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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – If you choose to visit a spine surgeon, it is of paramount importance that you select one who is not only highly skilled, but who you feel a deep level of trust and comfort with. Spine surgery is an advanced elective procedure that is commonly considered only after more traditional treatments have failed. If you want to choose the right spine surgeon, there are a few key things that you MUST keep in mind.
When neck or back pain begins to disrupt a patient’s life, the first step they take is usually to visit their primary care physician. It’s important to understand that this is exactly that – a first step. Oftentimes, patients will have conditions that require the more intimate, detailed experience of a spine specialist.
What Are the Board Certifications of a Spine Surgeon?
Board Certifications are a great indicator of a top quality spine surgeon because they are only awarded after an intense examination process, which itself comes at the end of an extensive post-graduate education.
Training and Condition Specific Training of a Spine Surgeon are NOT the Same Thing
All spine surgeons are trained – only certain medical professionals will have the experience necessary to properly treat the unique condition that a patient is facing. Before considering any type of spine surgery, it’s of paramount importance that you ask how many times a potential surgeon has actually performed the procedure relevant to their needs. You’ll also want to find out what percentage of patients have experienced relief from pain after the spine surgery and more.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s always recommended that you select a spine surgeon who has committed at least 50% of his or her time to treating specific spinal conditions like yours. To put this into perspective, the North American Spine Society requires that at least a full half of a particular physician’s practice be devoted to spine surgery. The reason for this is simple: physicians who spend more time with spinal conditions are likely to be up to date on all of the latest and most technologically advanced procedures.
Absolutely Nothing Can Replace Communication with a Spine Surgeon
Above all else, it’s important to always establish an open and honest air of communication with your spine surgeon. This is the key to a successful doctor-patient relationship. If your potential spine surgeon isn’t taking the time to clearly explain the procedures they’re going to perform and why they’re going to perform them, you won’t be able to establish the trust and rapport necessary for the relationship in the first place.
A spine surgeon should always be accessible and should always listen to your concerns and provide satisfying answers to all of your questions. They should also be willing to put you in touch with previous patients who have previously (and successfully) undergone similar surgeries.
About New York Neurosurgeon Ezriel Kornel MD
A principal of Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York since 1990, Dr. Kornel is in the forefront of minimally invasive neurosurgery (MIS). MIS is used to minimize the trauma of surgery and increase the speed of recovery. Stemming from his interest in microsurgery, Dr. Kornel has become an expert in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery of the spine as well as minimally invasive approaches in the surgical treatment of brain tumors. Because of his particular interest in cervical spine surgery, he is one of the first neurosurgeons in the New York metropolitan area to replace damaged cervical discs with the newly introduced artificial discs. He was trained in Stockholm in the use of the Gamma Knife and, when indicated, utilizes this stereotactic radio surgical technique for the treatment of brain tumors as well as for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. He is the director of the Institute for Neurosciences at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY and is affiliated with many of the leading hospitals in the area.
Dr. Kornel gained his initial expertise during his neurosurgical residency at the George Washington University Medical Center under the tutelage of Hugo Rizzoli, M.D., at the time one of the most renown and respected neurosurgeons in the world. Dr. Kornel has numerous mentions in the biography of James Brady, press secretary to President Reagan, because of his involvement in Mr. Brady’s care after his tragic gunshot injury. Highly personalized attention combined with the utmost dedication to the ultimate well-being of his patients is what motivates Dr. Kornel in his efforts to continue. www.brainandspinesurgeon.com
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