Li AY, et al. - Researchers planned this study to quantify the longitudinal economic influence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) complications in spinal fusion patients. VTEs were correlated with longer hospitalizations, a decreased likelihood of being discharged home, and overall increases in hospital resource utilization and cost in inpatient and outpatient settings. In the outpatient setting, VTE patients generated greater charges and were more likely to become readmitted at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery, showing a significant socioeconomic impact long after the occurrence.