Position Statement on Arthrodesis of the Spine by the Non-Spine Surgeon
Background
Patient safety and optimal outcomes are maximized by team-based treatment of patients with either trauma or degenerative diseases of the spine involving a collaborative relationship between neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgeons and non-surgeon spine clinicians who practice within the scope of their training. With continued development of minimally invasive technology, several options now exist to alter the biomechanics of the spine using percutaneous techniques. Arthrodesis of the sacroiliac joints, facet joints and stabilization of a lumbar segment with interspinous process clamps is now performed in various settings, including hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient, ambulatory surgical centers and even — in some instances — physician offices.
Click here to view the full AANS/CNS Position Statement on Arthrodesis of the Spine.
