Surgeon Management of Osteoporosis in Instrumented Spine Surgery: AOSpine Latin America Survey

STUDY DESIGN: Survey study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of osteoporosis (OP) in instrumented spine surgery among Latin American spine surgeons. METHODS: An electronic survey on aspects of instrumented spine surgery and OP was sent electronically to all members of AOSpine Latin America (AOSLA): 16 multiple-choice questions included incidence and type of complications experienced, strategies to avoid intraoperative complications, on prevention of complications and OP assessment and treatment prior to surgery. RESULTS: A total of 349 spine surgeons from a universe of 377 surgeons (230 orthopedic surgeons and 147 neurosurgeons), associated members of AOSLA answered the survey. About 80% recalled complications directly related to OP and 71% had revised instrumentation because of OP-related complications. Techniques for prevention of intraoperative complications varied; 65% extended instrumentation to additional segments, 63% performed vertebral body cement injection alone or associated with instrumentation. Preoperative screening was used by 19% but increased to 75% if patients had risk factors. A limit value of bone mineral density for delaying surgery was not established for 66.4% of respondents. Consultation for OP management was requested by 81%, mostly to endocrinology (56.3%). Interestingly, 19% personally managed their patient's OP. CONCLUSION: This study provides a global perspective on how Latin American spine surgeons manage patients with OP undergoing instrumented spine surgery. Most have faced complications associated with OP and have had to resolve them surgically. Spine surgeons frequently participate partially in managing patients with OP. Most refer patients with OP for treatment to the endocrinology.