Choosing a Spinal Fusion Doctor Baltimore

Many individuals who have had traumatic injuries to their backs end up with unstable spines.  This can make life very difficult, causing chronic pain and significantly decreasing mobility.  A spinal fusion surgery Baltimore MD 

(https://www.medstarunionortho.org) may be the answer some of these individuals are seeking.  This procedure can be performed by an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon.  Choosing the right type of doctor for this procedure can be confusing.

What Kind of Spinal Fusion Doctor Baltimore MD?

First, it is important to understand that both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons may specialize in spine surgery.  A spinal fusion doctor Baltimore may be certified by either board.  A lot of experts believe that the future of spinal surgery will see it becoming its own specialization and having its own governing board.  Presently, though, this is not the case.  A surgeon who is certified with either the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery or the American Board of Neurological Surgery can be considered to have met the highest standards in their respective fields.

Many people think of neurosurgery as a synonym for brain surgery.  While it is true that this type of doctor does perform brain surgery, the majority of operations performed by neurosurgeons each year are spine surgeries. In very large medical systems, there will be neurosurgeons who specialize only in brain surgery or only in spine surgery.  In smaller to average sized hospital systems, they are likely to be doing both.  It is necessary for those performing spine surgeries to complete a 1-2 year residency after all of their other medical training is finished.

Orthopedic surgeons are trained during 4-5 year specialty programs.  During this time, they will be exposed to many spine surgeries--probably a much larger volume than most neurosurgeons.  However, the primary focus of many orthopedic surgery programs is sports medicine or joint replacement.  Therefore, orthopedic surgeons who wish to excel in spine surgery may undertake the same type of post-qualification residency as the neurosurgeon.

So, which is the better choice?  The answer to this question is somewhat based on the reason for the surgery in each individual case.  However, finding a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon who has completed more specific training in spinal surgery is preferable to either type of doctor who has not.