Orthopaedic surgeons continue their education by participating in various fellowship programs after completing their residencies, where they gain more experience or instruction in specialty procedures. Orthopedic surgeons may decide to concentrate specifically on one procedure, or they may decide to divide their practice, which covers the spine, hip, knees, hands, wrists, shoulders, ankles, feet, and elbows, among other joints.
The spine is distinctive among all bony structures, with a complex structure that necessitates accuracy for spinal surgery and a high level of expertise and dedication. With time, it is evolving into a specialty, with orthopedic physicians focusing on it becoming spine surgeons.
When do you need a spine surgeon?
Rarely does a patient walk into a spine surgery office without a referral. Their primary care physician must make a preliminary diagnosis to ascertain the root of the patient’s issue. If and when: A doctor will recommend their patient see a spine surgeon.
- A patient suffers neck or back pain that may be severe or ongoing.
- an injury to the back, neck, or nervous system in general
- An individual has a degenerative medical disorder that affects the spine’s bones, muscles, or nerves.
- A patient suffers from a congenital spine abnormality.
- The doctor determines that there is a central nervous system disorder.
When a spine surgeon is recommended, many individuals are concerned that they may need to have spine surgery of some kind. The opposite is not always true.
What are the surgeries performed by a spine surgeon?
Surgery is frequently the last option when all other options fail to yield the desired results. Therefore, spine surgeons offer other therapies in addition to or instead of spinal surgery. Treatments such as:
- Patients who don’t need surgery because of their abnormalities or injuries can benefit from physiotherapy
- Management of chronic disorders that affect the back and neck, such as arthritis, by fitting orthopedic devices to repair deformities and injuries; they can be used before or after surgery.
- Radiosurgery to remove lesions and cancers in the spine.
- The neurosurgeon frequently performs this kind of treatment.
- Most patients who genuinely require spinal surgery frequently require spinal fusion surgery to treat chronic, severe neck pain and loss of function.
Conclusion
If your doctor advises that you consult a spine surgeon, there is a group of surgeons that provides specialized care. Following a consultation with our spine surgeon, you will receive individualized care for your needs, putting you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.