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The Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging by Spine Surgeons in Management of Spinal Trauma Across AO Regions-Results of AO Spine Survey. World Neurosurg 2020 May;137:e389-e394

Date

02/08/2020

Pubmed ID

32032784

DOI

10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.200

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85081201121 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for management of spinal trauma as a function of the availability of an MRI scanner across AO regions.

METHODS: A survey regarding MRI availability and/or accessibility was conducted across 6 global AO regions. Questions were formulated to 1) evaluate availability of an MRI scanner and 2) whether the availability of an MRI scanner influenced time taken to image patients with spinal trauma. Pairwise comparison of responses among AO regions was performed.

RESULTS: The survey was sent to 5.813 AO Spine members and 561 completed surveys were obtained (Africa, 3%; Asia Pacific, 22.1%; Europe, 30.8%; Latin America, 25.7%; Middle East, 9.4%; and North America, 8.9%). On availability of MRI for spinal trauma, 31.9% reported that MRI was readily available at all times, 51.3% noted 24-hour availability, but more difficult to obtain during nighttime, and 8.7% reported not having an MRI at their hospital. On time taken to obtain scans if MRI is readily available, 32.4% responded that imaging was obtained within 1 hour, whereas 39.9% stated between 1 and 4 hours. On time taken to obtain scans when MRI is least available, 7% responded that imaging was completed within 1 hour whereas 31.4% stated between 1 and 4 hours. Responses from Latin America significantly differed (P < 0.05) from all other AO regions except Africa.

CONCLUSIONS: MRI use varies across AO regions, with clinical decision making on obtaining MRI in spinal trauma being influenced heavily by the availability of an MRI scanner.

Author List

Kaushal M, Shabani S, Soliman HM, Nguyen HS, Aarabi B, Fehlings MG, Kotter MR, Kwon BK, Harrop JS, Kurpad SN

Authors

Shekar N. Kurpad MD, PhD Sr Associate Dean, Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Saman Shabani MD Assistant Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Clinical Decision-Making
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neurosurgeons
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Spinal Injuries
Surveys and Questionnaires