Disparities in Access to Deep Brain Stimulation and Responsive Neurostimulation Approaches to Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy affects 1% to 2% of the global population, and those who are resistant to medical treatment may be candidates for neuromodulation. In select populations, brain stimulation approaches including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) are used. Although studies have shown that patients from Black, Hispanic, lower income, and rural communities have less access to epilepsy care and have lower rates of epilepsy surgery, disparities in the use of brain stimulation for epilepsy treatment are currently not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the US National Inpatient Sample data base from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 for all patients discharged with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Ninth Revision or ICD Tenth Revision diagnosis of drug-resistant epilepsy. Among these patients discharged, the rates of brain stimulation treatment, including DBS and RNS, were reported in each subgroup of race, ethnicity, and insurance. To generate national estimates, all analyses were weighted. RESULTS: A total of 237,895 patients discharged with drug-resistant epilepsy were identified, of whom 4,925 (2.1%) received brain stimulation treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Black patients (n = 420, 0.9%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95% CI [0.40, 0.64]) were less likely to receive brain stimulation treatment than were White patients (n = 3300, 2.4%). There was no significant difference between Asian (n = 105, 2.3%, OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.53, 1.33]) and Hispanic (n = 655, 2.6%, OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.77, 1.17]) patients and White patients. No significant difference was observed between female (n = 2515, 2.1%, OR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.89, 1.17]) and male (n = 2410, 2.0%) patients either. Patients with Medicare (n = 1150, 1.2%, OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.57, 0.84]) or Medicaid (n = 1150, 1.8%, OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.44, 0.62]) were less likely to receive brain stimulation treatment than were those with private insurance as the primary payer (n = 2370, 3.9%). CONCLUSIONS: We discovered significant disparities in the use of brain stimulation treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy based on race and insurance status. More research will be required to determine the cause of these disparities.

Short-Term Health Care Costs of High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Postsurgical Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) is a treatment option for postsurgical persistent spinal pain syndrome (type 2 PSPS). We aimed to determine the health care costs associated with this therapy in a nationwide cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IBM Marketscan® Research Databases were used to identify patients who underwent HF-SCS implantation from 2016 to 2019. Inclusion criteria included prior spine surgery or diagnoses of PSPS or postlaminectomy pain syndrome any time within the two years before implantation. Inpatient and outpatient service costs, medication costs, and out-of-pocket costs were collected six months before implantation (baseline) and one, three, and six months after implantation. The six-month explant rate was calculated. Costs were compared between baseline and six months after implant via Wilcoxon sign rank test. RESULTS: In total, 332 patients were included. At baseline, patients incurred median total costs of $15,393 (Q1: $9,266, Q3: $26,216), whereas the postimplant median total costs excluding device acquisition were $727 (Q1: $309, Q3: $1,765) at one month, $2,840 (Q1: $1,170, Q3: $6,026) at three months, and $6,380 (Q1: $2,805, Q3: $12,637) at six months. The average total cost was reduced from $21,410 (SD $21,230) from baseline to $14,312 (SD $25,687) at six months after implant for an average reduction of $7,237 (95% CI = $3212-$10,777, p < 0.001). The median device acquisition costs were $42,937 (Q1: $30,102, Q3: $65,880). The explant rate within six months was 3.4% (8/234). CONCLUSIONS: HF-SCS for PSPS was associated with significant decreases in total health care costs and offsets acquisition costs within 2.4 years. With the rising incidence of PSPS, it will be critical to use clinically effective and cost-efficient therapies for treatment.

