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Degenerative spinal disorders and the associated chronic back and leg pain are common health problems. Their prevalence increases with age, and people may choose surgery if non‐surgical management has not provided relief. Although the benefits of spinal decompression and fusion for people with degenerative conditions are debated, use of these procedures in high income countries has risen substantially in recent decades, but there are significant variations in their use within and between countries. 

Factors such as population ageing, overuse of diagnostic imaging, and greater expectations about the outcomes achievable with advanced technology may explain the increase in surgery volumes. However, consensus about the indications for spinal surgery is limited, as is high quality evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness.

This MJA research shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the research
2. List main findings
3. Evaluate spinal surgery policies and the planning services.

Details

Authors: Duong Thuy Tran, Adriane M Lewin, Louisa Jorm, Ian A Harris, Duong Thuy Tran, Adriane M Lewin, Louisa Jorm and Ian A Harris

Article Type: Research