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Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic Surgeon TreatmentsSurgeons all have individual specialties. Some doctors still specialize in traditional full open surgical procedures. Other surgeons have adopted minimally invasive procedures as their primary treatment protocol. Still others are developing expertise performing innovative disc replacement procedures. If surgery is the correct option, it is important to find a doctor who specializes in the procedure that is right for you.Orthopedic Surgeon CredentialsDon’t be afraid to ask a doctor about their education and experience. After all, it is your health and life that are at risk during an operation. Make sure that your doctor is up to date on the latest innovations and techniques. Ask them if they continually attend medical conferences and training sessions. Inquire about their experience with the procedure you are considering. Make sure to ask them for accurate statistics regarding the outcome and long term results of the planned procedure.Types of Orthopedic SurgeonsSome surgeons perform operations on many areas of the body. For back surgery, I would find a specialist who performs the majority of their work on the spine. Some patients will accept a referral to a doctor without ever questioning the doctor’s experience with a specific procedure. Don’t take chances with your health. Get an expert at all costs, since it is just not worth the risk to become part of an inexperienced doctor’s learning curve…Recommendation on an Orthopedic SurgeonI have consulted with several surgeons in my time as a chronic back pain patient. Actually, the primary medical doctor I saw most often is a spinal surgeon. This particular doctor never pushed me towards surgery and was very honest that my results would most likely be poor. It is honesty and ethics like this that maintains my faith in medical professionals. I have been treated by other surgeons who did try to convince me that surgery was correct for my pain. One doctor scared me half to death by telling me that I was at risk for permanent damage and possibly paralysis if surgery was not done soon. This conduct not only made no sense medically, but is truly bordering on criminal behavior… It was no surprise when I learned this particular doctor was indicted on insurance fraud 2 years ago for performing hundreds on unnecessary operations!!!Do not let a surgeon scare you into premature surgical correction. Always take the time to get a second or third opinion. Make sure at least one of these other opinions comes from a doctor who is NOT a surgeon. A touch of objectivity goes a long way in making the right choice when it comes to back surgery.
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