Cost-effective spinal surgery: Reality or oxymoron?

Abstract

This chapter is an overview of cost-effectiveness research. A description of the process of cost-effectiveness analysis is presented along with several examples of these types of analyses that have been applied to different types of spinal surgery. The goal of this chapter is to provide a working knowledge of the elements of a cost-effectiveness analysis and to help you understand the benefits and pitfalls of this type of research. This should aid in determining the quality of cost-effectiveness studies.