Health Care Resource Utilization of High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for Treatment of Chronic Refractory Low Back Pain.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic refractory low back pain (CRLBP) is a diagnosis characterized by chronic low back pain in patients who are poor candidates for surgery and fail conservative management. High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) is a new advance in neuromodulation that may be effective in treating these patients. However, the cost burden of this therapy is yet undetermined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IBM MarketScan® (IBM, Armonk, NY) data bases were used to retrospectively identify patients with HF-SCS implantation between 2016 and 2019 in the United States. Those with low back pain diagnosis without history of surgery were included in the cohort. Cost data, including inpatient and outpatient service, medication, and out-of-pocket costs, were collected at six months before HF-SCS implantation and one, three, and six months after implantation. The explant rate within six months was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most patients were female (73.1%) and owned commercial insurance (83.2%). Common comorbidities included inflammatory arthritis (22.7%), depression (26.1%), hypertension (44.5%), and obesity (26.1%). In the six months before HF-SCS implantation, patients incurred median total costs of $15,766 (first quartile [Q1]: $8,847; third quartile [Q3]: $24,947), whereas the postimplant median total cost excluding device acquisition was $398 (Q1: $145, Q3: $1,272) at one month, $2,569 (Q1: $823, Q3: $5,266) at three months, and $5,840 (Q1: $2,160; Q3: $14,607) at six months. The average reduction in total cost was $6,914 (95% CI: $588, $12,458, p < 0.001). The median total acquisition cost was $43,586 (Q1: $29,506, Q3: $69,426), with most coming from outpatient services. Of 88 patients with six-month continuous enrollment, two (2.3%) had device explant. CONCLUSIONS: We present an analysis using large claims data bases of the cost of HF-SCS for treating CRLBP and show that it may be associated with a significant decrease in total health care costs, offsetting device acquisition costs in 27 months. As advances in neuromodulation expand therapy options for patients, it will be important to understand their financial implications.

Assessment of Health Care Costs and Total Baclofen Use Associated With Targeted Drug Delivery for Spasticity.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spasticity causes significant impairment and financial burden. Oral baclofen, the first-line therapy, can have intolerable, dose-dependent side effects. Targeted drug delivery (TDD) through intrathecal baclofen delivers smaller amounts of baclofen into the thecal sac via an implanted infusion system. However, the health care resource utilization of patients with spasticity receiving TDD has not been studied extensively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who received TDD for spasticity between 2009 and 2017 were identified using the IBM MarketScan® data bases. Patients' use of oral baclofen and health care costs were examined at baseline (one year before implantation) and three years after implantation. A multivariable regression model using the generalized estimating equations method and a log link function was used to compare postimplantation costs with those at baseline. RESULTS: The study identified 771 patients with TDD for medication analysis and 576 for cost analysis. At baseline, the median costs were $39,326 (interquartile range [IQR]: $19,526-$80,679), which increased to $75,728 (IQR: $44,199-$122,676) in year 1, decreased to $27,160 (IQR: $11,896-$62,427) in year 2, and increased slightly to $28,008 (IQR: $11,771-$61,885) in year 3. In multivariable analysis, the cost was 47% higher than at baseline (cost ratio [CR] 1.47, 95% CI: 1.32-1.63) in year 1 but was 25% lower (CR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66-0.86) in year 2 and 32% lower (CR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.59-0.79) in year 3. Before implant, 58% of patients took oral baclofen, which decreased to 24% by year 3. The median daily baclofen dose decreased from 61.8 mg (IQR: 40-86.4) before TDD to 32.8 mg (IQR: 30-65.7) three years later. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that patients who undergo TDD use less oral baclofen, potentially reducing the risk of side effects. Although total health care costs increased immediately after TDD, most likely owing to device and implantation costs, they decreased below baseline after one year. The costs of TDD reach cost neutrality approximately three years after implant, indicating its potential for long-term cost savings.

Palliative Care Consultations in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Who Receives Palliative Care Consultations and What Does that Mean for Utilization?

BACKGROUND: Palliative care has the potential to improve goal-concordant care in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Our primary objective was to illuminate the demographic profiles of patients with sTBI who receive palliative care encounters (PCEs), with an emphasis on the role of race. Secondary objectives were to analyze PCE usage over time and compare health care resource utilization between patients with or without PCEs. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database was queried for patients age ≥ 18 who had a diagnosis of sTBI, defined by using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes. PCEs were defined by using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision code V66.7 and trended from 2001 to 2015. To assess factors associated with PCE in patients with sTBI, we performed unweighted generalized estimating equations regression. PCE association with decision making was modeled via its effect on rate of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. To quantify differences in PCE-related decisions by race, race was modeled as an effect modifier. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2015, the proportion of palliative care usage in patients with sTBI increased from 1.5 to 36.3%, with 41.6% White, 22.3% Black, and 25% Hispanic patients with sTBI having a palliative care consultation in 2015, respectively. From 2008 to 2015, we identified 17,673 sTBI admissions. White and affluent patients were more likely to have a PCE than Black, Hispanic, and low socioeconomic status patients. Across all races, patients receiving a PCE resulted in a lower rate of PEG tube placement; however, White patients exhibited a larger reduction of PEG tube placement than Black patients. Patients using palliative care had lower total hospital costs (median $16,368 vs. $26,442, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care usage for sTBI has increased dramatically this century and it reduces resource utilization. This is true across races, however, its usage rate and associated effect on decision making are race-dependent, with White patients receiving more PCE and being more likely to decline the use of a PEG tube if they have had a PCE.

