Abstract
Introduction
Following the publication of our original survey in 2000 (Eur. Sp. J. 11(6):515-8 2002) we have sought to re-evaluate the perceptions and attitudes towards spinal surgery of the current UK orthopaedic Specialist Registrars (SpRs), and to identify factors influencing an interest in spinal surgery. At that time 175 orthopaedic spinal surgeons in the UK needed to increase by 25% to satisfy parity with other European countries.
Methods
A postal questionnaire was sent to all 917 SpRs. The questionnaire sought to identify perceptions in spinal surgery, levels of current training and practice, and intentions to pursue a career in spinal surgery.
Results
A 61% response rate has confirmed that 74% of trainees intend to avoid spinal surgery (69% in 2000). However 10% are committed to become a Specialist Spinal Surgeon (6.5% in 2000). Their perceptions were wide ranging but most concluded that the intellectual challenge and opportunities for research are widely recognised. However enthusiasm is dampened by poor perceptions of outcomes from surgery, negative somatisation and depression associations, complications and the fear of litigation. In some areas there is inadequate exposure to spinal surgery during the first 4 years of training.
Conclusions
Spinal surgery remains a career choice for 10% of surgical trainees (up 3.5% since 2000). With a large SpR expansion (578 to 917 SpRs in the last 5 years) an average of 9 new spinal surgeons annually will be produced over the next six years. This has improved on the figure of 6 per year from 2000. These figures suggest that by 2011 and allowing for retirement, there should be enough spinal surgeons to meet the desired UK/Europe ratio.
