{"id":"e31bd0dd-64b8-4948-998b-2c4afc52dd6c","slug":"unnecessary-spinal-surgery-a-prospective-1-year-study-of-one-surgeons-experience","title":"“Unnecessary” spinal surgery: A prospective 1-year study of one surgeon’s experience","authors":["Nancy E. Epstein","Donald C. Hood"],"abstract":"Background: The definition of 'unnecessary surgery' in this study refers to spinal surgery based solely on pain, without neurological deficits or significant abnormal radiographic findings. This study aims to quantify the number of patients recommended for such surgeries and the types of procedures involved. Methods: A single neurosurgeon conducted a prospective evaluation of all office-based neurosurgical consultations for cervical or lumbar disease over one year. Patients who were referred for second opinions and deemed not to warrant surgery based on the absence of neurological deficits and significant radiographic abnormalities were identified. Results: Out of 274 patients evaluated, 47 (17.2%) were recommended for 'unnecessary surgery.' The majority of these patients presented with pain alone, and 29 had significant comorbidities that could increase surgical risks. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a notable percentage of patients may be scheduled for unnecessary spinal surgeries, raising concerns about patient safety and the appropriateness of surgical interventions in the presence of comorbidities. Keywords: spinal surgery, unnecessary surgery, second opinion, neurological deficits, radiographic findings, comorbidities, pain management","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/e31bd0dd-64b8-4948-998b-2c4afc52dd6c/featured/hero-1782421054103.png","publishDate":"2011-06-21T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.82249","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3377/SNI-2-83.pdf"}