While spine and orthopedic surgeons may be prepared to execute flawless operations for their patients on surgery day, several other factors can determine whether a surgery is successful. 

The orthopedic leaders who will get ahead in 2025 will home in on opportunities and communication.

Getting familiar with enabling technologies and other innovations should be a top priority for spine surgeons who want to have a strong 2025.

Spine surgery has a glaring gender disparity, and there are notable gaps between orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons, says Rachel Bratescu, MD, of Washington, D.C.-based George Washington University Hospital.

The future of spine robots is headed to automation, but the transition to the technology can be smoother than anticipated, Jason Lowenstein, MD, said.

Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, shared his expertise with Becker's on topics including artificial intelligence and spine robots.

Endoscopic spine surgery is poised to play an increasing role in patient care, but questions about dominating techniques and payer responses remain, Brandon Hirsch, MD, said.

Ravi Chari, MD, CEO of Orthopaedic Solutions Management, is staying one step ahead of a challenging healthcare landscape.

Ezriel Kornel, MD, has spent his career at the forefront of spine surgery's advancement. 

A second term under President-elect Donald Trump has a broad range of implications for the direction of healthcare policy and spine care.

Four key elements have helped Justin Scheer, MD, of Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai, assess the value of new spine innovations in a growing landscape.

Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute has been at the forefront of spine care, and recently a team partnered with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in the same city to develop a device for paralysis patients called NuroSleeve.

A national IV fluid shortage expected to affect the healthcare landscape through the remainder of the year has some spine surgeons thinking about how stay prepared when unexpected supply chain issues strike.

Across the nation health systems and physician practices are reeling amid an IV fluid shortage after Hurricane Helene damaged a Baxter International plant in North Carolina. Spine surgeons discuss how they are strategizing amid the ripple effects.

Endoscopic spine surgery has a significant learning curve to overcome, but it's not out of reach for spine surgeons at any stage of their careers, Dean Perfetti, MD, told Becker's.

As quarter four is underway, spine leaders are doubling down on key priorities to finish the year strong and pave the way for success in 2025.

Payers and CMS have been  pain points for spine surgeons in 2024 and some physicians are thinking about the year ahead.

Orthopedic surgeon Daniel Buchalter, MD, has been on the forefront of orthopedic technology in his training and early career. 

From endoscopic cases to payer relations and more, several experts in spine surgery shared their insights with Becker's during the third quarter.

Orthopedic surgery has always been a family affair for Daniel Buchalter, MD. He grew up watching his father care for the community, and now Dr. Buchalter is following in his footsteps.