Clinical Study of Applying Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Concept in Single-Segment Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Objective: With the aging population and changes in lifestyle, lumbar spinal stenosis has become a common spinal disorder. Treatment modalities have been advancing, and the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles provides a new approach to postoperative recovery in patients. This study aims to investigate the clinical application effects of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Methods: This study included 64 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in the Spinal Surgery Department of Baise People’s Hospital from July 2022 to July 2024. These patients were divided into an experimental group (ERAS group, 33 cases) and a control group (conventional group, 31 cases) based on perioperative care, receiving ERAS principles and traditional treatment, respectively. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of gender, age, BMI, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, hospital costs, VAS scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3), and ODI scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3). Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, and BMI between the ERAS group and the conventional group (gender: χ2 = 0.5008, P = 0.4792;age: 54.55 ± 8.51 years vs. 57.39 ± 8.16 years, P = 0.0892;BMI: 25.11 ± 2.70 vs. 24.77 ± 2.75, P = 0.3098). However, during surgery, patients in the ERAS group had significantly less blood loss than those in the conventional group (197.58 ± 195.51ml vs. 438.71 ± 349.22 ml, P = 0.0006), and the postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (7.00 ± 2.24 days vs. 11.55 ± 5.23 days, P = 0.0000). On postoperative day 3, VAS scores were significantly better in the ERAS group compared to the conventional group (3.70 ± 0.88 vs. 4.32 ± 0.87, P = 0.0031), and the ODI scores showed significant improvement as well (46.00 ± 3.04 vs. 48.00 ± 3.39, P = 0.0078). Although there were no significant differences in postoperative complications and hospital costs (complications: 3 cases vs. 0 cases, P = 0.2154;hospital costs: 63524.29 ± 17891.80 RMB vs. 58733.84 ± 13280.82 RMB, P = 0.1154), ERAS demonstrated better postoperative recovery outcomes in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Conclusion: The study results support the implementation of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery to promote rapid recovery, reduce healthcare resource consumption, and improve overall patient satisfaction.

Full-endoscopic spine surgery treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures:A case report

BACKGROUND Few reports have described lumbar foraminal stenosis-induced radiculopathy after treatment by full-endoscopic spine surgery(FESS)combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)in patients with vertebral compression fractures.We herein report such a case,including the patient’s treatment process and doctor’s surgical experience.CASE SUMMARY A 79-year-old man presented with symptoms of radiculopathy after sustaining L4 vertebral compression fractures.Imaging and physical examination revealed L4 vertebral compression fractures combined with L3/4 Lumbar foraminal stenosis(LFS).The patient’s symptoms were low back pain with pain in the lateral left leg.Although many reports have described radiculopathy induced by osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,the use of FESS combined with PVP has rarely been reported.This case report indicates that the combination of FESS and PVP is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of LFS-induced radiculopathy after vertebral compression fractures.This minimally invasive technique has great potential to replace traditional lumbar fixation and decompression surgery.Thus,we suggest the continued accumulation of similar cases to discuss the wider application of FESS.CONCLUSION For patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)and LFS,PVP and FESS can be used to restore the vertebral height and reduce the pressure around the intervertebral foramen.Additionally,the combination of FESS and PVP can treat the pain or numbness of the low back and lower limbs and allow for recovery in a short time with excellent postoperative effects.In general,FESS is a good treatment for radiculopathy caused by foraminal stenosis after OVCF.

Scedosporium apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae:A case report

BACKGROUND Scedosporium apiospermum(S.apiospermum)is a clinically rare and aggressive fungus mainly found in contaminated water,wetlands,decaying plants,stagnant water,and potted plants in hospitals.The lung,bone,joint,eye,brain,skin,and other sites are easily infected,and there is a marked risk of misdiagnosis.There have been few case reports of infection by S.apiospermum of the lumbar vertebrae;most reports have focused on infection of the lung.CASE SUMMARY An otherwise healthy 60-year-old man presented with a 4-mo history of lumbosacral pain,stooping,and limited walking.The symptoms were significantly aggravated 10 d prior to hospitalization,and radiating pain in the back of his left lower leg developed,which was so severe that he could not walk.Movement of the lumbar spine was significantly limited,anterior flexion was about 30°;backward extension,right and left lateral curvature,and rotational mobility were about 10°;tenderness of the spinous processes of the lumbar 3-5 vertebrae was evident,and the muscle strength of both lower limbs was gradeⅣ.Imaging suggested bony destruction of the lumbar 3,4,and 5 vertebrae and sacral 1 vertebra;in addition,the corresponding intervertebral spaces were narrowed and the lumbar 5 vertebra was posteriorly displaced and unstable.Lumbar vertebral infection was also noted,and the possibility of lumbar tuberculosis was considered.We first performed surgical intervention on the lesioned lumbar vertebrae,cleared the infected lesion,and performed stable fixation of the lesioned vertebral body using a lumbar internal fixation device,which restored the stability of the lumbar vertebrae.Cytological and pathological examination of the lesioned tissue removed during surgery confirmed S.apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae;on this basis,the patient was administered voriconazole.At the 6-mo followup,efficacy was significant,no drug-related side effects were observed,and imaging examination showed no evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION S.apiospermum infection can occur in immunocompetent individuals with no history of near drowning.Voriconazole is effective for the treatment of S.apiospermum infection of the lumbar vertebrae for which it is suitable as the first-line therapy.

