Radiculopathy with motor deficit: a cross-sectional study of the impact of the surgeon's experience on the indication and timing of surgical treatment.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of patients with compressive radiculopathy with motor deficit (CRMD) is controversial. Our goal was to provide evidence on the impact of the spine surgeons' experience on surgical planning and timing. METHODS: Spine surgeons were invited to participate in a 5-item online survey. A literature review was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 94 spine surgeons who responded to the survey, 70% would operate early on a patient with acute CRMD, but only 48% would do so if the radicular pain had resolved. Surgeons with more than 15 years of experience chose more conservative options. Twenty published studies were selected in the literature review. CONCLUSION: The optimal management of patients with compressive radiculopathy associated with a non-progressive motor loss remains unknown. The results of our survey show that surgeons with extensive surgical experience take a more conservative and cautious approach.