Neel Anand, MD, Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's spine trauma director, contributed a piece to U.S. News & World Report Health Care on the potential outcomes of spine surgery.
Here are six insights:
1. Dr. Anand wrote that although spine surgery could prove life-changing for some patients, it can yield disappointment for others. He noted many factors exist that may result in poor outcomes for spine care, and patients should ensure they know the risks before undergoing procedures.
2. He discussed why spine surgeries fail, emphasizing the surgery will not return the spine to its physical norm, because pain is subjective.
3. To subdue pain, surgeons remove nerve compression areas and stabilize weak areas of the spine. Dr. Anand notes a spine surgery focused on compressed nerves may fail because the pain could be emanating from a range of areas.
5. Dr. Anand points to error or device issues as other possible reasons for failed spine surgery.
6. He concludes: "Though we spine surgeons do have to discuss the possibility of failure with our patients, I am confident and assured that for the right patient, under the right circumstances, the benefits can be life-changing."