Research progresses of artificial intelligence in MRI of lumbar degenerative diseases

The incidence of lumbar degenerative diseases is increasing year by year,and MRI is often used in clinical diagnosis.In recent years,artificial intelligence(AI)has rapidly developed in medical field and can be used for image segmentation and auxiliary diagnosis of lumbar degenerative diseases.The research progresses of AI in MRI of lumbar degenerative diseases were reviewed in this article.

Cortical bone trajectory fixation in cemented vertebrae in lumbar degenerative disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)has been widely used in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).Following surgery,the bone cement would be positioned permanently.However,in some cases of lumbar degenerative disease,the cemented vertebrae needs to be fixed after decompression and fusion procedure.It is difficult to implant traditional pedicle screws into the cemented vertebrae because of the bone cement filling.At present,the main treatment strategy is to skip the cemented vertebra and conduct a long segment fixation.This article presents a cortical bone trajectory(CBT)fixation technique for cemented vertebrae.CASE SUMMARY PVP involving the L3 and L4 was performed in an 82-year-old man due to OVCF.During the surgery,bone cement leakage occurred,resulting in compression of the root of the right L3 nerve.We performed a partial facetectomy to retrieve the leaked bone cement and to relieve the patient’s neurological symptoms.After 3 mo,the patient developed lumbar disc herniation in L3/4,potentially due to instability caused by the previous surgery.Therefore,it was necessary to perform intervertebral fusion and fixation.It was difficult to implant traditional trajectory pedicle screws in L3 and L4 because of the bone cement filling.Hence,we implanted CBT screws in the L3 and L4 vertebrae.As a result,the patient’s symptoms resolved and he reported satisfaction with the surgery at follow-up after 8 mo.CONCLUSION It is feasible to utilize CBT in cemented vertebrae for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.

Surgical Management of Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis with Instrumentation at the Yaounde Central Hospital: Comparison of Unilateral versus Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation Combined with Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Introduction: The choice of adopting unilateral pedicle screw fixation or using bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spinal stenosis remains controversial. In our context, very few studies have been performed comparing the clinical effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral fixation in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Objective: Evaluate the impact on quality of life and clinical efficacy of unilateral spondylodesis compared to bilateral spondylodesis in the surgical management of lumbar spinal canal stenosis at the Yaounde Central Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study for a period of 4 years, from June 2015 to June 2019. It involved all patients operated for lumbar canal stenosis and who underwent spondylodesis or spinal fusion at the neurosurgery department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: A total of 68 participants were recruited during our study period. 32 (47%) of the study population were in the 50 - 60 age group, with a mean age of 56.98 years ranging from 41 to 75 years. Females, housewives and farmers were the most affected. In our study, 72% of patients had unilateral spondylodesis and 28% had bilateral fusion. Preoperatively, 71% of patients had insurmountable pain, refractory to medical treatment. At 3 months postoperatively, 73.7% of patients with bilateral setup had moderate pain compared to 69% of those with unilateral setup. At 6 months postoperatively, 79% of patients with bilateral fusion had mild pain compared to 82% of patients with unilateral setup. At 1 year postoperatively, all patients had mild pain. Preoperatively, 66.2% of patients were unable to walk and 19.1% of patients were bedridden according to the Oswestry score. At 3 months postoperatively, 10.2% of patients with unilateral setup were unable to walk compared to 10.5% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 67.3% of patients with unilateral fixation had moderate disability compared to 52.6% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 6 months postoperatively, 51% of patients with unilateral setup had moderate disability compared to 47.4% of patients with bilateral fixation, while 42.9% of patients with unilateral fixation had mild disability compared to 42.1% of patients with bilateral fixation. At 1 year postoperatively, 81.6% of patients who underwent unilateral fixation had only mild disability compared to 73.7% of patients with bilateral fixation. Conclusion: The assessment of quality of life according to the set-up used shows similar results at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, with no statistically significant differences. Single-sided pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or mounting has the advantage of being faster, with less bleeding and is less expensive compared to bilateral fixation.

