Researchers obtained and compared the hospital purchasing records from 45 academic medical centers on the unit costs and volume of spinal products in a study.

Among the results:
- PS had a mean cost of $878, with a range of $400 to $1,843 per patient;
- ACP had a mean cost of $1,068, with a range of $540 to $2,388; and,
- cages, $2,975, with a range of $938 to $7,200
A significant relationship exists between a lower unit cost of implants and the purchase of a larger number of components. The authors suggest that greater transparency, as well as a more coordinated implant selection and purchase process, that includes the surgeon, hospital and manufacturer, could reduce the wide variation in component cost, and contribute to overall lower health care expenditures.
Source-Eurekalert