A high-resolution interactive atlas of the human brainstem using magnetic resonance imaging.

Conventional atlases of the human brainstem are limited by the inflexible, sparsely-sampled, two-dimensional nature of histology, or the low spatial resolution of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Postmortem high-resolution MRI circumvents the challenges associated with both modalities. A single human brainstem specimen extending from the rostral diencephalon through the caudal medulla was prepared for imaging after the brain was removed from a 65-year-old male within 24 h of death. The specimen was formalin-fixed for two weeks, then rehydrated and placed in a custom-made MRI compatible tube and immersed in liquid fluorocarbon. MRI was performed in a 7-Tesla scanner with 120 unique diffusion directions. Acquisition time for anatomic and diffusion images were 14 h and 208 h, respectively. Segmentation was performed manually. Deterministic fiber tractography was done using strategically chosen regions of interest and avoidance, with manual editing using expert knowledge of human neuroanatomy. Anatomic and diffusion images were rendered with isotropic resolutions of 50 µm and 200 µm, respectively. Ninety different structures were segmented and labeled, and 11 different fiber bundles were rendered with tractography. The complete atlas is available online for interactive use at https://www.civmvoxport.vm.duke.edu/voxbase/login.php?return_url=%2Fvoxbase%2F. This atlas presents multiple contrasting datasets and selected tract reconstruction with unprecedented resolution for MR imaging of the human brainstem. There are immediate applications in neuroanatomical education, with the potential to serve future applications for neuroanatomical research and enhanced neurosurgical planning through "safe" zones of entry into the human brainstem.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Restless Legs Syndrome: Case Series and Mechanistic Hypothesis.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established therapy for chronic pain syndromes, with growing applicability to other conditions. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a widespread, chronic movement disorder managed primarily and incompletely by medication, and its etiology can be classified as idiopathic or secondary. METHODS: Three patients underwent SCS implantation for chronic back and/or leg pain with concomitant targeting of RLS: (1) a 34-year-old man with sporadic RLS symptoms that strongly intensified after military-related spinal fractures, (2) a 54-year-old man with RLS likely secondary to meralgia paresthetica, and (3) a 42-year-old man with low back and right lower extremity pain after a military motor vehicle accident. RESULTS: Continuing through 40-month, 2-month, and 28-month follow-ups, respectively, the patients experienced exemplary relief of their RLS symptoms. Notably in the case of patient 1, this benefit appears separate from his pain relief, as during the 5-month period directly after surgery but before adjusted targeting, he only experienced pain alleviation. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of using SCS as a potentially long-lasting, safe, and highly effective therapy for RLS of mixed etiology. Additionally, 2 patients with RLS possibly secondary to chronic pain also benefited from the therapy. This success may be due to increased inhibition from hypothalamic cells controlling dopaminergic input to the spine.

Prevalence and Cost Analysis of Chronic Pain After Hernia Repair: A Potential Alternative Approach With Neurostimulation.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain (CP) affects a significant number of patients following hernia repair, ranging from 11 to 54% in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, overall costs, and health care utilization associated with CP after hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study was performed using the Truven MarketScan® data base to identify patients who develop chronic neuropathic posthernia repair pain from 2001 to 2012. Patients were grouped into CP and No Chronic Pain (No CP) cohorts. Patients were excluded if they 1) were under 18 years of age; 2) had a previous pain diagnosis; 3) had CP diagnosed <90 days after the index hernia repair; 4) had less than one year of follow-up; or 5) had less than one-year baseline record before hernia repair. Patients were grouped into the CP cohort if their CP diagnosis was made within the two years following index hernia repair. Total, outpatient, and pain prescription costs were collected in the period of five years prehernia to nine years posthernia repair. A longitudinal multivariate analysis was used to model the effects of chronic neuropathic posthernia repair pain on total inpatient/outpatient and pain prescription costs. RESULTS: We identified 76,173 patients who underwent hernia repair and met inclusion criteria (CP: n = 14,919, No CP: n = 61,254). There was a trend for increased total inpatient/outpatient and pain prescription costs one-year posthernia repair, when compared to baseline costs for both cohorts. In both cohorts, total inpatient/outpatient costs remained elevated from baseline through nine years posthernia repair, with the CP cohort experiencing significantly higher cumulative median costs (CP: $51,334, No CP: $37,388). The CP diagnosis year was associated with a 1.75-fold increase (p < 0.001) in total inpatient/outpatient costs and a 2.26-fold increase (p < 0.001) in pain prescription costs versus all other years. In the longitudinal analysis, the CP cohort had a 1.14-fold increase (p < 0.001) in total inpatient/outpatient costs and 2.00-fold increase (p < 0.001) in pain prescription costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the prevalence of CP after hernia surgery to be nearly 20%, with significantly increased costs and healthcare resource utilization. While current treatment paradigms are effective for many, there remains a large number of patients that could benefit from an overall approach that includes nonopioid treatments, such as potentially incorporating neurostimulation, for CP that presents posthernia repair.

