14 yr old w/Spondylolisthesis

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mollyandy

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Hi. My 14 year old son was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis secondary to bilateral spondylyolis of L5-S1. He also has bilateral foraminal stenosis with the encroachment of the L5 nerve roots bilaterally. The orthopedic surgeon recommended spinal fusion.

My question is, is my son better off with a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!
 
I am so sorry your young son is having these problems, bless his heart.

I personally prefer an Orthopedic Spine Specialist over a neurosurgeon spine specialist, only because I have found them more "down to earth", which is not to say that there aren't some wonderful neuro specialists out there.....I have just had better rapport with the OSS's I have seen.

If the dr. you choose does think surgery is the answer, you might want to get one more opinion at least. Spinal surgery is not something to be entered in lightly. Having said that, I also have to say that when nerves are being impinged upon, you have to be careful about permanent damage setting in as it can after a period of time (which is different for each case).

Please feel free to post with any questions you might have or just for support as you guide your son through this. This is a great group of people who are always ready and willing to "listen" and help in any way they can.

Blessings,

Carol
 
Bless his heart! I agree with maltluver that a second opinion is wise when considering spinal surgery. I have a wonderful neurosurgeon that works on me, but I hear that orthosurgeons are great also. I think that ultimately you will have to go with the surgeon you feel is best qualified after a second opinion. I would ask how many spinal surgeries he/she has performed on someone as young as your son, what the outcomes that can be expected, future issues that will need to be addressed, and the type of procedure(s) that will be used during surgery. It is important to have a surgeon that is certified in pediatric spinal surgeries. Good luck to you both!
 
I was 22 when I had a spinal fusion, L4- S1 and I went to an ortho surgeon. During the surgery they will (or should) have neuro people monitor his lirabs so either way he will be covered. Also make sure that your Dr. specializes in spinal disorders and has worked with young people.
 
I think it is very important that you find a pediatric spinal specialist, even if you have to travel a ways to see one. It can be either an orthopedic spinal surgeon or neurosurgeon, but it is important that he/she devote the majority of his/her practice to pediatric spine cases.

Your son still has a lot of growing to do and most spine surgeons who work on adults do not have the training to take this into consideration when they are planning the surgery. It can be very tricky to insert what is, in effect, a stationary object into a growing body...so for the best chances for a successful outcome, please take the time to find a pediatric spine surgeon.
 
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