When surgery is required to correct your spinal condition, there are many considerations for you to mull over. One of the most important decisions that you’ll have to make is choosing the surgeon who will perform your surgery. Skill and experience are obviously priorities, but they’re not the only factors to take into consideration when choosing the best back surgeon for your specific situation. Here’s a guide to choose the best spinal surgeon so that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
How To Choose The Best Back Surgeon For Your Spinal Surgery
When choosing the right spinal surgeon to perform your surgery, there are certain things to account for. Taking the time to do your research and ask some key questions will help you take an active role in achieving the best possible outcome. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing a spinal surgeon:
- Training: It may seem obvious, but remember that it’s okay to ask about internships, university degrees, fellowship programs, and residencies. Having a thorough understanding of where a spine surgeon was educated and what their field of study was can help you know more about their specialties and interests. A “fellowship” is the highest level of training available in the U.S. This means that the surgeon has spent a minimum of one year working closely with senior spine experts after they completed their residency. Neurosurgeons in fellowship programs typically split the year between training in both brain and spine surgery.
- Experience: A qualified spinal surgeon doesn’t necessarily need to have decades of experience, but they should have a strong history of performing the specific kind of surgery that you need. This means that you should choose a spinal surgeon who has extensive experience in the field you need.
- How they are accredited: All of the surgeons at our clinic are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Often, neurosurgeons also have a F.A.C.S. designation, meaning that they are a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and thus are up to ACS’ standards for training, education, competence as a surgeon, ethical conduct, and professional credentials.
- Specialties: The field of spinal surgery is constantly evolving. Top spinal surgeons are constantly keeping up to date and specializing in the latest innovations.
- Philosophy: You should align with your doctor on how invasive they are willing to go. The more conservative surgeons will specialize in more minimally invasive procedures and treatments, which typically offer lower complication rates for their patients. However, there is also the chance of not correcting the issue in one go.
- Second opinions: Spinal surgery is a major operation and most physicians will encourage patients to get second opinions – many will even refer patients to other doctors. The more informed you are, the better you will feel about the decision you’re making in regards to your surgery.
Contact Us Today
Choosing the best back surgeon for your specific set of needs and circumstances requires thorough evaluation and research. ACME Spine & Ortho has built a trusted reputation as one of Florida’s top spinal surgery clinics due to our highly accredited medical staff and proven track record of successful outcomes. Call ACME Spine & Ortho to schedule a consultation today.