Jason W Busse1, John J Riva2, Raja Rampersaud3, Michael J Goytan4, Thomas E Feasby5, Martin Reed6, John J You7. 1. The Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. 2. The Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. 3. The Divisions of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. 4. The Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man. 5. The Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. 6. The Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Man. 7. The Department of Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Routine imaging of patients with spine-related complaints referred for surgical assessment may represent an inefficient use of technological resources. Our objective was to explore Canadian spine surgeons' requirements with respect to imaging studies accompanying spine-related referrals. METHODS: We administered an 8-item survey to all 100 actively practising surgeon members of the Canadian Spine Society that inquired about demographic variables and imaging requirements for patients referred with spine-related complaints. RESULTS: Fifty-five spine surgeons completed our survey, for a response rate of 55%. Most respondents (43; 78%) required imaging studies to accompany all spine-related referrals. The type of imaging required was highly variable, with respondents endorsing 7 different combinations. Half (47%) required magnetic resonance imaging and 38% required plain radiographs either alone or in combination with other forms of imaging. Half of the respondents refused to see 20% or more of all patients referred for spine-related complaints. CONCLUSION: Most Canadian spine surgeons require imaging studies to accompany spine-related referrals; however, the type and combination of studies is highly variable, and many patients who are referred are never seen (for a consultation). Standardization and optimization of imaging practices for patients with spine-related complaints referred for surgical assessment may be an important area for cost savings.
BACKGROUND: Routine imaging of patients with spine-related complaints referred for surgical assessment may represent an inefficient use of technological resources. Our objective was to explore Canadian spine surgeons' requirements with respect to imaging studies accompanying spine-related referrals. METHODS: We administered an 8-item survey to all 100 actively practising surgeon members of the Canadian Spine Society that inquired about demographic variables and imaging requirements for patients referred with spine-related complaints. RESULTS: Fifty-five spine surgeons completed our survey, for a response rate of 55%. Most respondents (43; 78%) required imaging studies to accompany all spine-related referrals. The type of imaging required was highly variable, with respondents endorsing 7 different combinations. Half (47%) required magnetic resonance imaging and 38% required plain radiographs either alone or in combination with other forms of imaging. Half of the respondents refused to see 20% or more of all patients referred for spine-related complaints. CONCLUSION: Most Canadian spine surgeons require imaging studies to accompany spine-related referrals; however, the type and combination of studies is highly variable, and many patients who are referred are never seen (for a consultation). Standardization and optimization of imaging practices for patients with spine-related complaints referred for surgical assessment may be an important area for cost savings.
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