The Novel Corona Virus COVID-19 and Spinal Surgery Practice: Review and Updates

Background Data: In March 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic and called for international effort to manage the disease. This pandemic has had many adverse effects on the globe. Spinal surgery and surgeons have dealt extensively with this pandemic. Purpose: To review the available data of COVID-19 and the recent status of spinal surgery. Study Design: Literature review. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the English literature for the most up-to-date available data of the COVOD-19 and reported the current status of spinal surgery and surgeons during the pandemic and how they have been affected by and handled the pandemic. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the global reconstruction of the health care services of the spinal surgery. New guidelines and recommendations have been released by many health authorities during the pandemic to optimize the working conditions and make maximum use of the available resources; other guidelines are in progress depending on the altering nature of the disease. Maximizing the use of telemedicine and online education would decrease the spread of infection, continuing the health care and education. We have to continue this practice as the pandemic is expected to last for many months and to learn lessons from the current and previous pandemics to avoid another pandemic wave. Conclusion: Spinal surgeons have a crucial role as health care providers and society advocates. Optimizing the conditions for health care providers and patients in theatres, clinics, and inpatients would lessen the risk of spreading infections. Telemedicine and online education are playing a significant role during the pandemic. (2020ESJ134)