Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon? Does it Matter? - HealthCentral https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis. Review/update the Here, Dr. Lowenstein also conducted research to help clinical staff determine innovative methods for treating spinal deformities, such as spondylolisthesis or scoliosis. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may also need to see a spinal surgeon (neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon). In fact, the search engine king employs a sophisticated algorithm designed to weed out spam and phony reviews. While neurosurgeons have been considered the primary physicians for spine surgery, spinal operations have evolved throughout the years, giving both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons the ability to specialize in this surgical procedure. There are some differences we can compare. In common parlance, the term spine surgeon is often used by referring physicians to designate an orthopedic surgeon with some advanced training in spine surgery. But again, its important not to let a certain degree of overlap between neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery obscure the important differences highlighted above. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of But some people's symptoms stay the same or get worse after surgery. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - OrthoInfo - AAOS health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Stenosis: Stenosis is usually a degenerative process in which the spinal canal narrows, causing compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. 26th ed. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. That confusion is well-warranted and runs so deep that even referring physicians dont fully understand the difference between the two professions. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms. Usually a result of the "wear-and-tear" changes in an individual's spine that occur naturally with age, spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine typically produces pain, cramping, numbness, weakness and/or a pins-and-needles feeling in the legs . It is important for patients to realize that both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons perform spine surgery. However, some types of spinal surgery are very specialized. 14th ed. Similarly, both pediatric and adult scoliosis and other spinal deformities are still primarily treated surgically by orthopedic spine specialists. Some people also have back pain. An orthopedic surgeon may specialize in any bone or joint disorder, including arthritis, bone tumors, hand injuries or joint replacement in the hip, knee, or shoulder. What medications or supplements do you take regularly? Another important difference in training pertains quite simply to the amount of surgical experience available to neurosurgery and orthopedics residents. Imaging tests These tests may include: X-rays. Intraarticular and soft tissue injections: What agent(s) to inject and how frequently? At these institutions, orthopedic residents in-training may be exposed to a volume of spine surgeries comparable to many neurosurgery programs. In fact, one spinal condition that is primarily treated by orthopedic surgeons is scoliosis. It can be very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of back pain, even if imaging tests show disk . Mayo Clinic. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Return to sports following discectomy: does a consensus exist? Neurosurgery training involves the brain and spine. In laymans terms, a neurosurgeon focuses primarily on the brain and its communication with the rest of the body. Surgeon input can increase the value of registry data: early - PubMed Lumbar spinal stenosis. Orthopedic Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon: Which Doctor is Right for You? And how can patients spot the difference between and orthopedic and a neurosurgeon? The only good choice is the choice thats best for you. Allscripts EPSi. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, which can cause numbness, weakness or pain. . All neurosurgeons trained in the United States (and many places abroad) gain experience in the diagnosis and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of spinal disorders during a six or seven year residency training program after medical school. Orthopedic surgeons, on the other hand, have a much narrower focus, specializing specifically with the spine, back, and neck. Also, why should you trust Google reviews over other metrics? The only thing we do is spine. Today there are a large number of both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who specialize in spine surgery. Check your doctors fellowship status. Degenerative conditions related to aging are the ones that most often end up requiring surgery, says Dr. Francis Farhadi, a spinal neurosurgeon at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical. Neither can anyone claim that either neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons are always the better choice. When to See a Surgeon for Spinal Stenosis | Spine-health Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that deals with medical issues related specifically to the nervous system. June 29, 2022. Though most patients think of neurosurgeons as "brain surgeons", it may be interesting to know that the majority of operations performed by neurosurgeons across the country are spine surgeries. Dr. Mark Mclaughlin, Electricians vs Carpenters, accessed Jan. 22, 2020, https://www.markmclaughlinmd.com/articles/electricians-vs-carpenters, 4. include protected health information. Though things were different many years ago, today there are a large number of both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who specialize in spine surgery. For a referral to a Washington University neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 888.998.7218. There is no certification process at the present time that is recognized by the "father" board, the American Board of Medical Specialties. All rights reserved. Augmedics snaps up $82.5M to advance spinal surgery using AR and AI If we combine this information with your protected Spinal stenosis happens when the space inside the backbone is too small. Well delve into some of these fundamental differences below before revealing our top recommendation for vetting prospective spine surgeons. A laminotomy removes only a