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  • SRS Members' Expertise

    I will ask my Dr. next week for a referral to a scoliosis specialist in Rochester NY due to symptoms I've been experiencing, probably related to my 1966 fusion of 11 thoracic vertebrae with Harrington rod. My Dr. previously said that scoliosis surgery was done by neurosurgeons in this area - I believe that is not correct. I found the names of three orthopedic SRS members on the SRS web site, but on their medical center web site two of them don't mention spinal deformities/scoliosis at all in their areas of interest. I will ask for a referral to the third (Rubery), but I am uneasy about what SRS membership really represents. The web site states that their members are highly specialized (or some similar wording), but now I'm not so sure. Does anyone have the inside scoop on this?
    1966 fusion in Buffalo of 11 thoracic vertebrae, with Harrington rod

  • #2
    Hi Julie...

    Here are the requirements for membership:

    Candidate Fellowship - Open to orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and to non-physician members of allied specialties (such as research scientists). Physician applicants must be willing to commit to a clinical practice which includes at least 20% spinal deformity. Physicians and non-physicians must be committed to research in the field of scoliosis and related spinal deformities. Candidate Fellows stay in that category for five years, during which time they must demonstrate their interest in spinal deformity and in the goals of the Scoliosis Research Society. Those who complete all requirements are eligible to apply for Active Fellowship in the Society.

    Associate Fellowship – For distinguished members of the medical profession including allied health professionals who have made a significant contribution to scoliosis or related spinal deformities, but do not wish to assume the full responsibilities of Active Fellowship. Associate Fellows pay reduced membership dues but are not eligible to vote, hold an SRS office or apply for Active Fellowship.

    There are definitely some members who do a lot more spinal deformity surgery than others, but the SRS list is a good place to start a search. Good luck with yours.

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

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    • #3
      Hi Julie,

      Based on my personal experience, the surgeons who gave me the most confidence in their ability to treat me were those who perform revisions. I’m an older adult with a severe curve, and I think they have a lot more experience treating an aging spine whether it be a first-time surgery or a revision. Based on your history with a previous fusion with Harrington rod instrumentation, I would look for a revision specialist. Good luck.

      Chris

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      • #4
        I've previously seen posts basically recommending that everyone with an old Harrington rod needs to see a revision specialist. I've also seen the opinion posted I believe by Joe O'Brien that any SRS physician should be able to help a person like me. Maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle. When one does a search on the SRS web site, what kinds of members are those whose names pop up? I have the impression that the names include those in that candidate category.
        1966 fusion in Buffalo of 11 thoracic vertebrae, with Harrington rod

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