A study published in Spinal Deformity examined familiarity and training for adult spine deformity correction among orthopedic spine surgeons.
Study authors administered a survey to North American Spine Society members to assess the level of training, practice experience and knowledge about spinal deformity. There were 413 orthopedic spine surgeons who responded. Study authors found:
1. The rate of correct answers was 69 percent and surgeons who were in practice for less than 10 years reported a 74 percent correct answer rate, compared to 67 percent among more experienced surgeons.
2. Surgeons who primarily focus on spine — at least 75 percent of their practice dedicated to spine surgery — had a 71 percent correct answer rate, compared to 63 percent for the less focused surgeons.
3. Surgeons who completed a fellowship in spine surgery had a 71 percent correct answer rate, compared with 59 percent for those who didn't have a spine fellowship.
4. Among neurosurgeons, those who were in practice longer had a higher correct answer rate than those who recently entered their practice.
5. Study authors recommended, "Ongoing emphasis on spine deformity should be emphasized to improve adult spinal deformity knowledge base."