A data-driven triage system more effectively predicted the likelihood that back pain patients would undergo spine surgery within one year than the existing triage system, according to a study in Spine.
Here are five things to know:
1. Researchers analyzed patient-reported data from 8,006 patients at a large multidisciplinary spine center between Sept. 1, 2005 and June 30, 2016. The patients' No. 1 complaint was low back pain and/or radicular lower extremity symptoms.
A model comprising risk factors was created for a random sample of 80 percent of the group. The model was then validated on the remaining 20 percent.
2. Within the cohort, 39 percent of patients underwent surgery one year after initial back pain symptoms compared to 42 percent of patients with LE symptoms.
3. Patients who were identified as highly likely to undergo surgery by the existing triage system had a 45 percent surgery rate.
4. The new triage scoring system identified a high likelihood group in which 58 percent underwent surgery, a 46 percent higher surgery rate than in nontriaged patients. The new system represents a 29 percent improvement from the existing triage system.
5. Study authors conclude the new triage system may allow centers to more selectively screen candidates for surgery and direct patients to either surgeons or nonoperative spine specialists.