Which spine surgery techniques are most appealing to the public? A survey examining public perception of spine surgery techniques and factors associated with procedure preference.

Background: Public awareness and understanding of spine surgery techniques can influence patient decision-making and outcomes. Healthcare organizations often market these techniques, but the public's comprehension and perceptions of these procedures remain unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted via an online platform. The target population was the general United States population, with filters set for English-speaking participants aged 18 and older, and a Prolific approval rating of 80-100%. The survey collected demographic data and responses on awareness of spine surgery techniques, understanding of these techniques, perceived effectiveness, personal preferences, concerns, and decision-making processes in surgeon selection. Multivariate linear regression was employed to analyze the influence of demographic variables on surgical preferences. Results: High awareness was observed for spinal fusion (76.9%) and disc replacement (79.3%), while terms like laminectomy (19.7%) and AR-assisted spine surgery (10.9%) were less known. "Robotic spine surgery" and "disc replacement" were perceived as the most efficacious. ``Minimally invasive'' techniques and "laser spine surgery" were the preferred choices. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex, insurance type, income, and location significantly influenced surgical preferences. Concerns about surgical complications (87%) and recovery time (68.1%) were prevalent. Social media, particularly YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, were primary information sources. Surgeon selection was mainly influenced by professional recommendations and hospital reputations. Conclusions: The study identifies significant gaps in public knowledge of spine surgery techniques and underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve patient understanding and decision-making.