Moderator: Eric Buchl, PA-C
Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the spine can be caused by a wide range of conditions. They can be a significant source of pain and disability, especially if these hard-to-diagnose conditions go untreated. Many of the inflammatory conditions are nonsurgical in nature; however, because of referral patterns, patients’ preferences and many other factors, patients are often seen in surgical practices. This first contact with the patient is significant to the patient’s long-term outcome. It has been well documented that first contact provider can influence outcomes favorably and decrease the burden. Therefore, even though the vast majority of the autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the spine are nonoperative, the surgical team must be well versed to positively impact patients’ outcomes.
Over the last few years, significant advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Therefore, the goal of this session is to review the importance of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions to the surgical team, to understand the identification and workup of the conditions, to become informed on management of these conditions, and to understand their effects on operative care.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Identify autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the spine and how they affect the surgical practice;
- Identify when history, physical examination and diagnostic studies are appropriate and when referral is needed;
- Improve working knowledge of common infections of the spine surgical and nonsurgical patient and what we know regarding evidence based treatments currently;
- Recognize mascarading pathology;
- Appreciate the utilization of imaging, tests and when to obtain it;
- Develop a working knowledge of the medical management of autoimmune and inflammatory condition of the spine and the effect on operative care.
Agenda
Introduction: Why is this Important to the Surgeon?
Michael Halasy, PhD, MS, PA-C
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases of the Spine
Daniel Mazanec, MD
Masquerading Tumors of the Spine
Joseph Schwab, MD
Infectious Diseases of the Spine
David Allen, MD
Radiographic Findings of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disease of the Spine
Daniel M. Sciubba, MD
Autoimmune Medications: When to Stop and How Long to Discontinue Postoperatively
Runsheng Wang, MD, MHS
Discussion