The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spinal surgery

Abstract

The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare services around the world has been unprecedented. Surgical specialities, in particular, had to respond rapidly and adapt to continue to meet the needs of their patients in this ever-evolving and uncertain situation. With the cancellation of elective surgery and outpatient clinics, the majority of work carried out by spinal surgeons was obliterated. It was imperative emergency spinal care continued throughout the pandemic, with the creation of guidelines to assist spinal surgeons manage patients appropriately. Alongside assisting on the frontline, spinal surgeons had to triage referrals to ensure urgent care was still provided, undertake outpatient clinics virtually and ensure educational opportunities were available for colleagues. Paediatric spinal surgery was affected by the pandemic; although the virus did not significantly impact children to the same extent, a notable consequence of the lockdown restrictions was a reduction in GP referrals into the specialist service. In the event of any future pandemics, national spinal organizations have created guidelines to assist in the prioritization and care of spinal pathologies. While a ‘return to normality’ is a long way off, the impact of the past year will undoubtedly change spinal surgeons and their practice forever.