Is it mandatory to routinely use image intensifier during scoliosis surgery? – Results of an email survey

Abstract

BackgroundIt is now considered standard of care to use Spinal cord monitoring during scoliosis surgery. Use of Image intensifier during scoliosis surgery, on the other hand, is highly variable in United Kingdom (UK) spine centres. Our objective was to evaluate the use of image intensifier during scoliosis surgery in UK spine centres. MethodsNinety three British scoliosis spine surgeons were invited to complete a survey via email using Survey Monkey platform. Surgeons were asked about the routine use of image intensifier during scoliosis surgery, including the reasons for using it and if, in their opinion, routine use is medico-legally mandatory. ResultsThirty four Spine surgeons replied (response rate of 36.5%). Among these 85% have been consultants for at least 5 years. 91% performed more than 10 paediatric scoliosis operations per annum and 53% performed more than 30 operations per annum. 68% always routinely use image intensifier during scoliosis surgery while 21% do not use it routinely. However 66% mentioned that in their opinion, it is not medico-legally mandatory to use the Image intensifier during scoliosis surgery and that routine use should be left to the discretion of the operating surgeon. ConclusionsAlthough majority of the United Kingdom spine surgeons, who responded to this survey, routinely use image intensifier during scoliosis surgery, they agree that it is not medico-legally mandatory to routinely use the image intensifier.