Prevalence and Cost Analysis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A Role for Neuromodulation.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis and treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is challenging and there is a paucity of data describing its overall cost burden and quantifying its impact on the US healthcare system. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and healthcare utilization costs associated with CRPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study was performed using the Truven MarketScan® database to identify patients with a new indexed diagnosis of CRPS (Type I, II, or both) from 2001 to 2012. We collected total, outpatient, and pain prescription costs three years prior to CRPS diagnosis (baseline), at year of CRPS diagnosis, and eight-year post-CRPS diagnosis. A longitudinal multivariate analysis was used to model the estimated total and pain prescription cost ratios comparing patients diagnosed before and after CRPS. RESULTS: We included 35,316 patients with a newly indexed diagnosis of CRPS (Type I: n = 18,703, Type II: n = 14,599, Unspecified: n = 2014). Baseline characteristics were similar between the CRPS cohorts. Compared to two- and three-year baseline costs, one-year prior to diagnosis for all CRPS patients yielded the highest interquartile median [IQR] costs: total costs $7904[$3469, $16,084]; outpatient costs $6706[$3119, $12,715]; and pain prescription costs $1862[$147, $7649]. At the year of CRPS diagnosis, the median [IQR] costs were significantly higher than baseline costs: total costs $8508[$3943, $16,666]; outpatient costs $7251[$3527, $13,568]; and pain prescription costs $2077[$140, $8856]. Over the eight-year period after CRPS diagnosis, costs between all the years were similar, ranging from the highest (one-year) to lowest (seven-years), $4845 to $3888. The median total cumulative cost 8-years after CRPS diagnosis was $43,026 and $12,037 for pain prescription costs. [Correction added on 06 November 2017 after first online publication: the preceding sentence has been updated to demonstrate the median cumulative cost in replacement of the additive cumulative mean costs.]. During the CRPS diagnosis period, patients are expected to have a total cost 2.17-fold and prescription cost 2.56-fold of their baseline cost annually. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that there is a significant increase in cost and healthcare resource utilization one-year prior to and around the time of CRPS diagnosis. Furthermore, there is an increased annual cost post-diagnosis compared to baseline costs prior to CRPS diagnosis.

Drivers and Risk Factors of Unplanned 30-Day Readmission Following Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned 30-day readmission rates contribute significantly to growing national healthcare expenditures. Drivers of unplanned 30-day readmission after spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation are relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to determine drivers of 30-day unplanned readmission following SCS implantation. METHODS: The National Readmission Database was queried to identify all patients who underwent SCS implantation for the 2013 calendar year. Patients were grouped by readmission status, "No Readmission" and "Unplanned 30-day Readmission." Patient demographics and comorbidities were collected for each patient. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of unplanned 30-day readmissions and associated driving factors. A multivariate analysis was used to determine independent predictors of unplanned 30-day readmission after SCS implantation. RESULTS: We identified 1521 patients who underwent SCS implantation, with 113 (7.4%) experiencing an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics were similar between both cohorts. The three main drivers for 30-day readmission after SCS implantation include: 1) infection (not related to SCS device), 2) infection due to device (limited to only hardware infection), and 3) mechanical complication of SCS device. Furthermore, obesity was found to be an independent predictor of 30-day readmission (OR: 1.86, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that infectious and mechanical complications are the primary drivers of unplanned 30-day readmission after SCS implantation, with obesity as an independent predictor of unplanned readmission. Given the technological advancements in SCS, repeated studies are necessary to identify factors associated with unplanned 30-day readmission rates after SCS implantation to improve patient outcomes and reduce associated costs.

