In Australia, an estimated one in seven people (~3 million or 14%) had back problems in 2011-12 of whom 44% (or 495,000) were restricted in their activities to a greater or lesser extent (eg mobility, communication or self-care). Back problems often lead to poorer quality of life, psychological distress, bodily pain and disability. Spine surgery is usually the last resort in the treatment of back problems and while surgery is not necessary or suitable for everyone with back problems, approximately 45,000 Australians undergo spine surgery every year.
The Australian Spine Registry (ASR) is an initiative of the Spine Society of Australia aiming to improve the quality of care provided to individuals undergoing spine surgery in Australia.
The information collected by the ASR will provide an important resource for surgeons who perform spine surgery, our hospitals and our community.
