Preparing the adult deformity patient for spinal surgery

Study Design: Review article of preoperative evaluation of surgical patients as relates to adult spine patients. Objective: To determine which patients should undergo preoperative evaluation and review options for improved preoperative preparation for these patients. Summary of Background Data: There is increasing attention paid to preoperative preparation for surgical patients to decrease perioperative morbidity. Better preoperative evaluation may lead to decreased complication rates and may improve outcomes. Methods: The literature to date, including surgical, hospitalist, and critical care, was reviewd and combined with the authors' experience. Results: Suggestions for preoperative screening questions are summarized. Conclusions: Better recognition of preoperative risk factors may help spine surgeons improve preoperative preparation in their patients, leading to decreased complication rates.