Thread by @abc730

Treatment for #backpain costs the nation almost $5bln a year as more patients undergo expensive, complex surgery. But some argue there's little evidence that procedures such as spinal fusion are always the best option. #abc730 @tabowden

In 2017-18 nearly 18,000 spinal fusions were carried out in Australia. “It's a low level of evidence we accept and I don't think that's good enough particularly for highly invasive, risky & costly procedures like spine fusion.” Prof. Ian Harris, orthopaedic surgeon. #abc730

After three back operations including a spinal fusion, Steve Durell turned to physiotherapy. “If I had my time again and doing this whole process again, I would definitely explore other options than getting surgery to start off with.” #abc730 #backpain

Prof. Ian Harris has been an orthopaedic surgeon for more than 20 years but no longer operates on backs. “I realised that the evidence wasn't very supportive ... in fact, for many of the procedures that I was performing there was evidence that they probably didn't work.” #abc730

Neurosurgeon Jonathan Ball thinks surgery remains a legitimate option for some #backpain. ”It's important not to say because surgery's not right for all back pain, that we just say no surgery for any back pain.” #abc730

A year ago Tracy Lesslie could barely walk because of debilitating back pain. She tried physiotherapy but it didn’t work. Dr Jonathan Ball performed a spinal fusion and she says there was an immediate difference. “The pain was gone almost straight away.” #abc730 #backpain