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 Neurosurgeon or Orthapedic Surgeon?
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KeithEugeneW Veteran  Posts: 337 |
posted 02-27-2003 08:34 PM
  
When considering a surgeon for a 2 level ACDF surgery, who is better qualified for the job, a Neurosurgeon or Orthapedic Surgeon? I have heard two opinions, one in favor of each, so don't know what to think. IP: Logged |
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melanie dawn Senior Veteran Posts: 529 |
posted 02-27-2003 09:18 PM
Hi Kieth, I know that in the us both do necks. Here in Canada only neuros do the necks(generally). I do know that when a case is complicated an ortho will refer the patient to a neuro. We are dealing with skeletal tissue that abuts the neuro tissues and cord. In by opinion , I would not have any but a neuro care for me. I want a neuro, who can care for my nerves and spinal cord and assess them. I do not mean to denegrate the orthos, but neurosurgeons and neurologists specialize in these structures. I am sure there are orthos who do a fine job, but just in case of complications or more serious damage than expected. I want a neuro. Of course this is my opinion. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do. Mel IP: Logged |
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SherryElaine Veteran Posts: 299 |
posted 02-28-2003 11:58 AM
Here are my thoughts.. Neuro does backs and brain surgery. Ortho only does backs if you get a spine specialist. My doctor is ortho and is a specialist in reconstructive spine surgery only and has training with nerves also. Only thing he would not be able to do is like a surgery for a tumor on spine then he would refer to a neuro..... I personally know 4 people that have had cervial surgery and 3 used ortho and one use neuro and all had good outcomes.... ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Mike32 Junior Member  Posts: 9 |
posted 02-28-2003 12:59 PM
I'm with Sherry. I have seen 2 neurosurgeons and 2 orthopedic for my issue. The best assesment and comfort level for me came from the second ortho who was a specialist for reconstructive neck/back surgery at a back institute. He seemed to have a more global view of contributing factors. I have averted surgery thus far but it is on my mind as well. Mike IP: Logged |
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Mike32 Junior Member Posts: 9 |
posted 02-28-2003 12:59 PM
I'm with Sherry. I have seen 2 neurosurgeons and 2 orthopedic for my issue. The best assesment and comfort level for me came from the second ortho who was a specialist for reconstructive neck/back surgery at a back institute. He seemed to have a more global view of contributing factors. I have averted surgery thus far but it is on my mind as well. Mike IP: Logged |
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empi Member Posts: 64 |
posted 03-03-2003 06:28 PM
I disagreee with all my good friends here. I believe a Neursurgeon is far better equipped to handle the very delicate area of the cervical area. But that's my own opinion. I believe most people in here who've had a cervical discectomy have used a neurosurgeon. I might be wrong though empi IP: Logged |
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BWL Senior Veteran Posts: 593 |
posted 03-03-2003 06:40 PM
Hi Keith- When I searched for a surgeon it seemed that there were the neuros and the orthos and then those that specialized in spine surgery that came from both disciplines. In either case if you get someone that does nothing, but spines, you should be okay. One thing my surgeon did that helped my comfort level was the use of spinal cord monitoring during surgery. After I was asleep another doctor (a PhD actually) wired me up head to toe, his only job was that of watching all of his toys for signs of nerve activity/inactivity. He is bascially an early warning system for the surgeon and lets him know if there is any monitored body activity that might indicate he's getting too close to a nerve and /or the cord. I found this to be incrediby comforting. Not all doctor's do this, but I wouldn't do it again without. FYI - I was originally seeking a neuro, but my guy was trained as an ortho and spines are all he's ever done.He's probably in his late 50's, early 60's. My neurologist told me this is who he would go to if he ever needed spine work, which for me was a great endorsement. Maybe you should ask your neurologist too? That is, who would they personally go to if he needed surgery? Good luck ------------------ [This message has been edited by BWL (edited 03-03-2003).] [This message has been edited by BWL (edited 03-03-2003).] IP: Logged |
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KeithEugeneW Veteran Posts: 337 |
posted 03-06-2003 06:56 PM
The orthapedic surgeon I see specializes totally in spine surgery, and comes highly recommended, so I have a great deal of faith in him. He referred me to a neurologist to rule out MS when a slight discoloration was found on my cord in the MRI, which turned out to be nothing to worry about (thankfully!). I just got my 2nd of 3 epidural injections today, and have another appointment Apr 10th to see the orthapedic surgeon after my 3rd injection, to see where we go from there. I was comfortable with the possibility of ACDF surgery with my surgeon, just wanted to get the input from all of you folks out there who have been there and done that, especially since I had heard and read different points on going to a neurosurgeon vs the orthapedic surgeon. I learned nothing if not that I should always get as much information as possible on something as important as this before making my decision on what course of action to take. My personal thanks to all of you who have taken the time to reply and educate me that much more! IP: Logged |
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JUDYBY Member Posts: 27 |
posted 03-06-2003 07:06 PM
I totally agree with BWL, during my surgery, done by a Neurosurgeon, I also was monitored by a PhD for spinal cord monitoring during surgery. I had seen an Ortho and he was the one who actually referred me to a Neurosurgeon as he felt he was more suited for the type of surgery I was having. I felt completely comfortable with both of them, very knowledgeable, etc. but when it came down to the fine tuning aspect of my surgery, the Neurosurgeon seemed more suited for it. But, of course, that was just my case, and everyone is different. I think you really have to go with your gut instincts as to who you feel more comfortable with. I'm now 4 months post-op, I had posterior surgery, am still in physical therapy but doing better all the time. Good luck with your decision. Judy IP: Logged |
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deana p Senior Member Posts: 103 |
posted 03-06-2003 08:40 PM
On my deal...I had my PCP who referred me to McBride Clinic here in OKC. I saw a great Ortho there Dr Holden, who tried lots of diffrent things( 3 epidural..PT..meds..etc)..then after none of that worked , he referred me to an associate in his office the does neck surgeries. Dr Brock Schnebel( who was the head Dr for the 98 olympics, treated the girl who broke her neck there), was the head Dr at Goodwill games..and is the head Dr for University of OK and other sports orgs here). He tried diffrent stuff too and FINALLY sent me to another Dr for a last opinion for surgery. The Neuro ,Dr Stan Pelofsky..(GREAT credintials ! look him up on line) So they both are going to to do mine on March 17th. I feel Im getting the best of both worlds.!! Mine is going to be a C5C6 with fusion. And the thought of a hard collar makes me wanna scream !!!...I hope I dont have to wear that !.The soft one is bad enough. I can only stand that thing for a few minutes at a time !! hope I dont sound like a commercial !..maybe trying to psych myself up for this ! deana IP: Logged |
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SORENECKMAN Member Posts: 67 |
posted 03-06-2003 09:07 PM
Deaana, Sounds like youve done your homework... After my surgery I feel great and its nothing to even get worried about.. You will be in great hands ... Hardly even an incision.. Its great J ------------------ IP: Logged |
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deana p Senior Member Posts: 103 |
posted 03-06-2003 09:14 PM
Not much of a mark ? Man..thats GREAT !!...I hope I dont have one on my hip either !.. my post wasnt offensive was it ?? after I reread it I thought it looked pretty juvenile..
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KeithEugeneW Veteran Posts: 337 |
posted 03-07-2003 06:53 PM
Not at all, it sounded like you have done the right thing and done the research you needed to in order to have confidence in your decision. If I was you I'd sleep very well at night knowing that! IP: Logged |
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