Shunji Asamoto1. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Mita Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan. Electronic address: spine-asm@iuhw.ac.jp.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In Japan, neurosurgeons have traditionally mainly treated brain diseases, with most cases involving the spine and spinal diseases historically being treated by orthopedists. Nowadays, spinal surgery is 1 of the many subspecialties in the neurosurgical field in Japan. METHODS: Most patients with neurological deficits or suspected neurological diseases see board-certified neurosurgeons directly in Japan, not through referrals from family physicians or specialists in other fields. RESULTS: Problems originating in the spine and spinal cord have been overlooked or misdiagnosed in these situations. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgeons in Japan must rethink the educational program to include advanced trauma life support and spinal surgery.
BACKGROUND: In Japan, neurosurgeons have traditionally mainly treated brain diseases, with most cases involving the spine and spinal diseases historically being treated by orthopedists. Nowadays, spinal surgery is 1 of the many subspecialties in the neurosurgical field in Japan. METHODS: Most patients with neurological deficits or suspected neurological diseases see board-certified neurosurgeons directly in Japan, not through referrals from family physicians or specialists in other fields. RESULTS: Problems originating in the spine and spinal cord have been overlooked or misdiagnosed in these situations. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgeons in Japan must rethink the educational program to include advanced trauma life support and spinal surgery.