FACT SHEET: American Spine Registry 2026 Annual Report

ROSEMONT, Ill. (February 26, 2026)—The American Spine Registry (ASR), a joint initiative between the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), released its 2026 Annual Report today, analyzing spine procedures performed between 2015 and 2023. The report includes discharge disposition for the first time.   

According to orthopaedic surgeon and ASR Executive Committee member Peter Gust Passias, MD, FAAOS, the ASR links real-world data to measurable quality benchmarks. “In spine care, recovery is often gradual and difficult to measure,” said Peter Gust Passias, MD, FAAOS. “By capturing longitudinal, real-world and patient-reported data, the ASR provides a clearer, more objective picture of outcomes and surgical value.”

Report highlights: 

• TLIF/PLIF procedures account for 32.5% of lumbar cases.  
• Spinal stenosis is the most frequently reported lumbar diagnosis (60%).
• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion accounts for 62.2% of cervical procedures.
• Spinal stenosis is also the most frequently reported cervical diagnosis (58.5%).
• The report includes discharge disposition data for the first time. 

ASR Growth

In 2024, cumulative registry volume reached 466,078 procedures, a 36% increase from the prior annual report. 

Why It Matters

Degenerative spine disease is a leading cause of pain, disability and health care utilization. By aggregating real-world procedural and outcomes data at scale, the ASR helps surgeons benchmark care, identify best practices and improve patient outcomes. 

To read and download the complete ASR 2026 Annual Report, visit the ASR website. Slides with facts and figures from the report can be found here. 

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About AAOS  
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients daily. AAOS is the source of information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.   
   
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