The Volume-Outcome Effect: Impact on Trial-to-Permanent Conversion Rates in Spinal Cord Stimulation.

OBJECTIVES: Conversion rates from trial leads to permanent spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems have important implications for healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and pain management. We hypothesized that there is a volume-outcome effect, with chronic pain patients who visit high volume SCS implanters will have higher trial-to-permanent conversion rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a large, retrospective analysis using the Truven MarketScan database analyzing adult SCS patients with provider information available, with or without IPG implantation from the years 2007 to 2012 was designed. Patients were divided into three provider-based groups: high (>25), medium (9-24), and low (3-8) volume providers. Univariate and multivariate models identified factors associated with successful conversion. RESULTS: A total of 17,850 unique trial implants were performed by 3028 providers. Of 13,879 patients with baseline data available, 8981 (64.7%) progressed to permanent SCS. Higher volume providers were associated with slightly higher conversion rates (65.9% vs. 63.3% low volume, p = 0.029), explant rates (9.2% vs. 7.7% medium volume, p = 0.026), younger age (52.0 ± 13.4 years vs. 53.0 ± 13.4 years, p = 0.0026), Medicare/Medicaid (47.8% vs. 35.0% low volume, p < 0.0001), Southern region (53.5% vs. 38.9% low volume, p < 0.0001), and higher Charlson comorbidity scores (1.0 [SD = 1.4], p = 0.0002). Multivariate regression results showed female gender (1.13 [95% CI: 1.05-1.22], p < 0.001) and high volume providers associated with higher odds of successful trial conversion (1.12 [95% CI: 1.02-1.22], p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide analysis, high volume providers achieved higher trial-to-permanent SCS conversion rates than lower volume providers. The study has implications for both training requirements and referral patterns to delineate minimum implant experience necessary for provider proficiency. Future studies may be useful to understand HCRU differences.

Explantation Rates and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Spinal Cord Stimulation.

OBJECTIVES: Certain patients ultimately undergo explantation of their spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices. Understanding the predictors and rates of SCS explantation has important implications for healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and pain management. The present study identifies explant predictors and discerns differences in HCRU for at-risk populations. METHODS: We designed a large, retrospective analysis using the Truven MarketScan Database. We included all adult patients who underwent a SCS trial from 2007 to 2012. Patients were grouped into cohorts that remained explant-free or underwent explantation over a three-year period, and multivariate models evaluated differences in healthcare resource utilization. RESULTS: A total of 8727 unique instances of trial implants between 2007 and 2012 were identified. Overall, 805 (9.2%) patients underwent device explantation. One year prior to SCS implantation, the explant cohort had significantly higher median baseline costs ($42,140.3 explant vs. $27,821.7 in non-explant groups; p < 0.0001), total number of pain encounters (180 vs. 103 p < 0.0001), and associated costs ($15,446.9 vs. $9,227.9; p < 0.0001). The explant cohort demonstrated increased use of procedures (19.0 vs. 9.0; p < 0.0001) compared to non-explanted patients. For each month after initial SCS implantation, explanted patients had a slower decrease in total costs (4% vs. 6% in non-explant; p < 0.01). At the month of explant, explant patients were expected to have incurred 2.65 times the total cost compared to the non-explant cohort (CR 2.65, 95% CI [1.83, 3.84]; p < 0.001). Medium volume providers had lower rates of explantation at one-year and three-years compared to low volume providers (p = 0.042). Increased age and Charlson index were independent predictors of explantation during the same periods. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide analysis, we identified that SCS device explantation is correlated with patients who have higher baseline costs, higher total cost post-SCS implantation, and increased use of procedures to control pain. The higher rates of explantation at three-years postimplant among low volume providers suggest that variations in provider experience and approach also contributes to differences in explantation rates.

