Every year around there are more than a million spinal procedures performed in India.

With the increase in the aging population, there has been a rise in these procedures over the past two decades. Back surgeries for treating back and neck pains too are increasing. While the number of spinal surgeries all over the world is high, we should consecutively also consider its success rates. The success rates of spine surgeries vary according to the procedure and are anywhere between 60% to 90%. Also, the spine and the spinal cord that is enclosed within are important for your bodily strength, and the sensation & movement within your body. And hence any mistake or complication during a spine surgery can cause problems in the functions associated with the spine/spinal cord.

Thus, the whole process of spinal surgery, beginning from the diagnosis till the complete recovery of the patient needs to be undertaken with complete knowledge and proper medical assistance. This is where we would highlight the need for a Spine Surgery Consultant for the patients to be completely assured and to get more insights.

Patients considering spine surgery always face this question – “Who is better – an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Neurosurgeon for Spine Surgery?” You need to understand that when it comes to performing Spine Surgeries, Orthopedic Surgeons, as well as Neurosurgeons, both can be considered. However, both have their specialties and differences. What are these differences, and which is better? Let’s explore in detail.

Who Is An Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedic Surgeons are the doctors that specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders relating to the musculoskeletal system – including the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles –  i.e. all the aspects relating to the movement of your body.

Thus, Orthopedic Surgeons mostly treat Musculoskeletal pain, pain in joints, broken joints or bones, etc. The problems they treat include bone tumors, bone pain, orthopedic trauma, ruptured disks, spinal stenosis, hip dysplasia, limb lengthening, club foot, bow legs, Achilles tendon injuries, ankle and foot injuries, hand injuries & hand arthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.

Who Is A Neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons are physicians that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders relating to the central as well as the peripheral nervous system. They treat the Brain, Nerves, Spine, Spinal cord, and intracranial & intraspinal vasculature disorders.

Thus, Neurosurgeons do surgeries for ailments including tumor, trauma, vascular disorders, congenital anomalies, stroke, degenerative spine diseases, spine infections, brain infections, etc. Some Neurosurgeons practice both brain and spine surgery, while some specialize in either one. Some even are well-preferred as Neurosurgeon Second Opinion. This is because, in the medical profession, second opinions are always

Orthopedic Surgeon Vs. Neurosurgeon For Spine Surgery:

As explained earlier, Orthopedic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons both have their similarities and differences which we are going to discuss in detail and understand what choice to make for your spine surgery – Orthopedic Vs. Neurosurgeon

To become an Orthopedic Surgeon in India, you need to complete 5.5 years of MBBS+1-year compulsory internship. The MBBS is followed by 3 years for Master of Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery i.e. MS(Ortho) during which they learn to perform surgeries relating to all the bones and joints including the spine.

On the other hand, to become a Neurosurgeon in India, you need to complete 5.5 years of MBBS+1-year compulsory internship. The MBBS is followed by 6 years for MS-MCh in Neurosurgery during which they learn to perform surgeries relating to the brain and spine.

It can be easily seen that Neurosurgeons get more training and knowledge when it comes to spine surgeries. However, still there are some differences. Which are noted below –

* Neurosurgeons are well trained for performing intradural surgeries i.e. the procedures relating to the dura which is the inside lining of the spine.

* Thus, if you are looking to undergo surgeries such as the thecal sac tumors, nerve root tumors, tumors at the junction of the base of the skull and upper cervical spine, spinal cord tumors, spinal cord arteriovenous malformation, tethered spinal cord, spina bifida, Chiari malformation,  arachnoid cysts, diplomyelia, syringomyelia, etc. a Neurosurgeon should be your answer. And if you have already consulted a spine surgery consultant and have been diagnosed with the above conditions, we suggest, you look for a Neurosurgeon Second Opinion as a double assurance for the patient and the patient’s family. In the Medical profession, second opinions are of importance, especially when it comes to sensitive treatments related to the brain and spine.

* In contrast, traditionally, orthopedics have been more qualified for treating any spinal deformity surgeries such as adult scoliosis, pediatric scoliosis, etc.

* However, today many neurosurgeons are training and specializing in deformity surgeries enabling them to carry out successful spine deformity surgeries.

* Similarly, Orthopedic surgeons too can do super specialization in ‘spine’, and such Orthopedic surgeons then can be your Spine Surgery Consultant.

From the above-mentioned points, you can understand the subtle differences between an Orthopedic Surgeon and a Neurosurgeon. However, as we mentioned, they both can perform Spine Surgeries, and thus, these differences may not mean much to you or most patients. After all only education and profession cannot be taken into consideration. Thus, you should also consider the following aspects –

* The credibility of the hospital within which the Neurosurgeon / Orthopedic Surgeon is working. For example, well-known hospitals like Fortis, Max Super Speciality, etc. hospitals are well known.

* The credibility of the Neurosurgeon / Orthopedic Surgeon that you are consulting. Make sure that the surgeon is certified and has no malpractice record in his/her name.

* The experience of the consultant Neurosurgeon / Orthopedic Surgeon including how many years they have been working and how many spine surgeries they have performed.

* The success rate of the Neurosurgeon / Orthopedic Surgeon you are consulting i.e. how many spine surgeries they have performed and how many of them have been successful.

* Lastly, the reviews for that particular hospital or Spine surgeon are also important. In today’s world, patients who have experienced service can easily leave a review of their experience. This way, you can know the genuine feedback about the surgeon/hospital.

Following these suggestions, you can make your final decision regarding who you want to perform Spine Surgery. You can refer to Doctor Click Away to ensure you have got the right Hospital and right Spine surgeon with the right credibility, record, experience, success rate, reviews, etc.