If you’re undergoing a surgical procedure in the spine, you’ll need to choose a spine surgeon carefully. You can make a mistake if you don’t know what to look for. While some doctors specialize in the spine, others specialize in different areas of the body. You’ll also want to choose a surgeon who specializes in your specific condition.
Neurosurgeon
A Neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who specializes in spine surgery. They can perform a variety of treatments to correct a patient’s spinal problems. The ultimate goal of a neurosurgeon is to avoid surgery and provide the best possible treatment for the patient. It is important for patients to choose a neurosurgeon who takes the time to learn about the patient’s needs and goals. This will help the surgeon choose the appropriate procedure for the patient.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Dan Riew is a world-renowned spine surgeon. He has been ranked as one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons and is one of the few neurosurgeons specializing exclusively in cervical spine conditions. His advanced expertise includes minimally invasive outpatient treatments as well as complex revision surgeries. He has performed more cervical spine surgery procedures than any other surgeon in the world.
Orthopedic spine surgeon
Orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in a wide variety of spine conditions. It is important to choose a surgeon with a good history of treating your specific condition. Also, you should choose someone who has performed many spine procedures with good outcomes. You can find this information by consulting with other patients who have had similar spinal conditions or who have received the same type of spinal surgery.
While many physicians refer patients to orthopedic spine surgeons for diagnosis and treatment, few studies have examined the referral patterns of primary care physicians (PCPs). This study aimed to explore trends in PCP referrals to neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. The researchers studied 450 primary care physicians in three locations. They completed a 24-question survey to determine their referral patterns to orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a part of the spine. It can be performed in a single procedure or as part of a larger surgical procedure. It may be performed using specialized tools or a large incision. Less invasive techniques may be more effective in reducing post-operative pain and speeding up recovery. Usually, patients can return to ispine.com.au work or other daily activities within two weeks after the procedure. However, if spinal fusion is necessary, the recovery time may be longer.
Before the procedure, patients must undergo a series of pre-operative tests and visit an anesthetist. An IV line may be started in the arm or hand, and a urinary drainage catheter may be inserted. Then, they will be placed under general or spinal anaesthesia. During the surgery, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor the patient’s heart rate and blood oxygen level.
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spinal surgery performed to relieve pain associated with a herniated disc. This procedure makes small incisions in the spine, shifts soft tissue out of the way, and removes a small portion of bone overlying the herniated disc. The surgical process is often completed in the outpatient setting.
Microdiscectomy is most often performed as an outpatient procedure. The recovery time is normally about 23 hours. Most patients can return to work in a week or two. However, patients should avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks after the procedure.
Lumbar fusion
Lumbar fusion surgery is a surgical procedure that combines several different techniques into one single procedure. This surgery involves making a small incision in the patient’s back, removing the intervertebral disc, and placing a material between the vertebrae. This material can be bone or a synthetic bone-like material.
After spinal fusion surgery, patients will stay in the hospital for a few days. More extensive procedures may require longer stays. The patient will be given pain medications, a brace, and physical therapy. For the first few days, patients are not allowed to drive or perform strenuous activities, including lifting or twisting their back. Typically, patients will be able to return to work in three to six weeks.