Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
05:30
Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion
Published on: February 14, 2025
Longitudinal changes in women's representation in spine surgery: a 10-year medicare database analysis
Selena Ding1, Matthew Miyasaka1, Madison Leone1
1Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.
Summary
Female representation in spine surgery is increasing, but their procedural volume has not significantly risen. More women are entering spine surgery, yet their share of procedures remains disproportionately low compared to men.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spine Surgery
Background:
- Increasing numbers of women entering orthopedic and neurosurgery residencies.
- Limited data on female representation specifically within spine surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze longitudinal trends in female representation among spine surgeons.
- To assess the proportion of spine procedures performed by female surgeons over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data from 2013-2022.
- Included index spine procedures billed by orthopedic and neurosurgeons.
- Assessed trends in surgeon numbers and procedures billed, stratified by gender.
Main Results:
- Modest increase in the number of female spine surgeons from 2013-2022.
- Female surgeons billed fewer overall and unique spine procedures annually compared to male surgeons.
- No significant trend observed in procedural volume disparity over time; high-volume female surgeons did not differ from high-volume male surgeons in volume or CPT codes.
Conclusions:
- While more women are entering spine surgery, their procedural share has not significantly increased.
- Findings highlight a persistent gap in procedural volume despite increased representation.
- Results can guide initiatives to enhance opportunities for women in surgical training and practice.