Subject Index: Acute Adult Spine

Teri Holwerda, MSN, RN, ONC, APRN-BC Advanced Practice Nurse, Spine and Neuroscience Saint Mary's Health Care Neurosurgery Grand Rapids, MI, USA

It is essential that nurses caring for this growing population of patients be knowledgeable about spinal conditions, surgical procedures, expected outcomes, potential complications, and the care and monitoring needs unique to the spine patient. This guideline was developed to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the concepts involved in the care of adult patients with spinal conditions. Anatomy, common pathophysiologic conditions, and diagnostic tests are reviewed. Surgical and non-surgical treatment options are presented, as well as the unique behavioral issues involved in spine care. Specific nursing care issues related to the pre-and post-op care of spinal patients are discussed. Functional outcomes for spine patients, economics of spine care, and emerging trends are outlined. Finally, the nursing management of potential complications of spine surgery and nursing literature are reviewed, with a summary of the evidence-based knowledge on the nursing care of patients with spinal conditions.

Acute Adult Spine: Introduction and Scope of the Problem

Acute Adult Spine: Spinal Anatomy

Acute Adult Spine: Degenerative Changes and Spinal Disorders

Acute Adult Spine: Degenerative Spinal Disorders

Acute Adult Spine: Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Osteoporosis

Acute Adult Spine: Spinal Trauma and Fractures

Acute Adult Spine: Fractures and Spinal Stability

Acute Adult Spine: Patient Care Assessment

Acute Adult Spine: Radiographs, CT Scans, Myelography, MRI, Bone Scan, Electrodiagnostic Tests and Discography

Acute Adult Spine: Non-Operative Treatments, Discectomy and Spinal Decompression

Acute Adult Spine: Pre-Operative Assessment, Diagnostic Tests and Patient Education

Acute Adult Spine: Arthrodesis (Fusion), Instrumentation and Bone Grafts

Acute Adult Spine: Post-Operative Bracing and Halo Vest Immobilization

Acute Adult Spine: Post-Operative Pain Management

Acute Adult Spine: Complications of Spinal Surgery

Acute Adult Spine: Functional Outcomes and Economic Issues

Acute Adult Spine: Behavioral Issues in Spine Care

Acute Adult Spine: Trends in Spine Care

Acute Adult Spine: Spine Patient Care Guidelines

References:

Acute Adult Spine: Author Commentary and References (1-50)

Acute Adult Spine: References (51-120)

Acute Adult Spine: References (121-186)

The care of the Adult Spine patient is complex and can be difficult to understand. All spine surgery is not the same and the complex procedures are often misunderstood by some healthcare providers, case managers, and insurance companies. Ms. Holwerda has organized this topic into logical sections for review with current information. Most importantly, the wide variety of management issues are also discussed.

Mary Rodts, DNP, CNP, ONC, FAAN