Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
05:57
A Teleoperated Robotic System-Assisted Percutaneous Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation Technique
Published on: January 6, 2023
3.1K
Telemedicine in Spine Surgery: Global Perspectives and Practices
Grant J Riew1, Francis Lovecchio2, Dino Samartzis3,4
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Global Spine Journal
|June 14, 2021
Summary
Telemedicine use in spine surgery surged during COVID-19, with North America leading adoption. Surgeons found telemedicine feasible for various aspects of care, though most still prefer in-person preoperative visits.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Digital Health
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the integration of telemedicine into healthcare.
- Spine surgery practices have rapidly adopted virtual care models.
- Global perspectives on telemedicine in specialized surgical fields remain under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the adoption rate of telemedicine in spine surgery worldwide.
- To understand surgeons' global experiences and perceptions of telemedicine.
- To identify regional variations in telemedicine utilization and platforms.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, international online survey was distributed to AO Spine International members.
- Data collected included telemedicine usage, perceived feasibility, and preferred care models.
- Descriptive statistics and regional comparisons were performed.
Main Results:
- 485 spine surgeons participated; telemedicine visits increased from <10% to >39%.
- Regional differences in telemedicine platforms were significant (e.g., video favored in the Americas, phone in Europe/Africa).
- Most surgeons (81.9%) found telemedicine easy to use and feasible for imaging, initial, and follow-up appointments, but 95.4% preferred a preoperative in-person visit.
Conclusions:
- Telemedicine adoption in spine surgery shows significant geographical disparities in both utilization and platform choice.
- A substantial increase in telemedicine use was observed, particularly in North America.
- While telemedicine is perceived as feasible for multiple care stages, a preference for in-person preoperative consultations persists among spine surgeons.
