title: Spine surgeons' requirements for imaging at the time of referral: a survey of Canadian spine surgeons.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Routine imaging of patients with spine-related complaints referred for surgical assessment may represent an inefficient use of technological resources. Our objective was to explore Canadian spine surgeons' requirements with respect to imaging studies accompanying spine-related referrals.
  
  
  METHODS
  We administered an 8-item survey to all 100 actively practising surgeon members of the Canadian Spine Society that inquired about demographic variables and imaging requirements for patients referred with spine-related complaints.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-five spine surgeons completed our survey, for a response rate of 55%. Most respondents (43; 78%) required imaging studies to accompany all spine-related referrals. The type of imaging required was highly variable, with respondents endorsing 7 different combinations. Half (47%) required magnetic resonance imaging and 38% required plain radiographs either alone or in combination with other forms of imaging. Half of the respondents refused to see 20% or more of all patients referred for spine-related complaints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most Canadian spine surgeons require imaging studies to accompany spine-related referrals; however, the type and combination of studies is highly variable, and many patients who are referred are never seen (for a consultation). Standardization and optimization of imaging practices for patients with spine-related complaints referred for surgical assessment may be an important area for cost savings.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
authors.forename: Jason W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Busse
authors.affiliation: The Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Riva
authors.affiliation: The Divisions of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
authors.forename: Raja
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rampersaud
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Goytan
authors.affiliation: The Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Feasby
authors.affiliation: The Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Man.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.affiliation: The Department of Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: You
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics; D010808:Physical Examination; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires