COMBINED VASCULAR AND SPINAL CLINIC FOR SPINAL STENOSIS REFERRAL.

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal stenosis may present as intermittent claudication and may be indistinguishable from vascular claudication as both could co exist. These patients often required expertise from both the speciality. Combined Vascular and spinal clinic after primary screening with the help of MRI scan may reduce the waiting time to the appropriate speciality.

Aim: We prospectively reviewed all the patients referred to senior author from vascular unit to assess the final outcome and evaluate whether primary to referral to vascular surgeon was unnecessary.

Study Design: Prospective study from November 2004 to May 2005

Methodology: Review of Hospital case notes – 23 patients were referred to us from one of the vascular surgeons’ unit after excluding vascular etiology as the cause of the leg pain and MRI confirmation of spinal stenosis.

Result: Mean waiting time to see the spine consultant 103 days [20–195] from the date of referral by the vascular team. The waiting time to primary referral to vascular team was 164 days [43–194]. 43.5% of the referred patients required to have spinal decompression.

Conclusion: To improve the waiting time primary physician should have access of MRI scan to delineate the pathology and combined vascular and spinal clinic may achieve waiting time target.