A spinal surgeon is an orthopedic physician who specializes in the treatment of vertebral injuries and disorders such as herniated disks and scoliosis. He usually consults with patients to determine appropriate treatment plans, acts as a consultant to other doctors, and performs surgeries. Because the work of a spinal surgeon necessitates a high level of skill, candidates must first complete an intensive period of schooling and a residency program before being considered for the position.
Surgical treatment is available for a variety of spinal conditions. Scoliosis, or spine curvature, can occur spontaneously; others, such as dislocated vertebrae, can be caused by sports injuries or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Because surgery is costly and often involves lengthy and painful recovery periods, the spinal surgeon must always be certain that a patient’s condition cannot be treated through less invasive means. As a result, he spends a significant portion of his time consulting with patients, sometimes at the request of a non-orthopedic physician, to determine whether surgery is required. He may order and examine x-rays, as well as explain the surgical procedure to his patient, including the risks and benefits; if the patient chooses surgery, he will most likely also explain how to prepare and what to expect during rehabilitation.
The procedures that a spinal surgeon performs vary depending on the patient’s condition. Some are extremely intrusive. For example, the removal of bones or discs from the spinal cord to relieve compression of the cord is known as cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). A major procedure is spinal fusion, which involves fusing a section of the vertebrae together to prevent movement. This surgery involves affixing metal rods or grafted bone to the affected area of the spinal column, making that section immobile, to treat conditions like severe scoliosis and spinal instability.
Some spinal procedures are less invasive. For example, in kyphoplasty, a procedure for treating fractured or collapsed vertebrae, a small balloon is inserted at the damaged vertebra’s site. After that, the balloon is inflated, causing the vertebra to return to its original position.
A prospective spinal surgeon must go through a long and rigorous training period due to the demanding nature of the job. He must normally complete four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and then a five-year orthopedic residency program in the United States. Following his residency, he must work as an orthopedic surgeon for two years and pass a final exam to become a spinal specialist. Admission to medical school is extremely competitive, and orthopedic residency programs are even more so. As a result, orthopedic residents are likely to have excelled in their medical school classes.