Clinical Practice in Spine Surgery: An International Survey

Abstract

Background The availability of diverse and sophisticated surgical options to treat spine conditions is compounded by the scarcity of high-level evidence to guide decision-making. Although studies on discrete treatments are frequently published, little information is available regarding real-world surgical practice. We intended to survey spine surgeons to assess clinical management of common spine diagnosis in day-to-day settings. Methods An online survey was distributed among neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons worldwide. The obtained assessment of common surgical practice is contextualized in a review of the best available evidence. Results The survey was answered by more than 310 members of several European, Australasian, and South African professional societies. The submitted responses translate a surgical practice generally grounded on evidence, favoring well-tried techniques, providing comprehensive treatment for the most severe diagnoses. Such practice comes mostly from neurosurgeons focused on spine surgery, practicing in teaching hospitals. Conclusion We believe that the pragmatic, day-to-day approach to spine conditions captured in the present survey offers an informative insight to involved surgeons.