Hinge Health Reduces Spinal Fusion Surgeries by 56%, New Study Shows

San Francisco - July 24, 2024 - Hinge Health today announced results from a new medical claims study showing a significant reduction in spinal fusion surgeries for people using Hinge Health. The study, published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, shows that of 6,848 participants with low back pain, those who used Hinge Health underwent 56% fewer spinal fusion surgeries than similar matched non-participants who used traditional care options. With this latest study, Hinge Health now has peer-reviewed studies in claims reductions in the three most costly MSK surgeries, which also include total knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery) and total hip arthroplasty (hip replacement surgery). 

According to the 2024 State of MSK report, 78% of survey respondents who experienced pain  indicated they had lower back pain in the past 12 months, making it the most prevalent type of pain. More than 400,000 lumbar spine fusion procedures are performed each year in the U.S. They are the most expensive MSK surgeries, costing between $80,000-$170,000 per surgery, adding up to a total yearly cost of between $32 and $68 billion dollars. As rates of spine surgery worldwide have trended upward, with the highest incidence in the U.S., potential overuse remains a concern. 

“Recovery from spinal fusion surgery can take months, with one study finding that 40% of patients still experience disability a year later,” said Dr. Jeff Krauss, Chief Medical Officer at Hinge Health. “People need better options. Our latest study demonstrates that forward-thinking organizations offering Hinge Health are improving employee well-being by avoiding surgeries. Digital care provides a better path forward, reducing the amount of time people spend away from work, their loved ones, and the activities they enjoy every day.”

The study is from a 24-month medical claims analysis (N=6,848), based on a claims dataset of over 100 million Americans.

To view all Hinge Health clinical studies, visit Physical Therapy Clinical Studies & Outcomes | Hinge Health.

About Hinge Health

Hinge Health is moving people beyond pain by transforming the way it is treated and prevented. We connect people, digitally and in-person, with expert clinical care. Using advanced technology and AI, a team of clinical experts guides people through personalized care directly from their phone. It is proven to reduce pain by 68%, prevent 42% of new opioid prescriptions, and avoid more than half of joint replacement surgeries. Available to 18M people, Hinge Health is trusted by leading health plans and employers, including Land O’Lakes, L.L. Bean, Salesforce, Self-Insured Schools of California, Southern Company, US Foods, and Verizon.

Learn more about how we are inspiring people to improve their health through the power of movement http://www.hingehealth.com.