The burden of spinal deformity includes healthcare costs, pain management, therapy, alternative care, and lost workdays due to pain. The total cost of spinal deformity is difficult to determine because hospital charges are the only expenditures available in the databases. In addition, not all persons suffering from spinal deformity seek medical care.

In 2013, charges for 357,000 hospital discharges for spinal deformity were $29.5 billion. Spinal deformity charges accounted for 2.1% of all hospital charges in 2013, but only 1% of hospital discharges. (Reference Table 2B.3.1 PDF CSV)

In addition to direct and indirect costs, persons afflicted with spinal deformity experience a reduced quality of life, which may include major constraints on mobility and activity for those with the most serious conditions.