Most spine surgeons now agree that the use of high powered magnification either through a microscope or special magnifying glasses is essential for handling tissue around the spine. The well trained spine surgeon will also have at his disposal a complete array of techniques which can be individualized to patients. A surgeon which utilizes a narrow range of techniques applied to all spine pathology should be viewed with suspicion. Every patient presenting with a spine problem necessitating surgery will have some unique quality which will require adaptation of all known surgical techniques. A key factor which will identify a surgeon qualified to do high quality spine surgery will be a record of producing spinal balance if spinal reconstruction is necessary.
Little skill is necessary to produce a spinal fusion.