Specialty-Based Variations in Spinal Cord Stimulation Success Rates for Treatment of Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as an appropriate modality of treatment for intractable chronic pain. The present study examines variations in SCS trial-to-permanent conversion rates based on provider types performing the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a large, retrospective analysis using the Truven MarketScan data base analyzing adult SCS patients with provider information available, with or without IPG implantation from the years 2007-2012. Patients were categorized based on provider type performing the implantation including anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Univariate and multivariate models identified factors associated with successful conversion. RESULTS: A total of 7667 unique instances of SCS implants were identified across five providers. Overall, 4842 (63.2%) of those receiving trials underwent permanent SCS system implantation. Anesthesiology performed the majority of implants (62.8%), followed by neurosurgery (22.0%), orthopedic surgery (10.2%), and PM&R (5.3%). Compared to anesthesiologists, both neurosurgeons (OR 10.99, 95% CI [9.11, 13.25]; p < 0.001) and orthopedic surgeons (OR 4.64, 95% CI [3.81, 5.65]; p < 0.001) had significantly higher conversion rates, while PM&R (OR 0.71, 95% CI [0.58, 0.87]; p = 0.001) had significantly lower. Percutaneous implants comprised 5473 (71.4%) of all implants. Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons performed a significantly greater number of paddle implants among the different providers (p < 0.0001). Explant rates were similar across all cohorts analyzed (average 11.6%; p = 0.546). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide analysis, our results suggest that over a recent five-year period, conversion rates are highest when SCS trials are performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. The study has important implications for establishing uniform guidelines for training, patient selection, and education of physicians across multiple disciplines.

Impact of Insurance Provider on Overall Costs in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Cost Study of 122,827 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) affects 40% of patients following spine surgery with estimated costs of $20 billion to the US health care system. The aim of this study was to assess the cost differences across the different insurance providers for FBSS patients. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study was performed using the Truven MarketScan® database to identify FBSS patients from 2001 to 2012. Patients were grouped into Commercial, Medicaid, or Medicare cohorts. We collected one-year prior to FBSS diagnosis (baseline), then at year of spinal cord stimulation (SCS)-implantation and nine-year post-SCS implantation cost outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 122,827 FBSS patients, with 117,499 patients who did not undergo an SCS-implantation (Commercial: n = 49,075, Medicaid: n = 23,180, Medicare: n = 45,244) and 5328 who did undergo an SCS implantation (Commercial: n = 2279, Medicaid: n = 1003, Medicare: n = 2046). Baseline characteristics were similar between the cohorts, with the Medicare-cohort being significantly older. Over the study period, there were significant differences in overall cost metrics between the cohorts who did not undergo SCS implantation with the Medicaid-cohort had the lowest annual median (interquartile range) total cost (Medicaid: $4530.4 [$1440.6, $11,973.5], Medicare: $7292.0 [$3371.4, $13,989.4], Commercial: $4944.3 [$363.8, $13,294.0], p < 0.0001). However, when comparing the patients who underwent SCS implantation, the commercial-cohort had the lowest annual median (interquartile range) total costs (Medicaid: $4045.6 [$1146.9, $11,533.9], Medicare: $7158.1 [$3160.4, $13,916.6], Commercial: $2098.1 [$0.0, $8919.6], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a significant difference in overall costs between various insurance providers in the management of FBSS, with Medicaid-insured patients having lower overall costs compared to Commercial- and Medicare-patients. SCS is cost-effective across all insurance groups (Commercial > Medicaid > Medicare) beginning at two years and continuing through nine-year follow-up. Further studies are necessary to understand the cost differences between these insurance providers, in hopes of reducing unnecessary health care expenditures for patients with FBSS.

Comparison of Bilateral vs. Staged Unilateral Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's Disease in Patients Under 70 Years of Age.

OBJECTIVE: The most popular surgical method for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is simultaneous bilateral DBS. However, some centers conduct a staged unilateral approach advocating that reduced continuous intraoperative time reduces postoperative complications, thus justifying the cost of a second operative session. To test these assumptions, we performed a retrospective analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan® Database. METHODS: Using the MarketScan Database, we retrospectively analyzed patients that underwent simultaneous bilateral or staged unilateral DBS between 2000 and 2009. The main outcome measures were 90-day postoperative complication rates, number of reprogramming hours one year following procedure, and annualized healthcare cost. The outcome measures were compared between cohorts using multivariate regressions controlling for appropriate covariates. RESULTS: A total of 713 patients that underwent DBS between 2000 and 2009 met inclusion criteria for the study. Of these patients, 556 underwent simultaneous bilateral DBS and 157 received staged unilateral DBS. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the rate of infection (simultaneous: 4.3% vs. staged: 7.0%; p = 0.178), pneumonia (3.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.283), hemorrhage (2.9% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.844), pulmonary embolism (0.5% vs. 1.3%), and device-related complications (0.5% vs. 0.0%). Patients in the staged cohort had a higher rate of lead revision in 90 days (3.2% vs. 12.7%; RR = 3.07; p < 0.001). The staged cohort had a higher mean (SD) number of reprogramming hours within one year of procedure (6.0 ± 5.7 vs. 7.8 ± 8.1; RR = 1.17; p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the mean (SD) annualized payments between the cohorts ($86,100 ± $94,700 vs. $102,100 ± $121,500; p = 0.148). CONCLUSION: Our study did not find a significant difference between 90-day postoperative complication rates or annualized cost between the staged and simultaneous cohorts. Thus, we believe that it is important to consider other factors when deciding between the staged and simultaneous DBS. Such factors include patient convenience and the laterality of symptoms.

