Although orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons have different training backgrounds, their outcomes for spine surgery were largely the same, according to a study published in Spine.
Researchers looked at 16 studies that compared outcomes between orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons, according to the study published Feb. 28.
Evaluations didn't find differences in readmission rates, complication rates, reoperation rates or length of hospital stay between orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons. However, orthopedic surgeons tended to have shorter operative times for spine cases, and neurosurgeons had a significantly lower rate of postoperative blood transfusions.
The study concluded, "Although there is significant data heterogeneity, our meta-analysis found that neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons have similar readmission, complication, and reoperation rates regardless of the type of spine surgery performed."