From the Journals

Lumbar Fusion: Two Decades of Change

Investigators find rising use of complex lumbar fusion procedures and increasing hospital costs in the US.

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Between 2002 and 2023, inflation-adjusted inpatient hospital costs for lumbar fusion in the U.S. surged from $3.86 billion to $14.1 billion, reflecting a rise in procedural complexity and frequency. An analysis of over 5 million admissions revealed that in 2023, 274,750 procedures were performed. The age-adjusted rate peaked in 2016 but decreased by 2023. Notably, multilevel and combined anterior-posterior fusion operations increased, while single-level fusions declined, prompting concerns over cost and the appropriateness of procedures, as highlighted by Dr. Brook I. Martin and colleagues.

Original Source(s)

Lumbar Fusion: Two Decades of Change

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • March 19, 2026

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