The Incidence of Spinal Cord Injury in Implantation of Percutaneous and Paddle Electrodes for Spinal Cord Stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been proven effective for multiple chronic pain syndromes. Over the past 40 years of use, the complication rates of SCS have been well defined in the literature; however, the incidence of one of the most devastating complications, spinal cord injury (SCI), remains largely unknown. The goal of the study was to quantify the incidence of SCI in both percutaneous and paddle electrode implantation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the Thomson Reuter's MarketScan database of all patients that underwent percutaneous or paddle SCS implantation from 2000 to 2009. The main outcome measures of the study were the incidence of SCI and spinal hematoma within 30 days following operation. RESULTS: Overall 8326 patients met inclusion criteria for the study (percutaneous: 5458 vs. paddle: 2868). The overall incidence of SCI was 177 (2.13%) (percutaneous: 128 (2.35%) vs. paddle: 49 (1.71%), p = 0.0556). The overall incidence of spinal hematoma was 59 (0.71%) (percutaneous: 41 (0.75%) vs. paddle: 18 (0.63%), p = 0.5230). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the overall incidence of SCI in SCS is low (2.13%), supporting that SCS is a safe procedure. No significant difference was found in the rates of SCI or spinal hematoma between the percutaneous and paddle groups. Further studies are needed to characterize the mechanisms of SCI in SCS and long-term outcomes in these patients.

Postmortem diffusion MRI of the human brainstem and thalamus for deep brain stimulator electrode localization.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established surgical therapy for medically refractory tremor disorders including essential tremor (ET) and is currently under investigation for use in a variety of other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. There is growing evidence that the anti-tremor effects of DBS for ET are directly related to modulation of the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRT), a white matter pathway that connects the cerebellum, red nucleus, and ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus. Emerging white matter targets for DBS, like the DRT, will require improved three-dimensional (3D) reference maps of deep brain anatomy and structural connectivity for accurate electrode targeting. High-resolution diffusion MRI of postmortem brain specimens can provide detailed volumetric images of important deep brain nuclei and 3D reconstructions of white matter pathways with probabilistic tractography techniques. We present a high spatial and angular resolution diffusion MRI template of the postmortem human brainstem and thalamus with 3D reconstructions of the nuclei and white matter tracts involved in ET circuitry. We demonstrate registration of these data to in vivo, clinical images from patients receiving DBS therapy, and correlate electrode proximity to tractography of the DRT with improvement of ET symptoms.

Digital Health for Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Digital health tools, including smartphone applications (apps), websites, and online search engines, are increasingly being utilized for health data collection and patient education. Studies have shown that these tools can help disseminate information widely and even help guide patients through acute surgical episodes. We aimed to search the literature to summarize available studies on using digital health tools for patients undergoing spine surgery. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of PubMed MEDLINE, Elsevier EMBASE, and Elsevier Scopus databases, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov up to March 11, 2022. RESULTS: Forty-four full-text articles were included and qualitatively analyzed. Studies were broadly grouped into those that analyzed the quality of web-based materials for patients, the quality of YouTube videos for spine surgery, the development, feasibility, and implementation of mobile apps for patients, and randomized controlled trials for integrating mobile apps into perioperative care. CONCLUSIONS: We presented a systematic review analyzing the current landscape of digital health for patients undergoing spine surgery. Internet patient education materials in searchable websites and YouTube videos are of poor quality, lacking in readability to the average patient and robustness of information needed for patients to make informed decisions about pursuing spine surgery. However, there lies promise in digital apps developed to guide patients through surgery and collect postoperative outcomes.

