[Low back pain and referral to the spine specialist: situation and resources in Buenos Aires].

INTRODUCTION

90% of cases of acute low back pain have no specific underlying cause. International guidelines are available to help identify those individuals who require specialized care. However, in our country, there is a limited emphasis on primary healthcare, with the primary focus on hospital-based care. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic resources utilized in the initial care of patients experiencing low back pain at their first consultation with a specialist physician.

METHODS

Descriptive and cross-sectional study, with prospective data collection through a questionnaire administered to patients experiencing low back pain during their first visit to a specialist's office.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients were included, with an average age of 53 years; 50% sought medical attention for chronic pain. Informal referrals were associated with the referring physician's specialty (non-orthopedic), patients with a higher number of emergency department visits, and longer waiting times to obtain the consultation; 52% of patients arrived with at least one complementary study.

CONCLUSION

Most of the referrals were appropriate; however, informal referrals were more common. Only 1/5 of the patients underwent an physical examination, and less than 30% of those with red flag symptoms presented with suitable complementary studies. The median waiting time for the consultation was 24 days.