Abstract
Review the complications reporting in 4 prominent spinal journals over the last decade.
Computerised search of the Medline database and hand search was undertaken to evaluate the complication reporting in 4 spinal journals (Spine, European Spine Journal, Journal of Neurosurgery Spine and Journal of Bone and joint surgery) from 2000 to 2009. The articles were divided based on the level of NICE evidence classification A to D.
A total of 88 articles reported spinal complications. Of these 5.9% was level B, 8.8% was level C and 85.3% was level D. There were no RCT's reported relating to complications (Level A) and majority of complications were case reports or expert opinions (level D). For the proportion of level D the rank order of the journals was; Spine (4.8%), European spine journal (3.8%), Journal of neurosurgery spine (5.1%) and Journal of bone and joint surgery was (1.8%). There was no increase in the rate of reporting over the decade. A detailed discussion of the reporting will be presented.
Papers focusing primarily on complications and its management are still not the focus in most surgical journals. This review over the last 10 years confirms that only rare and uncommon complications are reported in the form of case reports. Meta analysis or case series of complication is rarely reported. More focus must be emphasised on reporting mortality and morbidity for education.
