JBJS - 2026-09-23 - Journal Article
Spine Surgery Missions in Low-Resource Settings: Practical Considerations and Lessons Learned.
Nassar JE, Jenkins NW, Bailey S, Poyser D, John M, Raad M, Bess S, Lawrence P, Neil I, George S, Fischer C, Brooks JT, Menga EN
Topics
Key Takeaway
Spine surgery missions in low-resource settings require sustained institutional partnerships and ethical patient selection frameworks, drawn from experience across 2 Jamaican hospital systems under the Back to Healing initiative.
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Summary
This expert opinion and experiential review addresses the logistical, ethical, and relational challenges of conducting spine surgery missions in low-resource settings. Drawing on missions within 2 Jamaican hospital systems, the authors outline frameworks for financial planning, equipment logistics, OR throughput, and patient selection under resource constraints. No quantitative outcomes data are reported; recommendations are consensus-based from mission experience.
Key Limitation
The absence of any patient outcome, complication, or cost-effectiveness data prevents assessment of whether these missions improve patient health beyond anecdotal experience.
Original Abstract
Spine surgery missions in low-resource settings can meaningfully close global gaps in access to care but require careful logistical and relational planning. Drawing on collaborative missions within 2 Jamaican hospital systems under the Back to Healing nonprofit initiative, we review financial realities, logistical barriers, ethical responsibilities, and human dimensions that define high-impact missions. Success depends on financial planning and transparency, equipment logistics, intraoperative adaptability, and operating room throughput, but equally on sustained partnership with host institutions and local teams. Patient selection carries particular ethical weight under resource constraints, and training and research opportunities further support long-term collaboration. Practical recommendations are offered for surgeons and institutions planning missions.