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Spinal Specialty Societies: It is Time for Collaboration and Consolidation
Saurabh Rawal1, Sean Taylor1, Lali Sekhon2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
Clinical Spine Surgery
|May 27, 2026
Summary
The proliferation of international spine societies presents challenges for surgeons. Consolidation and greater inclusivity, particularly for early-career professionals, can optimize resources and foster global collaboration in spine surgery.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Medical societies
- Professional development
Background:
- Rapid growth in international spine societies creates challenges for surgeons.
- Identifying suitable organizations is difficult due to time and financial constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate international spine societies accessible to North American surgeons.
- Propose strategies for consolidation and inclusion within these societies.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of international spine societies.
- Internet search conducted to identify societies open to North American surgeons.
- Societies evaluated based on founding year, fees, benefits, structure, focus, and leadership.
Main Results:
- Sixteen societies identified covering diverse specialties (cervical, lumbar, MIS, SCI, deformity, innovation, endoscopy).
- Broad societies (NASS, AO Spine) suit early-career surgeons.
- Specialized societies (SRS, CSRS, SMISS) benefit mid-to-late career professionals.
Conclusions:
- Proliferation of spine societies leads to redundancy and fragmented efforts.
- Consolidation and increased inclusivity can optimize resources.
- Enhanced global collaboration is possible through strategic society integration.
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