@kdks99 My understanding of artificial intelligence is that is looks at statistics of outcomes. For example, I'm typing here, and it can suggest grammar changes and correct spellings based on how language has been used and recorded, but I don't think AI and the computer has any critical thinking ability. I do think that in decision making, we have to try to understand what will happen in the future, and our best understanding on if surgery can improve upon that future. Success of surgery also depends a lot on patient overall health and age, and their motivation for a good recovery. Surgeons do have preferred methods of operating and favorite implants to use, so you can find differing opinions if you consult several. There are just different ways to approach a problem, and some may be a better solution for some patients and not others. In some instances, no surgery is the best choice for the patient.

I think surgical decisions are based on evidence of the findings in imaging and testing, but ultimately, the patient decides to proceed or not with surgery. Those are difficult decisions when you don't know everything that can be known about what you'll go through, and the surgeon most likely doesn't have personal experience in being a patient with the surgery he is recommending. The surgeon needs to educate and recommend what is best for the patient as an expert opinion. For the most part, spine surgery is considered elective unless there is a catastrophic injury that requires immediate action to preserve live or avoid paralysis.