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Why a Spine Surgeon? |
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| The need for specialization | With the
advent of new techniques for treating spine disease, the discipline of spine
surgery has grown rapidly. No longer can the general orthopedic or general
neurosurgeon handle the complete array of spine-related problems presented.
Spine surgery techniques have become so rapidly evolving and complex that
a new discipline "spine surgery" has been born in the medical community. |
| The need for specialized equipment |  A
physician trained specifically in spine surgery may
be better adapted to adhere to certain principles than his counterpart who
have either trained as a general neuro or orthopedic surgeon. Careful handling
of nerve tissue which will ultimately reduce postoperative scarring and
reduce the chances of intraoperative tissue damage are more likely for the
individual who is well versed in the use of micro-instruments techniques
and visualization with illumination. Most spine surgeons now agree that
the use of high powered magnification either through a microscope or special
magnifying glasses is essential for handling tissue around the spine. The
well trained spine surgeon will also have at his disposal a complete array
of techniques which can be individualized to patients. A surgeon which utilizes
a narrow range of techniques applied to all spine pathology should be viewed
with suspicion. Every patient presenting with a spine problem necessitating
surgery will have some unique quality which will require adaptation of all
known surgical techniques. |
| New evaluation criteria |
Traditional outcome after spine reconstruction surgery may be measured
based on symptomatic relief and the presence of a solid bony fusion. Contrary
to intuitive thinking though, the presence of a solid fusion does not
necessarily correlate completely with the resolution of symptoms. Such
factors as the correct primary diagnosis as well as technical considerations
about the surgery may improve the overall results over the short term.
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| Short term resolution of symptoms though should
not be the complete criteria by which spinal reconstruction surgery is judged.
Also, symptoms may be relieved for a short period of time by adequate fusion
surgery and results may degrade over time if the reconstruction is not performed
in a way which either recreates or corrects sagittal plane imbalance. |
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| The importance balance | A key factor which will identify a surgeon qualified to do high quality spine surgery will be a record of producing spinal balance if spinal reconstruction is necessary. Little skill is necessary to produce a spinal fusion. Significant skill is necessary to recreate spinal balance (see balance). |
The information in eSpine.com is not intended as a substitute for medical advice but is to be used as an aid in understanding back pain and neck pain. Always consult your physician about your medical condition. All content and images © 1999-2007 eSpine, Inc Last modified: October 1st, 2005 |
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