Spine Surgery Outcomes in Workers' Compensation Patients.

Spine Surgery Outcomes in Workers' Compensation Patients. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017 Oct;25(10):e225-e234 Authors: Daniels AH, Kuris EO, Kleinhenz DT, Palumbo MA Abstract Occupational spine injuries place a substantial burden on employees, employers, and the workers' compensation system. Both temporary and permanent spinal conditions contribute substantially to disability and lost wages. Numerous investigations have revealed that workers' compensation status is a negative risk factor for outcomes after spine injuries and spine surgery. However, positive patient outcomes and return to work are possible in spine-related workers' compensation cases with proper patient selection, appropriate surgical indications, and realistic postoperative expectations. Quality improvement measures aimed at optimizing outcomes and minimizing permanent disability are crucial to mitigating the burden of disability claims. PMID: 28953088 [PubMed - in process]
Source: The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: J Am Acad Orthop Surg Source Type: research