Study confirms safety and savings for same-day 360° lumbar fusion

Editor's Note

New research led by an orthopedic spine surgeon shows that 360° spine fusions, which are the most complex spinal fusions representing significant cost in inpatient settings, can be performed safely and effectively in an outpatient setting when the center has the right infrastructure and team in place, according to a December 5 news release.

The retrospective analysis evaluated 203 consecutive outpatient 360° fusions performed between 2018 and 2024 at a single ambulatory surgery center in California. All 203 patients were discharged within 23 hours, meeting the definition of same-day surgery. Patients in the study demonstrated positive outcomes that did not require hospital transfers, blood transfusions, or readmissions in the immediate perioperative period.

A 360° fusion, which involves anterior-posterior lumbar interbody fusions, currently represents one of the most costly procedures in spine care. Per the news release, migration of even 50% of appropriate cases to the outpatient setting would generate approximately $800 million to $1.2 billion in annual savings for payers and health systems.

The surgeon leading this research noted that achieving cost savings and excellent patient outcomes for 360° lumbar fusion is only achievable in centers designed specifically to support complex, minimally invasive spine procedures.