Surgical strategy for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis of 5th lumbar vertebrae

Objective To investigate surgical strategy for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis(more thanⅡ degree)of 5th lumbar vertebrae.Methods From August 2003 to October 2008,26 patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (L5) were

Efficacy and Safety of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Following Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery. Methods Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects. Results Seventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction. Conclusion LMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis: Emphasizing on Clinical Outcomes of Transforaminal Technique

Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis are the most common spine diseases which are mainly due to age related Spine degeneration. Diagnosis of both Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis depends on clinical findings as well as radiological investigations. Treatment of choice of these conditions is on the basis of the patient conditions. Surgical treatment is the option only when the conservative treatment does not improve the patient’s clinical condition. Advancement and improvement of the technology have resulted in the traditional open surgical treatment into minimal invasive surgery. Intervention of the different surgical instruments with expert spinal surgeons had made percutaneous endoscopic lumbar Spine surgery as one of the preferred choices of surgery for treating Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis. The concept of percutaneous endoscopic surgery for lumbar region is to provide surgical options without producing iatrogenic morbidity associated with the open surgical procedures. Conventionally, there are different approaches/techniques for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Spine Surgery, but in this review we are mainly focusing on the Transforaminal Technique. Regarding the Lumbar Disc Herniation treatment with transforaminal approach, a number of articles have been published due to which we mainly focused on those articles which were published after 2009 onwards. While fewer articles related to Lumbar Spine Stenosis treatment with Transforaminal approach were found, we tried to brief out all those articles. On the basis of comparative study of different surgeries done for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis, Percutaneous Transforaminal endoscopic Lumbar Surgery provides a substantial benefit. Transforaminal approach for treating Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis is safe and effective. The Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Surgery has advantage as it is performed under local anesthesia with shorter length of hospitalization and early return to normal life. The clinical outcome of the patient that underwent Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Surgery for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spine Stenosis is quite good in regard of its fewer complication and more benefits.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE TREATMENT OF LUMBAR VERTEBRA HYPEROSTEOGENY WITH ELECTRO- AND HYDRO-ACUPUNCTURE

In the present study, 121 patients with lumbar vertebra hyperosteogeny were dividedinto following four groups for treatment and comparison: intense electro-acupuncture group (Group1), hydro-acupuncture group (Group 2), electro-acupuncture plus hydro-acupuncture group (Group3) and analgesic liquid for spur group (Group 4). It is indicated that the effect of electro-acupunctureplus hydro-acupuncture is the best in the treatment of lumbar vertebra hyperosteogeny.

Clinical Outcome of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Surgery (PELS) in Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation is a spinal problem seen in both young and old people causing pain in the back with pain and numbness in lower extremity leading to disability limiting daily activities. When conservative treatments are ineffective, then it is treated by surgeries, more recently with minimal invasive percutaneous endoscopic lumbar surgery (PELS). One of the mostly accepted PELS by spinal surgeons is percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy, which can be performed for any age. The main aim of this review was to evaluate clinical outcome and safety based on the Oswestry Disable Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and MacNab criteria and complications of PELS surgery and its advantages in clinical basis.

Perioperative outcomes in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery: A systematic review

AIM: To compare minimally invasive(MIS) and open techniques for MIS lumbar laminectomy, direct lateral and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) surgeries with respect to length of surgery, estimated blood loss(EBL), neurologic complications, perioperative transfusion, postoperative pain, postoperative narcotic use, and length of stay(LOS).METHODS: A systematic review of previously published studies accessible through Pub Med was performed. Only articles in English journals or published with English language translations were included. Level of evidence of the selected articles was assessed. Statistical data was calculated with analysis of variance with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.RESULTS: A total of 11 pertinent laminectomy studies, 20 direct lateral studies, and 27 TLIF studies were found. For laminectomy, MIS techniques resulted in a significantly longer length of surgery(177.5 min vs 129.0 min, P = 0.04), shorter LOS(4.3 d vs 5.3 d, P = 0.01) and less perioperative pain(visual analog scale: 16 ± 17 vs 34 ± 31, P = 0.04). There is evidence of decreased narcotic use for MIS patients(postoperative intravenous morphine use: 9.3 mg vs 42.8 mg), however this difference is of unknown significance. Direct lateral approaches have insufficient comparative data to establish relative perioperative outcomes. MIS TLIF had superior EBL(352 mL vs 580 mL, P < 0.0001) and LOS(7.7 d vs 10.4 d, P < 0.0001) and limited data to suggest lower perioperative pain.CONCLUSION: Based on perioperative outcomes data, MIS approach is superior to open approach for TLIF. For laminectomy, MIS and open approaches can be chosen based on surgeon preference. For lateral approaches, there is insufficient evidence to find noninferior perioperative outcomes at this time.

