Researchers recently examined factors associated with surgical decision-making for adult spinal deformity patients and published their findings in Spine Deformity: The Official Journal of the Scoliosis Research Society.
The researchers asked 28 international deformity surgeons to complete an online survey of 10 spinal deformity cases, discussing whether surgical management would be beneficial and grading the factors influencing their decision.
The highest recommendation for the benefits of surgical management for adult deformity was found for cases with severe deformities and cases with neurology. The four other most important factors they found include:
• Balance was the most important decision-making factor in severe deformity cases
• In cases with neurologic manifestations, neurology was the most important factor
• Balance and functional status remained important overall
• Inter- and intra-rater agreement were also important factors
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
Computer Modeling in Spine: Innovative Technology Development From The Ohio State University
5 Spine Surgeons, Centers Involved in Recent Charitable Activities
Compensation for Full-Time Neurosurgeons: 4 Statistics