portion of the lamina, the back part of a spinal bone. Vague marketing language, fake reviews, ads, flashy names for surgical procedures, paid top-doctor awards and more can lead uninformed patients to feel that anyone who calls themselves a spine surgeon does the exact same things as all the other spine surgeons online. Privacy Policy, Dr. Jason Lowenstein Featured in Morristown Orthopedics Complex Case Review, Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), Intradural tumors (i.e. A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions that affect your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord and nerves. Orthopedic surgeons have begun to acquire competence in nerve-related treatments, and neurosurgeons have become well-versed in traditional orthopedic procedures pertaining to bone growth, bone fusions, and orthopedic reconstruction. Each of our surgeons has received advanced fellowship training in a particularly sophisticated subdomain of spinal pathology. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Other conditions such as herniated discs, tumors or traumatic spinal injuries can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal or swelling of the spinal cord. Call 314-362-3577 for Patient Appointments. Gerald E. Rodts, Jr., M.D., Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Lawrence G. Lenke, M.D., Professor of Orthopedic Surgery. However, if both surgeons are equally qualified, is there a difference between the two? Within the last 20 years, advances in technology have allowed for a certain degree of cross-specialization among neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Like Dr. Gatto and Dr. Lowenstein, Dr. Naseef is also a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with nearly 20 years of serviceall key markers of extensive training in spine surgery. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Some people are born with a small spinal canal. Treatments are self-care remedies, physical . Accessed May 9, 2022. This creates more room within the spinal canal. Laminoplasty is done only on the spinal bones in the neck. Stenosis - Neurosurgery | UCLA Health June 29, 2022. The biggest and most fundamental difference is also the most obvious: orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons receive different training in different medical fields! information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with This is the traditional approach, also called decompression surgery, where surgeons create space by removing the lamina - the part of the vertebra that covers your spinal canal. While in Baltimore, Dr. Naseef also acquired additional training in pediatric oncology through Johns Hopkins University, currently regarded as the top spine surgery program in the country. More specifically, this means deciding, Should I enlist the skills of a neurosurgeon? Most orthopedic surgeons today operate less than neurosurgeons; however, they typically perform hip and knee replacement surgeries and largely serve the senior community and athletes. Some such subspecialties pertain to specific parts of the body, like the elbow or knee, while others pertain to types of surgery, such as adult joint reconstruction or pediatric surgery. The average individual neurosurgery resident simply gets much more surgical experience than the average individual orthopedics resident. Dr. Gatto earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University, where he was awarded The Barnett Award for Excellence in Medicine and The Clark Award for Excellence in Research. If you need to be evaluated for a spinal problem or you need spinal surgery, it's important to understand which specialist to reach out to. Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal or tunnel that houses the neural elements (nerves) that travel along the spinal column. For patients who wish to establish an on-going relationship with their neurosurgeon, this infrastructure may prove slightly more difficult to navigate. Spinal Stenosis: Nerve Compression Causing Neck & Back Pain Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and/or disorders that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal column, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Causes of spinal stenosis include: Most people with spinal stenosis are over age 50. Mayo Clinic. Dont make the easy mistake of assuming that your doctor is board-certified simply because theyve graduated from medical school. Dr. Jason Lowenstein Featured in Morristown Orthopedics Complex Case Review, Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF), Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), Top 5 Benefits of Visiting a Spinal Surgeon in New Jersey, Guide to Different Types of Back Injuries, Intradural tumors (i.e. We will be in touch with you shortly. Many orthopedic surgeons work with athletes in the field of sports medicine, treating for those conditions of the musculoskeletal system that only emerge with the stress, strain, and injury of athletic wear and tear on the body. Because Google makes it nearly impossible to game the system. How Can I Find the Best Spinal Surgeon? - US News Health Some orthopedic residencies are at institutions where there are one or more orthopedic surgeons who specialize in spine surgery. Sometimes, the ligament at the back of the lumbar spine gets too thick. At the end of the day, you can tell a lot about a doctor by looking closely at two metrics: their fellowship status and Google reviews. Not all doctors are motivated (or even selected) to complete an additional 1-2 years of training on top of 5-6 years of surgical residency and 4 years of medical school. Health Policy Institute, Chronic Back Pain, accessed Jan. 22, 2020, https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain/, 2. Despite the "surgeon" part of the word, neurosurgeons provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. If you are ready to take the next steps with one of our board-certified, fellowship-trained, and top-ranking spine specialists, contact one of our patient advocates today. Azar FM, et al. