title: Selection of patients for surgery.
abstract: Patient selection for lumbar laminectomy has been reviewed. The clinical decision for laminectomy depends on the mainstays of history, physical examination, and radiologic examination. A computer model to assist in this difficult task has been presented; the model is yet to be clinically tested. Psychological and psychosocial criteria play an important role in the decision-making process in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D007796:Laminectomy; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome