Pain and therapy
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Co-morbid depression has been associated with poor outcomes following spine surgery and worsening of low back pain symptoms leading to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Given the increasing focus of healthcare utilization and value-based care, it is essential to understand the demographic and economic data surrounding co-morbid depression amongst patients with FBSS. ⋯ The occurrence of co-morbid depression in hospitalized patients with FBSS increased from 20% in 2011 to 23% in 2015. While direct hospital costs and length of stay remained relatively stable, the number of inpatient procedures performed trended upwards. The exact etiology for this increase in depression prevalence is unknown; additional studies are needed to shed further insight.