Healthcare resource utilization for chronic low back pain among high-utilizers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of morbidity and is among the largest cost drivers for the healthcare system. Research on healthcare resource utilization of patients with low back pain who are not surgical candidates is limited, and few studies follow individuals who generate high healthcare costs over time. PURPOSE: This claims study aimed to identify patients with high-impact mechanical, chronic low back pain (CLBP), quantify their low back pain-related health resource utilization, and explore associated patient characteristics. We hypothesize that patients in the top quartile of healthcare resource utilization in the second year after initial diagnosis will continue to generate considerable back pain-related costs in subsequent years. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: IBM MarketScan Research Databases from 2009-2019 were retrospectively analyzed. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adults in the United States with an initial diagnosis of low back pain between 2010 and 2014 who did not have cancer, spine surgery, recent pregnancy, or inflammatory spine conditions, were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. To ensure patients had chronic low back pain, it was required that individuals had additional claims with a low back pain diagnosis 6 to 12 and 12 to 24 months after initial diagnosis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost and utilization of inpatient visits, outpatient visits, emergency room visits, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options and imaging for chronic low back pain. METHODS: Annual back pain-related costs and the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for 5 years were analyzed. Logistic regression was utilized to identify factors associated with persistent high spending. RESULTS: Of 16,917 individuals who met the criteria for chronic low back pain, 4,229 met the criteria for having high healthcare utilization, defined as being in the top quartile of back pain-related costs in the 12 to 24 months after their initial diagnosis. The mean and median back pain-related cost in the first year after an initial diagnosis was $7,112 (SD $9,670) and $4,405 (Q1 $2,147, Q3 $8,461). Mean and median back pain related costs in the second year were $11,989 (SD $20,316) and $5,935 (Q1 $3,892, Q3 $10,678). Costs continued to be incurred in years 3 to 5 at a reduced rate. The cumulative mean cost for back pain over the 5 years following the initial diagnosis was $31,459 (SD $39,545). The majority of costs were from outpatient services. Almost a quarter of the high utilizers remained in the top quartile of back pain-related costs during years 3 to 5 after the initial diagnosis, and another 19% remained in the top quartile for 2 of the 3 subsequent years. For these two groups combined (42%), the 5-year cumulative mean cost for back pain was $43,818 (SD $48,270). Patient characteristics associated with a higher likelihood of remaining as high utilizers were diabetes, having a greater number of outpatient visits and pharmacologic prescriptions, and lower utilization of imaging services. CONCLUSION: This is one of the first studies to use an administrative claims database to identify high healthcare resource utilizers among a population of United States individuals with nonsurgical, chronic low back pain and follow their utilization over time. There was a population of individuals who continued to experience high costs 5 years beyond their initial diagnosis, and the majority of individuals continued to seek outpatient services. Further longitudinal claims research that incorporates symptom severity is needed to understand the economic implications of this condition.

Nationwide Analysis of Risk Factors Related to Opioid Weaning Following Lumbar Decompression Surgery - A Retrospective Database Study.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are often prescribed for patients who eventually undergo lumbar decompression. Given the potential for opioid-related morbidity and mortality, postoperative weaning is often a goal of surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between preoperative opioid use and postoperative complete opioid weaning among lumbar decompression patients. METHODS: We surveyed the IBM Marketscan Databases for patients who underwent lumbar decompression during 2008-2017, had >30 days of opioid use in the year preceding surgery, and consumed a daily average of >0 morphine milligram equivalents in the 3 months preceding surgery. We used multivariable logistic regression and marginal standardization to examine the association between preoperative opioid use duration, average daily dose, and their interactions with complete opioid weaning in the 10-12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 11,114 patients who met inclusion criteria, most (54.7%, n = 6083) had a preoperative average daily dose of 1-20 morphine milligram equivalents. Postoperatively, 6144 patients (55.3%) remained on opioids. For patients with >180 days of preoperative use, the adjusted probability of weaning increased as the preoperative dose decreased. Obesity increased the likelihood of weaning, whereas older age, several comorbidities, female sex, and Medicaid decreased the odds of weaning. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who used opioids for longer preoperatively were less likely to completely wean following surgery. Among patients with >180 days of preoperative use, those with lower preoperative doses were more likely to wean. Weaning was also associated with several clinical and demographic factors. These findings may help shape expectations regarding opioid use following lumbar decompression.