{"id":"f7bce0cd-4b30-418e-b07a-51b9b1369843","slug":"covid-19-provides-an-opportunity-to-reassess-how-frequent-and-how-extensive-elective-spine-surgery-should-be","title":"COVID-19 Provides An Opportunity to Reassess How Frequent and How Extensive Elective Spine Surgery Should Be","authors":["Nancy E. Epstein"],"abstract":"Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in elective surgeries, including elective spine surgeries, prompting a reevaluation of their necessity. It is crucial to adhere to guidelines that prioritize urgent and emergent spine operations to prevent severe outcomes such as quadriplegia or paraplegia. This situation presents an opportunity to assess the frequency and extent of elective spine surgeries. Summary: Numerous studies indicate that unnecessary spine surgeries are prevalent, with varying reported frequencies. Patients often undergo surgeries that are either too extensive or insufficiently extensive, leading to increased perioperative risks. The pandemic highlights the need to critically evaluate the indications for elective spine surgery and consider less invasive alternatives when appropriate. Conclusion: As elective spinal surgeries are largely halted due to COVID-19, this period allows for a reassessment of the criteria for performing such surgeries in the future. The ongoing situation encourages a careful consideration of the necessity and extent of elective spine procedures to optimize patient outcomes. Keywords: COVID-19, elective surgery, spine surgery, minimally invasive, perioperative risks, patient outcomes, surgical necessity","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/spine.png","publishDate":"2020-03-28T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_124_2020","categories":["Spine","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/9925/SNI-11-58.pdf"}