A study published in Spine Deformity: The Official Journal of the Scoliosis Research Society examines the factors influencing adult spinal deformity surgical decision making.
The study authors examined 28 international adult deformity surgeons who completed an online survey of 10 spinal deformity cases. The surgeons answered questions about whether surgical management would be beneficial for each case presented and grade factors influencing decision making.
The authors found highest recommendation among surgeons for cases with severe deformities and neurology. Balance was the most important decision making factor among severe deformity cases; in cases with neurologic manifestations, neurology was the most important factor, according to the study abstract.
"Agreement between surgeons about the factors influencing surgical decision was good, and about the need for surgery was poor," concluded the authors. "Yet, each surgeon seemed relatively consistent about the consideration given to factors leading to surgical decision for a given ASD patient."
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