Methods: This study analyzed US public interest in lumbar decompression and fusion surgery using Google Trends data from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2024. The relative search volume (RSV) was used to measure public interest. Temporal trends were assessed using linear regression analysis, whereas seasonal and geographic variations were evaluated using analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Public interest in lumbar decompression and fusion surgery showed a statistically significant upward trend from 2015 to 2024 (p<0.05), with R2 ranging from 0.0141 to 0.6748 across search terms. Monthly analysis revealed that the average search volume was highest in October (78.8%) and lowest in December (68.7%). No significant differences were observed among seasons (p=0.102). Geographically, the highest mean RSV was in the Northeast (43.3%), followed by the West (19.5%), Midwest (12.6%), South (11.1%), and Southwest (10.2%), with significant differences among these regions (p<0.001). Conclusions Public interest in lumbar decompression and fusion surgery has shown a consistent and statistically significant upward trend over the past decade. Although seasonal variation was not significant, notable geographic differences in search volume were observed, with the northeast showing the highest level of interest. These findings highlighted regional disparities in public engagement and may serve as a basis for future healthcare resource planning and patient education strategies.

Purpose: Alcohol use disorder is a leading mental health disorder in the United States. Few studies evaluating the association of alcohol use disorder following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been reported.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with alcohol use disorder undergoing primary THA have higher rates of: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) complications (medical/implant-related);and 3) costs. Materials and Methods: Using a nationwide claims database from January 1st, 2005 to March 31st, 2014, patients with alcohol use disorder undergoing primary THA were identified and matched to a comparison group according to age, sex, and various comorbidities, resulting in 230,467 patients who were included in the study (n=38,416) and a matched-cohort (n=192,051). Outcomes of interest included comparison of LOS, 90-day medical and 2-year implant-related complications, and costs. A P-value less than 0.002 was considered statistically significant. Results: Patients with alcohol use disorder had longer in-hospital LOS (4 days vs 3 days; P<0.0001) as well as higher frequency and odds ratio (OR) of 90-day medical (45.94% vs 12.25%; OR, 2.89; P<0.0001) and 2-year implant-related complications (17.71% vs 8.46%; OR, 1.97; P<0.0001). Patients in the study group incurred higher 90-day costs of care ($17,492.63 vs $14,921.88; P<0.0001). Conclusion With the growing prevalence of alcohol use disorder in the United States, the current investigation can be utilized to evaluate the need for interventions prior to THA which can potentially minimize the rates of morbidity and mortality within this population.