Key tips for choosing a spine surgeon

On Sept. 17, 2010, a botched surgery to repair a herniated disc ended the football career of UNLV and Bishop Gorman standout Beau Orth.

Orth initially complained of pain and numbness in his left leg. An MRI showed a herniated L5-S1 disc, which a spine surgeon then operated to repair. Unfortunately, Orth’s surgeon operated on the wrong disc, permanently damaging a formerly healthy disc and leaving Orth in excruciating pain.

I met Orth after the botched surgery, and eventually operated on the original herniated disc and the damaged disc. Complications from the initial surgery have caused Orth’s spine to rapidly degenerate; he will require at least two spinal fusion surgeries before he turns 50 years old.

While he won a $4.2 million verdict in a malpractice suit against the surgeon who performed the original procedure, Orth, like most spine patients, would have preferred a healthy back.

Patients have many resources at their disposal. I offer the following tips for choosing a spine surgeon:

Do Your Research

In order to practice clinical medicine in the state of Nevada, a doctor must be licensed by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. Patients can confirm this licensure at www.medboard.nv.gov. The website also allows visitors to file complaints against providers and view any disciplinary actions taken against health care professionals in their state. Be sure to also confirm if surgeons’ licensure is current and in the correct surgical field.

Other resources at your disposal include the Office of Inspector General website and National Practitioners database. A quick search will reveal any significant indiscretions, including if your doctor has ever committed Medicare fraud or had his hospital status revoked.

Get a Second Opinion

Spine surgery should be a last resort. Consider seeking the opinion of at least one other doctor before committing to back surgery, or any invasive treatment plan.

Know Your Options

With advances in medical technology, more conditions are correctible through a minimally invasive procedure, which can reduce recovery time and minimize the risk of complications. Also, if a surgeon is not equipped and trained to perform an advanced process that other surgeons use, this could be a good sign to explore other options.

Review Surgeons’ Training

In orthopaedic surgery, as in many specialties, the doctors who taught your doctor are far more important than the institution he attended. Where did your doctor complete his residency? Did he study under the surgeons that pioneered modern surgery techniques? Does he participate in continuing education?

Some surgeons complete fellowship training to focus on a specific field of surgery, indicating they are experts in that area. Surgeons who have conducted spine fellowships have fulfilled at least one additional year of specialized training.

Does your doctor train other doctors? Surgeons with established expertise in specific procedures often provide training for other medical professionals in that procedure. If he does not train other doctors, how often has he performed the recommended procedure?

Make a Friend

Ask your doctor if he can provide references for other patients who have had the same procedure. Be sure to ask what their experiences were like and what to expect before and after the surgery. They may have helpful insights that can improve your overall experience.

Do Your Homework

It is important to choose a spine surgeon best suited to treat your specific needs, and I encourage patients to perform their due diligence for finding their provider. Our medical professionals at DISC are always happy to answer any questions about spinal care and finding a surgeon. For more information, visit www.disclv.com.

Dr. Andrew Cash is a fellowship trained and board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon as well as the founder of the Desert Institute of Spine Care in Las Vegas and The Minimally Invasive Center of Excellence, a surgery center especially for outpatient surgeries and destination of advanced internation

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