Either invasive or noninvasive methods of electrical bone growth stimulation may be considered medically necessary as an adjunct to lumbar spinal fusion surgery in patients at high risk for fusion failure, defined as any one of the following criteria:
one or more previous failed spinal fusion(s);
grade 3 or worse spondylolisthesis;
fusion to be performed at more than 1 level;
current tobacco use;
diabetes;
renal disease;
alcoholism; or
steroid use.
Noninvasive electrical bone growth stimulation may be considered medically necessary as a treatment for patients with failed lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Failed spinal fusion is defined as a spinal fusion that has not healed at a minimum of 6 months after the original surgery, as evidenced by serial radiographs over a course of 3 months.
Semi-invasive electrical bone growth stimulation is considered investigational as an adjunct to lumbar spinal fusion surgery and for failed lumbar fusion.
Invasive, semi-invasive, and noninvasive electrical bone growth stimulation are considered investigational as an adjunct to cervical fusion surgery and for failed cervical spine fusion
