Variations in Spine Imaging Standards Leave Room for Improvement

Extreme variation is the norm when it comes to surgical imaging for spine surgeons, a study published in the June 15 issue of Spine finds.   

 

A researcher from the Yale School of Medicine surveyed 41 spine surgeons about their imaging habits for posterior lumbar decompression, posterior lumbar fusion and anterior lumbar fusion.  

 

He discovered that very few surgeons adhere to the same imaging practices, and there is no standardized imaging guideline for spine surgeons to follow.

 

While sobering, the study concludes on positive note: recognizing systemic problems creates room to improve upon current standards of care.