Traditionally, neurosurgeons were the number one choice for spinal surgery. But over the past few years, some orthopedic surgeons have also been treating spinal conditions. While orthopedists may have training in spine treatment and handle musculoskeletal disorders, the focus of neurosurgeons is to help treat the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. The field of orthopedics is generalized, while neurosurgery is very specialized. Let’s go through the similarities and differences between these two.
How Are Neurosurgeons And Orthopedists Similar?
Over the past few decades, many medical doctors have been trained in spinal surgery – including orthopedic and neurosurgeons surgeons. Many orthopedists have pursued additional training in spinal surgery – thus studying the spine.
Due to the expanding nature of orthopedic medicine, many orthopedic surgeons can now perform certain types of spinal surgeries. However, the most important criteria are whether the orthopedic surgeon specializes in spinal surgery, but all neurosurgeons surgeons specialize in spinal surgery. A neurosurgeon is trained to treat the brain’s conditions and spinal surgery.
How Is Orthopedics Surgeon Different From Neurosurgeons
Orthopedists spend their time studying shoulder, wrist, elbow, hand, hip, foot, knee, spine, and ankle treatment. Orthopedists perform less surgery than a neurosurgeon. Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who perform knee and hip replacement surgeries. The field of orthopedics initially focused on treating children born with deformities but has expanded to adults and now serves seniors and athletes.
In the past, orthopedic surgeons performed many surgeries on spinal deformities such as scoliosis, and neurosurgeons performed more surgery inside the spinal dura. Only a board-certified orthopedic can work inside the dura mater of the brain and the spinal cord.
Neurosurgeons focus on the brain and the spine. They specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the peripheral and central nervous systems, helping people treat health issues such as:
- Sciatica
- Stroke
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic injury
- Congenital anomalies
- Blood vessel disorders
- Degenerative diseases of the spine
- Infections of the brain and spine
A neurosurgeon’s scope of the study is around the peripheral and the central nervous system. It involves the proper diagnosis and surgical treatment of health conditions that affect these body systems.
Why Do You Need to Understand Each Specialist?
Both orthopedic and neurosurgeons may further specialize. For instance, some orthopedic spine surgeons specialize in spine, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, and nerve treatment. Some neurosurgeons specialize in spinal surgery.
Orthopedic and neurosurgeons spine surgeons can treat back and neck problems, but it’s essential to understand each surgeon’s specialty. Depending on your situation, you may find a particular orthopedic or neurosurgeon spine surgeon to be more qualified to treat your condition.
Experienced Neurosurgeon Odessa TX
While an orthopedic surgeon is a good choice for hip, knee, and shoulder treatment or severely broken bone, a skilled neurosurgeon is the best choice for anything related to the spine. The neurosurgeons at Wellspine PA are some of the best in Texas and perform spine surgery on a regular basis. Call us today at 214-819-9600 to schedule an appointment with us.
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