Neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon?

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dingding78

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That is the question? Who is more knowledgable about severe spinal stenois and better at performing surgery? I have been referred to an orthopedic surgeon via my GP and my Mom is adament that my D.O. isn't even a doc and won't help me as well as a neurosurgeon.

Mel
 
Maybe see both and get two opinions? That is exactly what I am doing. On the 10th I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and on the 11th I see a neurosurgeon. I have heard that both are better, so I am going to hear each Dr.'s surgery plan, and make my own educated decision.
 
Absolutely, get (at least?) two opinions, one from each.

The important thing is to make sure they specialise in spinal problems (i.e., not a neurosurgeon that specialises in the brain, or an orthopaedic surgeon that specialises in the knee!).

From what I've heard, for problems that specifically stem from the bones and joints (e.g., instability, stenosis caused by bony overgrowths, facet joint problems etc... an orthopaedic surgeon is better. But I've also heard that spinal neurosurgeons are better as they pay more attention to the nerves (the things that cause the pain!). Either way, as long as they specialise in the spine, you should be in good hanRAB.

I've always wondered why they can't have one of each present during the operations - I know it would make me feel a lot more confident!

Good luck with the appointments

Jinks
 
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