Drs. Lorio and Tumialán are members of the ISASS Executive Board of Directors.
ISASS COMMUNICATION
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Aetna’s Policy Threatens Patient Choice and Clinical Excellence As an organization deeply committed to advancing spine surgery and advocating for the best interests of spine patients, we, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS), along with Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, feel compelled to address a pressing issue that has significant ramifications for both the medical community and the patients we serve. It is a matter of grave concern that Aetna, a prominent health insurance provider, has chosen to apply downward pressure on the standard of care for cervical arthrodesis—a decision that not only
isass.org
impacts spine surgeon choice but also undermines clinical best practices, disregards patient-consumer choice, and neglects the diversity of cultural preferences. The complex landscape of cervical ar t hrodesis, a surg ical procedure aimed at spinal f usion to address various cervical spine conditions, has been subject to ongoing debate and research. In the midst of this discussion, one critical choice remains: the selection of cage-spacers, specifically between allografts and synthetic cages. The spine literature is equally divided
Morgan P. Lorio, MD
Luis M. Tumialan, MD
Vertebral Columns
Winter 2024