Spinal Fusion Volume

Why we measure it - Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes for treatments and procedures.

What this means - Techniques are continuing to change so it is anticipated these volumes will also change over time.

About the data - These data represent the number of spinal fusions performed from 2008-2011.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

• The VEPTR (Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib) is an important tool in treating young children with complex scoliosis. Infants born with Congenital Scoliosis may have ribs that are fused together or missing, which does not allow enough space for the lungs to develop. The VEPTR device straightens the child's spine and can address the rib problem to allow the lungs to develop properly. The device allows for expansion and therefore generally every 6 months the VEPTR device is lengthened to keep up with spinal and rib growth. The VEPTR also has been very helpful in improving the sitting capabilities of patients with severe Neuromuscular Scoliosis with collapsing spine deformities. 
• In infants, certain curves can be corrected or eliminated by the application of progressive casts in a specific pattern to Elongate-Derotate-Flex the spine (EDF CAST). Many forms of infantile scoliosis can be corrected completely, or brought to a more manageable state so that any type of surgical intervention will be at a much later date. It is important to correct the curves early, before significant deformity has occurred. In this way there is the potential to actually eliminate the scoliosis as the child becomes older. These curves which start at a very young age can become very severe and ultimately markedly restrict lung function.
• Our scoliosis clinic has a dedicated spine team that coordinate patient care between surgeons, anesthesiologists and allied health personnel that has resulted in better patient care with significant decrease in blood loss. 
• For our scoliosis patients, we have recently acquired the O-arm to ensure accurate placement of instrumentation in complex spinal deformity cases; this technology is available at only a few centers around the country.

Patients and families:

• Take a pre-operative tour, which will help prepare patients and families for the procedure and hospital stay.
• Follow all eating and drinking restrictions before surgery.
• Bring a list of the medications your child takes with you on the day of the surgery. Make sure to include the name of the medication, the dose or amount and how your child takes it (swallows a pill, drinks a liquid). This is important information to help us care for your child while he or she is in the hospital.
• Provide your referring doctor's name and address so we can send a detailed letter about the surgery that is performed.
• If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please call Central Scheduling, at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280 as soon as possible to reschedule so another child can be seen.

Referring physicians:

• Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
• Forward any needed patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty doctor's office prior to the patient's visit.
• Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
  e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
  e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
• Care guidelines for medical professionals
• Educational materials
  • Pediatric Rounds
  • Webcasts
• Pocket Directory

If you have questions about these data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.