title: [Need for a national database on lumbar fusion surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The indication for surgical technique in lumbar fusion is debated. The objective of this study was to analyse the indication and operative technique in lumbar surgery clinics in Denmark.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort study based on a sample from four public and four private clinics in 2006 was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference in patient demographics and diagnosis between public and private clinics. In 62% of the patient files, information was lacking. Considerations on indication and surgery did not differ from public to private clinics. A standard preoperative rehabilitation program was performed in 59% of the cases. Combined anterior and posterior fusion was performed in 37 cases, posterior instrumented fusion in 77 cases and posterior uninstrumented fusion in 105 cases, interspinous spacer was used in six cases and disc arthroplasty in 13 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adequate evaluation of indication and choice of surgical technique in lumbar fusion based on patient files was not possible. We found no qualitative differences between public and private clinics. A national database is needed to monitor indication and choice of operative procedure.
authors.affiliation: Ortopaedkirurgi Nordjylland, Aalborg Sygehus, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark. sten.rasmussen@rn.dk
authors.forename: Sten
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Maria Gerding
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Iversen
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kehlet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017149:Private Sector; D017150:Public Sector; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery