Spinal surgery delays could have long-term effects on kids in Canada: report
Global News
The report by the Conference Board of Canada says four in 10 children have surgery after six months, the clinically recommended wait time.
Children across the country are waiting too long to see a specialist and get treatment, says a new report that highlights delays in surgery for scoliosis and the potential long-term effects on kids and the health-care system.
The report by the Conference Board of Canada says four in 10 children have surgery after six months, the clinically recommended wait time.
“Across provinces, our estimated percentage of patients receiving delayed surgical treatment beyond the recommended time frame ranges from 13 per cent in Alberta to 68 per cent in Nova Scotia,” says the report, adding comparable data across jurisdictions is limited.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent form of the condition, affecting about two per cent of teens. Approximately seven times more teenage girls than boys are afflicted with it, says the report released Monday.
Severe curvature of the spine can lead to a painful deformity. Surgery involves fusing the curved part of the spine with two titanium rods to prevent it from curving even further. Delays can mean kids need more complex, riskier surgery and extended stays in hospital.
The report by the independent research organization says 2,778 children in Canada are waiting for spinal surgery, but operations are often delayed by a shortage of health-care providers.
It is calling for funding to hire more pediatric surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists. It also recommends the adoption of a pooled referral system so the first available surgeon can take on patients on a central wait list.
Emily Gruenwoldt, CEO of Children’s Healthcare Canada, which commissioned the report, said there is not enough data on the number of children waiting to be referred to a specialist before they can have surgery.
