Obstacles to Spine Surgery in Limited-Resource Environments

Spine surgery in limited-resource environments is challenging due to the complexity of the procedures, which can involve often-costly implants and imaging or navigation tools that may not be available in all regions and markets. Orthopaedic and neurological surgery residents in low to middle-income countries (LMICs) are faced with limited case exposure, faculty shortages, and a lack of simulation tools, resulting in incomplete spine surgery training. International fellowships, telesurgery integration, and global collaboration can help to address these gaps. The high costs of implants, restricted use of intraoperative neuromonitoring, and limited access to advanced technologies such as robotics and endoscopy may hinder optimal surgical care. These challenges could be mediated by the implementation of cost-effective practices, the establishment of clinical guidelines, and the publication of cost-effectiveness data. LMIC contributions to spine research are limited due to a lack of funding, poor research infrastructure, and publication bias. Building research capacity through mentorship, international partnerships, and regional academic platforms is needed to advance global spine care.