Potentially Avoidable Spine Transfers to a Level I Trauma Center: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis

The authors aimed to identify the prevalence of potentially avoidable spine transfers to a Level I trauma center and understand the characteristics of these transfers. Their retrospective analysis revealed that 32.2% of the 1,918 transfers were potentially avoidable, with many patients experiencing lengthy emergency department stays despite not requiring immediate surgical intervention or specialized imaging. The findings suggest a need for further research to develop strategies for managing certain spine conditions in community settings, potentially reducing unnecessary transfers.