Assessing the potential impact of total disc arthroplasty on surgeon practice patterns in North America.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Intervertebral disc replacement has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity largely because of its anticipated release into the North American market. These devices offer an alternative to the 450,000 lumbar and cervical fusion procedures performed by US spine surgeons each year. The unanswered question at the present time is the potential impact, technologically and economically, of cervical and lumbar disc arthroplasty on the practice patterns of North American spine surgeons.

PURPOSE: To assess the economic and societal impact of motion-sparing technology in the North American Market.

SETTING

A review of the literature and an economic market analysis of the impact of intervertebral disc replacements on surgeon practice in North America.

CONCLUSION

The potential economic effect of spine arthroplasty in the United States is staggering with conservative figures approximating $2.18 billion and 47.9% of the market share being captured by motion-sparing technology. Modeling spinal arthroplasty usage and influence after other spinal products, such as cylindrical cages and pedicle screws, may provide insight into the effects of motion-sparing technology. Regardless of the clinical outcome of disc arthroplasty, its potential economic impact will be significant.