If you are looking for a spine surgeon, it is important to note that there are different types of practitioners in the field. Orthopedics is a special medical discipline that focuses on the skeletal system of the body, which comprises muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, and tendons. An orthopedic spine surgeon is basically an orthopaedic doctor who further specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of spinal disorders and injuries. Some of these orthopedic doctors work in general practice, while others operate in a hospital or medical clinic. A number of specialists conduct their private practices.
orthopedic spine specialists
Typically, specialists perform surgery to treat conditions like herniated discs, fractures, and sprains. Some orthopedic spine specialists also provide surgical procedures to treat conditions like scoliosis, degenerative disc disease (DDD), pinched nerves, tumors, and spinal stenosis. Other specialists provide services such as spinal ultrasound technology, endoscopic exploration, lumbar surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques, laser spine surgery, and open management. Generally, specialists in orthopedics work in general surgery, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, orthopedics, podiatry, pediatrics, pulmonology, thoracic surgery, urology, and trauma.
Spine surgeries typically require several consultations before surgery is approved. During the initial consultation, a physical therapist will evaluate your medical history and suggest possible surgical treatments. Your spine surgeon will then recommend orthopaedic spine surgeons who are board certified in orthopedics. Upon approval of your treatment plan, your surgeon will take you into surgery. Here are some of the common surgeries performed by orthopaedic spine surgeons:
Spinal Decompression is a minimally invasive form of surgical treatment. During this procedure, a spinal decompression inserts a hand crank into each vertebrae so that they are gently bent back into position. The neurosurgeons may also apply external traction or apply localized anesthetic. Spine surgeons perform spinal decompression in one of two ways: through an open approach or through a closed method. Neurosurgeons may also combine both methods for better results.
Spine Surgeon: Neurosurgeons
Spinal Stenosis Surgery This is the most common surgery performed by an orthopedic spine surgeon. It involves the surgical removal of damaged discs or other abnormal tissue found along the spinal cord and spine. The surgeon can perform a minimally invasive procedure or a more complicated one using a lumbar laminectomy to remove a portion of the lumbar spine. This surgery is often done to relieve symptoms of spinal stenosis or other degenerative spinal conditions like Paget's disease, which causes a narrowing of the spinal canal.
Spine Deformity/worms: During this procedure, the surgeon removes or treats tumors, cysts, or live worms. A study published by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reported that performing thoracic decompression with the use of steroids led to an increase in mortality compared to patients who underwent non-steroid surgery. Also reported was an increased incidence of mortality with pediatric patients. The study published by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) recommends that bariatric surgeons perform thoracic decompression only in cases of suspected or confirmed spinal stenosis or any other bariatric surgery.
To prevent complications from occurring after spinal stenosis or other conditions, you should not perform invasive procedures during your initial evaluation. This includes lumbar surgery, rhomboids surgery, or any kind of neck surgery. You should also refrain from performing invasive surgeries on your back, such as laminectomy. Performing non-invasive procedures such as ultrasound, laser, or radio wave therapy may help improve your long term outcome if you have spinal stenosis.
Spine Surgeon: Neurosurgeons perform spinal surgeries that are geared for treating or preventing disorders of the nervous system. These include stroke, head injuries, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease. A spinal surgeon may perform neurosurgery, but many surgeons perform all surgeries with the assistance of anesthesiologists. Most other spine surgeons perform surgeries independently. You can visit https://geraldalexandermd.com/orange-county-orthopaedic-spine-surgeon/
