case series

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