{"id":"7fc2121f-656f-4a94-bf78-4f57c9ec21cb","slug":"evidence-of-overuse-of-medical-services-around-the-world-by-brownlee-et-al-lancet-2017-does-this-apply-to-transforaminal-lumbar-interbody-fusions-tlif","title":"“Evidence of Overuse of Medical Services Around the World” By Brownlee et al., Lancet, 2017: Does This Apply to Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions (TLIF)?","authors":["Nancy E. Epstein"],"abstract":"Background: In 2017, Brownlee et al. published a paper discussing the overdiagnosis and overuse of medical services, including unnecessary treatments and medical devices. This editorial reviews the implications of their findings in relation to transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for treating degenerative lumbar disc disease and stenosis. The authors highlight the definitions of overdiagnosis, overuse, and overmedicalization as they pertain to current surgical practices. Summary: The editorial draws parallels between the overuse of TLIF and the concerns raised by Brownlee et al. regarding unnecessary medical interventions. It presents evidence that laminectomy alone may yield better outcomes and lower complication rates compared to TLIF. The authors emphasize the need for spine surgeons to critically evaluate their practices to avoid overdiagnosis and overmedicalization of degenerative conditions. Conclusion: The current practice of spine surgery, particularly concerning TLIF, is influenced by overdiagnosis and overuse, leading to unnecessary operations. The authors advocate for a reassessment of surgical indications and a focus on evidence-based treatment options to improve patient outcomes. Keywords: TLIF, overdiagnosis, overuse, spine surgery, lumbar disc disease, medical devices, surgical interventions","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/spine.png","publishDate":"2019-08-02T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_386_2019","categories":["Spine","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"http://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/9553/SNI-10-154.pdf"}