title: Treatment algorithms and protocol practice in high-risk spine surgery.
abstract: The practice of appropriate evidence-based medicine should be a goal for all physicians. By using protocols in areas where strong evidence-based medicine exists, physicians have reliably shown they can improve patient outcomes while reducing complications, cost, and hospital stay. Evidence-based protocols in complex spinal care are rare. At Northwestern University the authors have developed a multidisciplinary protocol for the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative workup and care of complex spine patients. The rationale and use of the High-Risk Spine Protocol is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. p-sugrue@fsm.northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sugrue
authors.forename: Ryan J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Halpin
authors.forename: Tyler R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Koski
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D009752:Nutritional Status; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*