Ortho vs Neuro?

[KristyH]

I am travelling from Halifax NS to Ottawa ON this Thursday to see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in adult scoliosis. The wait time in NS is over a year so that's why I'm going to Ottawa. I have a 45 degree lumbar curve and I just got the results of my thoracic xray which shows an even more severe curve but has not been measured yet.

Anyway my question is, if I have to have surgery, should it be done by a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? I've been given advice that most orthopedic surgeons don't specialize in backs or scoliosis and I should really have the surgery performed by a neurosurgeon who obviously deals with backs on a very regular basis. I am nervous about my appointment Thursday because I'm pretty sure he's going to recommend surgery. And if I do have to have it, I'm going to be terrified. I will not allow a surgeon to even come near me unless he's done a LOT of back surgeries with excellent results. Problem is, living in NS doesn't present me with a whole lot of options. Any opinions on orthopedic vs neurosurgeons?

[amae28]

I think most people opt for a orthopaedic surgeon who has completed a scoliosis fellowship. LindaRacine has the link to a list of surgeons who have done this... I can't think of it off the top of my head, sorry! I'm not sure I have heard of anyone use a neurosurgeon but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

[LindaRacine]

I am travelling from Halifax NS to Ottawa ON this Thursday to see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in adult scoliosis. The wait time in NS is over a year so that's why I'm going to Ottawa. I have a 45 degree lumbar curve and I just got the results of my thoracic xray which shows an even more severe curve but has not been measured yet.

Anyway my question is, if I have to have surgery, should it be done by a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? I've been given advice that most orthopedic surgeons don't specialize in backs or scoliosis and I should really have the surgery performed by a neurosurgeon who obviously deals with backs on a very regular basis. I am nervous about my appointment Thursday because I'm pretty sure he's going to recommend surgery. And if I do have to have it, I'm going to be terrified. I will not allow a surgeon to even come near me unless he's done a LOT of back surgeries with excellent results. Problem is, living in NS doesn't present me with a whole lot of options. Any opinions on orthopedic vs neurosurgeons?

Hi Kristy...

I honestly don't know about Canada, but here in the U.S., most neurosurgeons don't do a lot of training in spine, especially in long fusions. One way or the other, you should try to find someone fellowship trained in spine.

You can find a list of specialists here:

http://www.srs.org/directory/directory.asp

--Linda

Regards,
Linda

[Shari]

Hi Linda R,

I respect you and what you are all about!!! I am thrilled to see my surgeon's name is on your list!!! I am also happy to see that other doctor's I had seen prior to him, and didn't feel comfortable with, are not on that list!!!

I guess my point is, that I have a great admiration for what you do, I applaud your dedication and time that you devote to us!!!

I just hope you know how much we all appreciate everything you do!!!

Shari

[rainbow2010]

My scoliosis surgery was done by an ortho. My revision was done by a neuro, but he is no longer handling my case as he didn't know how to handle my current problems. I am now seeing an ortho who was trained by my original ortho! He specializes in adult scoliosis and the aging spine (which is me!)

[KristyH]

Hi Kristy...

I honestly don't know about Canada, but here in the U.S., most neurosurgeons don't do a lot of training in spine, especially in long fusions. One way or the other, you should try to find someone fellowship trained in spine.

You can find a list of specialists here:

http://www.srs.org/directory/directory.asp

--Linda

Regards,
Linda

Linda, what does it mean when their member class says 'Candidate'? Or some say active and some say Emeritus. What's the difference? Thanks!

[LindaRacine]

Hi Shari...

Thank you for your very kind words.

Kristi... Emeritus members are retired. Here's what they say about Candidates vs. Fellows:

Active Fellowship is limited to orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and to non-physician members of allied specialties. They must have made a significant contribution to spinal problems, and physician candidates must have a clinical practice which includes at least 20% spinal deformity. They must have completed a five year Candidate Fellowship in the society. Only Active Fellows may vote and hold elected offices within the Society.

--Linda

[lberg]

Kristy

I too am from Canada and you have to work very hard just to get our system to work for you, for example my MRI was not booked until Oct 2007 even though I had been to a neuro and ortho I called the MRI office and found out if I called between 3-3:30 on Fridays I could get a cancellation. It took two weeks but I had my MRI On Feb 11 2007.This by the way after living in agony for 2 years now. Ask to get on cancel lists beg if you have to learn all you can because you are worth it. Sad to say but you have to learn our healthcare system to use it, good luck.