Michael W. Fields

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Michael W. Fields is a spine surgeon and researcher whose work centers on advancing surgical precision and patient outcomes in spinal fusion procedures. His primary research focus is the comparative effectiveness of robot-assisted versus free-hand techniques in lumbar fusion surgery, with a particular emphasis on multi-level cases. Fields’ most cited study, a single-institution cohort analysis of adult patients undergoing robot-assisted spine surgery from 2016 to 2018, directly compares patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between these two approaches. This work provides critical evidence on whether robotic guidance translates into meaningful improvements in pain, function, and quality of life for patients with complex spinal pathologies. By prioritizing PROs over purely technical metrics, Fields’ research bridges the gap between surgical innovation and real-world patient experience. While his citation count is still growing, his contributions are shaping the conversation around value-based spine care and the role of emerging technologies. Fields’ work is particularly relevant for clinicians and researchers evaluating the clinical utility of robotic systems in orthopedics, offering a patient-centered lens on a rapidly evolving surgical landscape.