Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica
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In this study the cost-benefit ratio of posterior fusion of the lumbosacral spine was assessed. The calculations were based on 118 operated patients, followed up for an average of 4.8 years. Costs were calculated using the average costs of treatment at central hospitals, visits to the outpatient department and travelling. ⋯ It is emphasized that cost-benefit analyses of surgical procedures are important from the standpoint of principles of treatment and priority of operations. This study deals with economic aspects only. The medical aspects of the present material have been presented in two previous papers.