Exploring perspectives and adherence to guidelines for adult spinal trauma in low and middle-income healthcare economies: A survey on barriers and possible solutions (part I)

• Most spinal trauma occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but some elements may limit the application of current guidelines. • In LMICs, a respectable proportion of physicians treating spinal trauma is not aware of any guidelines on this topic. • Most physicians managing spinal trauma in LMICs believe that following the guidelines may positively affect patient outcomes. • Most believed they have the capability to apply, the guidelines, but variation according to income and geographical region exists. • The perceived limitations and their relevance to guideline adherence vary across different income and geographic areas worldwide. • Resource-targeted guidelines for spinal trauma are considered a valuable option to overcome the limitations of real-life application of the current guidelines.