Improving outcomes in spinal surgery patients

INTRODUCTION

The number of patients submitted to major spine surgery is progressively increasing. Surgery on the spine can result in debilitating complications such as neurological deficits, mechanical instability and intractable pain. Outcome is the final output measured as morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Outcome is the result of many interventions during patient course, including economic costs and the importance of an appropriate treatment. Complications are the episodes that may affect patient outcome and may require intervention, further diagnostic tests or monitoring. Outcome assessment in spinal disorders is imperative to help monitor the safety and efficacy of the treatment in an effort to change the clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

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