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Our experienced team of spine, back, brain and nerve specialists collaborate to deliver a seamless experience from diagnosis to treatment and recovery so you can get back to doing what you love. If your surgeon has completed an extra 1-2 years of fellowship training in spine surgery beyond his or her residency requirements, its a clear indicator that he or she is the real deal. Spinal Stenosis | Duke Health (This is to be distinguished from Osteoporosis, which is the thinning of bones due to loss of calcium, and which usually occurs in genetically predisposed post-menopausal women. Specialty. In all of this, its important to keep in mind that neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are not interchangeable professionals. Neurosurgeons and orthopedists also employ different strategies of recovery when it comes to treating their patients. After reviewing your medical history, you will be given a series of treatment options to determine which option is best for your personal situation. As we age, the normal wear-and-tear effects of aging can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the spinal nerves and spinal cord. Orthopedic residency is typically 5 years, followed by a spine fellowship of 1 year. More specifically, Dr. Naseef completed his medical education at the Boston University School of Medicine before accepting a surgical residency at Baltimores Union Memorial Hospital. The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, accessed Jan 22, 2020, http://www.dcorthodocs.com/services/sports-medicine, 7. Does any position ease the pain or worsen it? Start Here. Peripheral nervous system disorders (issues with nerves that carry messages to and from the brain) Brain . At The Advanced Spine Center, our surgeons check all of these blocks and more: We believe in offering compassionate service to supplement our credentials. information submitted for this request. With a 4.9-rating on Google and numerous Top Doctor honors, Dr. Lowenstein is regarded as an industry-leading expert in scoliosis and spinal deformity treatment. Please fill out the form below to speak with Dr. Siddiqi regarding your spine surgery questions. How have these two distinct worlds become so intertwined? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Although pain and recovery times are often reduced in MISS, long-term outcomes are rarely better than traditional approaches. The spinal column, comprised of multiple vertebrae, provides structural support and flexible mobility for the body. A lumbar laminectomy involves the removal of the lamina, the back portion of a spinal bone in the lower back. Many people can go home the same day. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. After a patients surgery, this team takes over the day-to-day case management of the patient. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Cedars Sinai, What are the most common orthopedic surgeries, accessed Jan 22, 2020, https://www.marinahospital.com/faq/what-are-the-most-common-orthopedic-surgeries Jan 22, 6. As certain sports are considered to be major risk factors for disc herniation, the question remains as to when highly active patients should return to their previous level of activity. 4th ed. 3 3American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, Illinois. Spinal is one of the fastest-growing categories of surgery, with the number of . Spinal stenosis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Age-related changes in your spine is a common cause. tumors that originate inside the dural sheath that encases your spinal cord), Birth defects, such as tethered spinal cord syndrome or spina bifida, Strokes, aneurysms, and other cerebrovascular events, Movement disorders, such as Parkinsons disease, dystonia, or essential tremor, Neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis or ALS, Chronic pain disorders that affect the central or peripheral nervous systems. In other words, they take care of spine problems day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year. At The Advanced Spine Center, we take our name seriously. Orthopedic Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon: Which Doctor is Right for You? It increases the space within the spinal canal by creating a hinge on the lamina, the back part of the spinal bone. osteomyelitis) and vertebral column tumors (VCTs). Privacy Policy. And, yes, a few orthopedic surgeons do receive some additional special training in treating conditions that afflict the spine. Accessed May 10, 2022. If they wish to gain even more advanced training, they may elect to do a post-graduate fellowship in spine surgery. Unlike orthopedics, which treats a wide array of conditions of which only a few concern the spine, neurosurgery specifically and exclusively treats conditions that afflict the spine and the broader nervous system of which it is a part. These problems can shrink the amount of space available for your spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it. Although by the very nature of both practices there will be some overlap between orthopedics and neurosurgery, it all boils down to this essential difference: An orthopedists primary job is to identify the source of your musculoskeletal pain and to eliminate it. Do You Need a Neurosurgeon for Your Neck or Back? - Verywell Health Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Our neurosurgeon, Dr. Shah Siddiqi, treats spinal conditions and provides on-site spinal pain management for simple and complex spinal conditions. Surgeons in both fields can address disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and spine fractures. This content does not have an Arabic version. A neurosurgeons scope of study revolves around the central and peripheral nervous systems and the proper surgical treatment of the conditions that affect them. Importantly, dual fellowship training does not make up for the difference in the type of surgical experience and exposure that obtains between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons in residency. Although both doctors undergo similar levels of trainingfor instance, each specialist must complete at least five years of surgical residencytheir areas of specialty tend to differ in significant ways. Neurosurgeon vs Orthopedic Surgeon for Spinal Surgery | Dr. John Lipani Mayo Clinic. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spinal Stenosis | UW Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle Neurosurgical care extends to both pediatric and adult patients. Spine Surgery (Back & Neck) - University of Utah Health Many people who have back surgery continue to have pain in their backs. When it comes spinal surgery, theres a lot of confusion in the healthcare industry surrounding the difference between a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon. When it comes to choosing the right spine surgeon, you cant go wrong with a combination of fellowship experience, local star power, national acclaim, and positive reviews. To achieve board certification, a licensed physician must also complete an additional set of rigorous requirements, which includes standardized testing. Dr. Jason E. Lowenstein serves as a partner of The Advanced Spine Center. 