Cost-effectiveness of treatments for lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation is a prevalent condition in the general population that can cause disabling symptoms. The treatment of lumbar disc herniation, like many conditions of the spine, has come under increased scrutiny in this era of value-based health care delivery. In response, there has been an increase in cost-effectiveness research in this area. Studies have demonstrated that surgery is cost-effective for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation using a traditional open approach. Such research is limited for specific conservative treatment options as well as alternative surgical approaches to treating this condition, such as the minimally invasive approach.