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Questions About Your Spine

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions PremierOrtho hears. If you are experiencing back pain, PremierOrtho can help. Our goal is to make you feel better. Call us today at 812-333-1933 to set up an appointment, or click here to send us an email.

  How do I find a good spine surgeon?
In today's complex medical field, patients need to be as involved as possible when it comes to their own medical care. This includes the choice of doctors. Though managed care programs often limit your options, but here are some guidelines on what to look for in a spine specialist:

1. Make sure the spine surgeon is board certified (or board eligible) and fellowship trained in spine. This means that in addition to the usual surgical residency requirements, he or she has completed a fellowship program in spine that included at least one additional year of training specific to spine surgery.
2. Choose a spine surgeon who devotes at least 50% of his or her practice to the treatment of spinal conditions. A physician who sees mostly spine patients will be more up-to-date on newer technologies and techniques than a physician who only sees spine patients occasionally.
3. In addition to the physician's credentials, make sure the physician you choose is someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. As for communication skills, ask yourself these questions:

• Does the doctor answer all of your questions and provide you with enough information about your condition?
• Does he or she spend enough time with you?
• Is the physician reachable? Open-minded? A good listener?
• Does he or she welcome a second opinion?

4. Talk to the physician about his or her experience with the latest techniques and technologies in spine surgery. How many procedures has he or she performed? Is the doctor willing to refer you to any former patients who may be available to share their experiences with you?
5. Talk to the physician, or someone in the office, about your medical insurance to find out what is covered and what you may be responsible for.
6. Choose a physician who is referred to you by a reliable source such as your primary care physician, or a friend, or relative.

A good spine surgeon will do these:

1. Encourage second opinions.
2. Use today's sophisticated imaging technology, eliminating the need for "exploratory" surgery.
3. Answer all of your questions and not make you feel bad about asking them.
4. Provide enough information so you can comfortably make the decision as to whether or not to have surgery.
5. Take the conservative approach; exhausts all non-surgical treatment options for your particular problem. Believes that surgery is the treatment of last resort.
6. Talk openly and honestly about treatments, techniques, costs, outcomes, and expectations for recovery.

If you have concerns about a particular physician, you can contact your state Medical Board. The Federation of State Medical Boards lists each of its members.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery and how is it different from traditional spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through small incisions in the back, unlike traditional spine surgery which typically requires long incisions. Surgeons trained in minimally invasive spine surgery use specialized instruments and navigational tools such as interoperative x-ray, microscopes and tubular retractors eliminating the need to cut and separate muscles from the spine. Both minimally invasive and traditional surgery have a common goal of relieving your back and/or leg pain. But a minimally invasive trained surgeon adheres to the philosophy that soft tissue be disturbed as little as possible.
Is minimally invasive surgery a new technique?
No, it's common for many operations, including these:

• Heart surgery
• Bariactric (weight loss) surgery
• Total hip replacement
• Appendectomy
• Gall bladder removal

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?
The benefits include the following:

• Smaller incisions and, therefore, smaller scars
• Faster healing and return to work and activities
• Less postoperative pain and consequently less postoperative pain medicine
• Shorter hospital stay

What are the risks of minimally invasive spine surgery?
MIS is associated with the same risks as any general surgical procedure. During the procedure, however, the surgeon may decide to convert from minimally invasive to traditional surgery if visualization is limited or if other complications arise.
Once I decide to have the surgery, how soon can it actually take place?
Allow at least two to three weeks to prepare for the surgery. You may need additional examinations and testing, especially if you opt to donate your own blood beforehand for the surgery. In cases of trauma or specific circumstances where there is a fast progression of symptoms, though, surgery can happen more quickly.
What are the materials used in my spinal surgery made of?
All materials used in spinal surgeries are designed to be accepted by current tissues, unlike titanium or metal alloys.
How painful is spinal surgery?
As with all forms of surgery, spinal surgery is painful, but the pain is manageable. For the first one to two days after surgery, pain is controlled with a PCA (patient controlled anesthesia). After that, oral medications are usually adequate. Sometimes patients require further (but less frequent) pain medication once they leave the hospital.
Where can I find out more about spine surgery?
There are Helpful Links on this website. And a reminder: be sure to verify the authenticity and, therefore, reliability of medical information discovered through Internet searching.