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An economic analysis of using rhBMP-2 for lumbar fusion in Germany, France and UK from a societal perspective

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Abstract

Recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) can replace autogenous bone grafting in single-level lumbar interbody fusion. Its use is associated with a higher initial price for the intervention; 2,970€ in Germany, 2,950€ in France and 2,266€ (£1,790) in UK. The aim of this study was to calculate the financial impact of rhBMP-2 treatment in Germany, UK and France from a societal perspective with a two-year time horizon. Based on clinical findings of a previously published study with a pooled data analysis, a health economic model was developed to estimate potential cost savings derived from reduced surgery time and secondary treatment costs, and faster return-to-work time associated with rhBMP-2 use compared with autogenous bone grafting. Country-specific costs are reported in 2008 Euros. From a societal perspective, overall savings from the use of rhBMP-2 in ALIF surgery compared with autograft are 8,483€, 9,191€ and 8,783€ per case for Germany, France and UK, respectively. In all the three countries savings offset the upfront price for rhBMP-2. The savings are mainly achieved by reduced productivity loss due to faster return-to-work time for patients treated with rhBMP-2. Use of rhBMP-2 in anterior lumbar fusion is a net cost-saving treatment from a societal perspective for Germany, France and UK. Improved clinical outcome for the patient combined with better health-economic outcome for the society support rhBMP-2 as a valuable alternative compared with autograft.

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Conflict of interest statement

Volker Alt, Jörg Franke and Jean-Charles LeHuec are working as external independent consultant for Medtronic Sàrl, Tolochenaz, Switzerland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Giessen-Marburg GmbH, Site Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35385, Giessen, Germany

    Volker Alt & Reinhard Schnettler

  2. Medtronic International Trading Sàrl, Tolochenaz, Switzerland

    Amit Chhabra & Matthieu Cuche

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany

    Jörg Franke

  4. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France

    Jean-Charles Le Huec

Authors
  1. Volker Alt
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  2. Amit Chhabra
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  3. Jörg Franke
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  4. Matthieu Cuche
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  5. Reinhard Schnettler
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  6. Jean-Charles Le Huec
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Volker Alt.

Additional information

V. Alt and A. Chhabra contributed equally to this work.

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Alt, V., Chhabra, A., Franke, J. et al. An economic analysis of using rhBMP-2 for lumbar fusion in Germany, France and UK from a societal perspective. Eur Spine J 18, 800–806 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-0935-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-0935-7

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