Erector spinae plane block at lower thoracic level for analgesia in lumbar spine surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery usually suffer severe pain in the postoperative period.The erector spinae plane block(ESPB),first published in 2016,can anesthetize the ventral and dorsal rami of thoracic nerves and produce an extensive multi-dermatomal sensory block.AIM To assess whether bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB at a lower thoracic level could improve pain control and quality of recovery in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.METHODS A total of 60 patients aged 18-80 years scheduled to undergo lumbar spine surgery with general anesthesia were randomly assigned to two groups:ESPB group(preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB at T10 vertebral level)and control group(no preoperative ESPB).Both groups received standard general anesthesia.The main indicator was the duration to the first patient controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)bolus.RESULTS In the ESPB group,the duration to the first PCIA bolus was significantly longer than that in the control group(h)[8.0(4.5,17.0)vs 1.0(0.5,6),P<0.01],and resting and coughing numerical rating scale(NRS)scores at 48 h post operation were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding resting and coughing NRS scores at 24 h post operation.Sufentanil consumption during the operation was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group(P<0.01),while there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding morphine consumption at 24 or 48 h post operation.In the ESPB group,Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score within 20 min after extubation was higher and duration in the post-anesthesia care unit was shorter than those in the control group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION In patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery,ultrasound-guided ESPB at a lower thoracic level improves the analgesic effect,reduces opioid consumption,and improves postoperative recovery.

Treatment of Protrusion of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by TCM Massage

Protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc is a common disorder frequently encountered in clinic. With TCM massage and the maneuver of manual reduction, we have treated 82 cases of protrusion of the lumbar intervertebral disc, with satisfactory therapeutic results reported in the following.……

Treatment of Protrusion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc by Pulling and Turning Manipulations

The authors treated 62 cases of protrusion oflumbar intervertebral disc by pulling and turningmanipulations from February 1993 to February 1998.Another 50 cases were treated by traction as controls.Statistical data showed that pulling and turningmanipulations had much better therapeuticeffectiveness than traction(P<0.05).

Transient Symptomatic Bilateral Optic Disc Oedema Following Lumbar Spinal Surgery— An Unusual Presentation

Background: Optic disc oedema has various underlying pathologies, however, unless visually disabling does not usually bring a patient to the physician. The more common symptoms of headache, nausea and vomiting lead to the incidental detection of bilateral disc oedema [1]. Optic disc oedema seen following spinal surgery is usually associated with visual acuity changes and often goes by the acronym POVL (Peri/ postoperative visual loss) wherein, as the name goes, visual acuity changes are profound [2] [3] [4]. Purpose: We would like to highlight a case of transient Bilateral Optic Disc oedema following Lumbar spinal surgery maintaining normal visual acuity and attaining spontaneous resolution. Case Report: A 42-year-old female presented with transient obscuration of vision and flashes of light post an uneventful lumbar spinal surgery. Ophthalmic evaluation revealed normal visual acuity and pupils but marked disc edema right more significant than left. There was no colour vision deficit, neither any field changes. By a process of exclusion, it was likely the patient had developed bilateral disc oedema secondary to the spinal surgery. On follow-up 6 weeks and 3 months later, the oedema had completely settled and visual acuity remained at 6/6. Conclusion: Optic disc oedema can be unilateral or bilateral with some of the uncommon conditions mentioned secondary to spinal surgery, however, in those situations, visual loss has been severe and permanent. Our case is unusual in its combination of disc edema with normal acuity along with its transient nature and resolution and to our knowledge, has not been published before.