2022 The Advanced Spine Center. Frontera WR, et al., eds. [10] This is because only a small number of neurosurgeons are trained in the United States per year by design. tumors that originate inside the dural sheath that encases your spinal cord) Birth defects, such as tethered spinal cord syndrome or spina bifida Strokes, aneurysms, and other cerebrovascular events Epilepsy Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, or essential tremor This means that our spine surgeons are equipped with the expert training to deliver the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgical technology from cutting-edge diagnostics to 3D image-guided, intraoperative navigation. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 9, 2022. Introduction In the USA, lumbar discectomy is one of the most commonly performed spinal procedures. Martin H. Pham, MD, Andre M. Jakoi, Arvin Raj Wali, BA, Lawrence Lenke, MD, Trends in Spine Surgery Training During Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery Residency: A Ten-Year Analysis of ACGME Case Log Data, Neurosurgery, Volume 66, Issue Supplement 1, September 2019, https://academic.oup.com/neurosurgery/article-abstract/66/Supplement_1/nyz310_113/5551722, 12. Levin K. Lumbar spinal stenosis: Treatment and prognosis. A cervical laminectomy involves the removal of the lamina, the back portion of a spinal bone in the neck. Only neurosurgeons are trained during their six or seven year residency to perform procedures inside the lining of the spinal canal called the dura. Quora - A place to share knowledge and better understand the world Brain tumors Intradural tumors (i.e. In the United States, there are roughly 10x the number of orthopedic surgeons than there are neurosurgeons. Neurosurgeons typically specialize in procedures such as minimally invasive spine surgery and other complex microsurgical procedures for conditions that affect the nerves within the spine. Neurosurgeons in residency receive daily training in both brain and spine surgeries, with about 60-70% of their time devoted to spine surgeries in particular. Accessed May 9, 2022. Much of the confusion results from widespread use of the term spine surgeon to refer to anyone who is qualified to perform surgical procedures that affect the spine. Like neurosurgeons, orthopedists coordinate with a team of rehabilitation experts including physical and occupational therapists. Texas Spine Center is ready to get you on the road to recovery. While in Baltimore, Dr. Naseef also acquired additional training in pediatric oncology through Johns Hopkins University, currently regarded as the top spine surgery program in the country. Spinal Stenosis | Spinal Surgery | Neurology and Neurosurgery | Inspira Zip/Postal Code. All Rights Reserved. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Roberts WN. A neurosurgeon is trained to treat conditions of the brain and spine, while an orthopaedic spine surgeon specializes in treating the spine. More specifically, this means deciding, Should I enlist the skills of a neurosurgeon? Here are the states with the highest number of top-ranked health and hospital systems in each category: Degenerative changes of the spine are seen in up to 95% of people by the age of 50. At the bare minimum, you want to choose a spine surgeon who is board-certified and who has maintained a clean malpractice record. Do you have any weakness, numbness or tingling? After completing this fellowship, Dr. Gatto served as Attending Surgeon and Clinical Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center before joining forces with NJs Top Spine Surgeons to create The Advanced Spine Center. Frontera WR, et al., eds. Neurosurgeons are specifically trained to treat issues dealing with the nervous system. Neurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Surgeon for Spine Surgery [2020 Update] That's why a person often must wait many months before getting another steroid injection. Levin K. Lumbar spinal stenosis: Pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnosis. Moreover, he is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over a decade of surgical experience in reversing pediatric and adult spinal deformities, including scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and flatback syndrome. A common question that patients considering spine surgery ask themselves is, who would be better: a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic spine surgeon? What Can A Neurosurgeon Do vs. An Orthopedic Surgeon? This intensive, focused training is typically one or two years after residency training. But, how do you weed through the literally hundreds and hundreds of spine surgeons out there who are all clamoring for your business? Yes, there is, and while they are both capable of performing successful spinal surgeries, understanding the key differences between a neurosurgeon vs. an orthopedic surgeon can help you decide which option is better for you. So what are those qualifications? Appointments & Locations. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. In addition to the differences in training and residency requirements, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are each equipped with unique and distinctive specialized competencies. Patients simply must feel confident asking their doctor specific questions about their education, their experience with spinal surgery, their results and practice focus. Each of our surgeons has received advanced fellowship training in a particularly sophisticated subdomain of spinal pathology. Dont make the easy mistake of assuming that your doctor is board-certified simply because theyve graduated from medical school. Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, When to See Neurosurgeons vs. Orthopedic Surgeons, accessed Jan 23, 2020, https://www.frontrangeneurosurgery.com/when-to-see-a-neurosurgeons-vs-orthopedic-surgeons/, 13. Neurosurgery Services & Treatment - Mayo Clinic Health System Shah N. Siddiqi, M.D., F.R.C.S. Laminectomy. Neurosurgery residency is 6 - 7 years.