Introduction: The use of national databases and readily accessible society databases has been on the rise in recent years. Consistencies or discrepancies between these databases are unknown.
Methods: Adult patients = 18 years undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis from 2004-2007 were identified in the SRS M&M and NIS databases. Comparable variables were queried and analyzed, including patient demographics, surgical variables and complications. Univariate analysis was performed and relative risk determined. Statistical significance was maintained at p<0.05.
Results: Adult patients = 18 years undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis from 2004-2007 were identified in the SRS M&M and NIS databases. Comparable variables were queried and analyzed, including patient demographics, surgical variables and complications. Univariate analysis was performed and relative risk determined. Statistical significance was maintained at p<0.05.
Conclusions: Both similarities and differences were observed between databases. These discrepancies are likely due to the varying data gathering methods each organization employs to collect their morbidity data.
Patient Care: These findings bring to light the discrepancies and similarities that exist between these two large multicenter databases. Understanding what drives these variations will help future researches with developing more accurate conclusions of their findings.
Learning Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the SRS M&M database and the NIS for adult idiopathic scoliosis surgery.