Techniques of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Comparative Study

Aim: To compare between classic open surgeries and minimally invasive surgeries in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Methods: A comparative descriptive study, involved 117 patients suffering from lumbar canal stenosis, aged between 40 - 70 years;admitted to department of Neurosurgery from March 2011 till august 2016 in King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Study groups are consisted of group A as patients managed with classical laminectomy, group B as patients managed with endoscopic spinal procedures and group C as patients managed with microscopic decompression facilitated by the Metrex Tubular System. SPSS was used in data entry and analysis, and ethical considerations taken into consideration and participants filled the required inform consents. Results: Age of particaoncet ranged from 45 - 63 years, Mean +/&#8210;50. The degenerative canal stenosis with acute disc single level (cauda equina syndrome) was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group A;the unilateral foraminal and lateral recess stenosis without disc prolapse was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group B;while the unilateral foraminal and lateral recess stenosis without disc prolapse was the most common type of lumbar canal stenosis encountered in group C. Classic laminectomy and disectomy used mostly in group A;endoscopic unilateral decompression lamino-foraminotomy without discectomy used mostly in group B and bilateral microscopic laminectomy without discectomy followed by unilateral microscopic laminoforaminotomy without discectomy used mostly in group C. Mean of operation duration was the highest in both gender of group A, followed by group B, then group C. Unintended durotomy was the most common intra operative complications occurred in the whole study especially in group A. Mean of blood lost was the highest in both gender of group A, followed by group B, then group C. Postop complications in the patients of study groups were the highest in group A (33.3%), followed by group B (8.5%) and then group C (2%). Conclusion: Microscopic decompression facilitated by the Metrex Tubular System is the most effective technique of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and the least intra-operative and post-operative complications.

Application of the cortical bone trajectory technique in posterior lumbar fixation

The cortical bone trajectory(CBT) is a novel technique in lumbar fixation and fusion.The unique caudocephalad and medial-lateral screw trajectories endow it with excellent screw purchase for vertebral fixation via a minimally invasive method.The combined use of CBT screws with transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion can treat a variety of lumbar diseases,including spondylolisthesis or stenosis,and can also be used as a remedy for revision surgery when the pedicle screw fails.CBT has obvious advantages in terms of surgical trauma,postoperative recovery,prevention and treatment of adjacent vertebral disease,and the surgical treatment of obese and osteoporosis patients.However,the concept of CBT internal fixation technology appeared relatively recently;consequently,there are few relevant clinical studies,and the long-term clinical efficacy and related complications have not been reported.Therefore,large sample and prospective studies are needed to further reveal the long-term complications and fusion rate.As a supplement to the traditional pedicle trajectory fixation technique,the CBT technique is a good choice for the treatment of lumbar diseases with accurate screw placement and strict indications and is thus deserving of clinical recommendation.

A rare case report:tubercular spondylodiscitis following lumbar disc surgery

Postoperative spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious complication after lumbar disc surgery.Most cases are due to more virulent organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus.No case of post operative tubercular spondylodiscitis has been reported till date to our knowledge. We are reporting a case of tubercular spondylodiscitis followed by lumbar disc surgery of L2-3 level.

Evaluation of current surgeon practice for patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery in the United Kingdom

AIM: To ascertain current surgeon practice in the United Kingdom National Health Service for the management of patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS: Descriptive survey methodology utilised an online questionnaire administered through SurveyMonkey. Eligible participants were all surgeons currently carrying out lumbar spinal fusion surgery in the National Health Service. Two previous surveys and a recent systematic review informed questions. Statistical analyses included responder characteristics and pre-planned descriptive analyses. Open question data were interpreted using thematic analysis.RESULTS: The response rate was 73.8%. Most surgeons(84%) were orthopaedic surgeons. Range of surgeon experience(1-15 years), number of operations performed in the previous 12 mo(4-250), and range of information used to predict outcome was broad. There was some consistency of practice: most patients were seen preoperatively; all surgeons ensured patients are mobile within 3 d of surgery; and there was agreement for the value of post-operative physiotherapy. However, there was considerable variability of practice: variability of protocols, duration of hospital stay, use of discharge criteria, frequency and timing of outpatient follow up, use of written patient information and outcome measures. Much variability was explained through patient-centred care, for example, 62% surgeons tailored functional advice to individual patients. CONCLUSION: Current United Kingdom surgeon practice for lumbar spinal fusion is described. The surgical procedure and patient population is diverse, and it is therefore understandable that management varies. It is evident that care should be patient-centred. However with high costs and documented patient dissatisfactionit is important that further research evaluates optimal management.