NSQIP versus institutional morbidity and mortality conference: complementary complication reporting in pediatric spine fusion.

Recognizing complication rates is central to implement strategies for delivering better quality care. NSQIP data may serve as an important quality check for pediatric spine institutional M&M data, but both may not include all complications even within its sampled patients. In general, NSQIP's protocols identified more medical complications, while M&M has a surgical focus, benefits from the limitless follow-up, and involves timely departmental awareness of complications.