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12 SPINE SURGEONS How Google ranks top spine surgeons By Laura Dyrda A group of researchers examined how Google ranks top spine sur- geons and published their findings in Spine. e study authors searched for the top 25 spine surgeon websites by search rankings for the largest 25 cities in the U.S. ey analyzed the websites for information including degrees, experience and characteris- tics of the practice, as well as online ratings and social media followers. ere were 625 surgeon websites examined in the study. Researchers found: 1. e categorical variables that correlated with higher average Google search terms were orthopedics instead of neurosurgery as the special- ty; board certification; and top 40 residency program graduation. 2. ere was not a significant difference in the physicians with an MD versus DO credential. 3. e number of years in practice, publications or H-index did not correlate with online search rankings. 4. Social media followers and online rankings on sites like Healthgrades did not correlate with ranking among top results of Google searches. 5. e study authors concluded: "Google search rankings do not al- ways align with patient preferences, currently promoting orthopedic over neurosurgical specialists, graduating from top residency pro- grams and board certification, while largely ignoring academic pedi- gree, research, social media presence, and online ratings." In a viewpoint published by Spine, William Weeks, MD, Nitesh Jain, and James Weinstein, DO, wrote, "We anticipate that future consum- ers of elective surgeries (like most spine surgeries) will seek informa- tion more indicative of quality than those that [this article] studied, such as surgical volumes, surgical appropriateness, and process and outcomes measures." To ensure patients have that information, the authors said custom- er-friendly tools, longitudinal billing data and patient remote out- comes will need to be aggregated to help patients decide on the best place to seek spine care. e authors warn that search engines that don't take these factors into consideration "will usher medicine into an era of chicanery, where advertising, social media presence and mis- leading or contrived evaluations will influence care decisions to the detriment of those who believe them." n Dr. Nikolay Martirosyan performs single-position spine surgery, cuts OR time by 1 hour By Alan Condon N eurosurgeon Nikolay Martirosyan, MD, PhD, performed a minimally invasive spine surgery that reduces time in the operating room by one hour, NBC affiliate KWWL reported Sept. 24. Coined "prone, single-position spine surgery," the pro- cedure is available at a select number of hospitals in the U.S., according to Dr. Martirosyan. The patient lies face down for the duration of the sur- gery, which translates into less anesthetic for the patient, reduced blood loss and a significantly shortened proce- dure time. After consulting with a mentor who performed the pro- cedure, Dr. Martirosyan replicated the surgery at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. He has performed the novel surgery three times and aims to use it with most of his patients. n NASS reveals winners of 2020 Recognition Awards — Drs. Richard Guyer, Jeffrey Wang & more By Alan Condon T he North American Spine Society on Oct. 5 announced the winners of its 2020 Recognition Awards. Honorees are nominated by their peers for outstanding con- tributions to NASS and the spine field. Following are the winners of this year's awards: Richard Guyer, MD, won the Leon Wiltse Award for demon- strating excellence in leadership and clinical research in spine care. Jeffrey Wang, MD, received the Spine Advocacy Award for his contribution to federal advocacy efforts on behalf of pa- tients and NASS members. Barbara Boyan, PhD, earned the Henry Farfan Award for ex- celling in spine-related basic science research. Michael Klein Jr., MD, received the David Selby Award for his work on the art and science of spinal disorder management. n