Reflections on the future of telemedicine and virtual spinal clinics in the post COVID-19 era

Highlights

•Both patients and surgeons seem to show significant satisfaction with virtual spinal clinics.

•Virtual spinal clinics may be an important adjunct to traditional face-to-face clinics.

•Limitations in physical examination constitute main concern.

•Patient selection is an important factor in deciding who is a suitable candidate for a virtual spinal clinic.

•Medicolegal concerns need to be adequately addressed if spinal virtual clinics are to be routinely used.