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1 reply [Last post]
November 5, 2009 - 5:45am
Anonymous
Herniated Discs L5 -S1

What is considered the "gold" standard for surgical repair of the disc?

Which specialty is preferred; orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon?

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November 5, 2009 - 9:48am
#1
gwennie17
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Welcome to the board ~

"The gold standard for surgery is an open or microsurgical discectomy." This is quoted from the following article from this website:

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/surgical-treatment...

Depending on the specifics, some people are recommending artificial disc replacement.

And regarding your other questions about which specialty, there is a lengthy thread on the forum:

http://www.spine-health.com/forum/back-surgery-and-neck-surgery/which-ty...

Just be sure you find a fellowship-trained spinal specialist. This can be either an orthopedic spinal surgeon or a neurosurgeon who devotes his/her practice to issues of the back and neck. Be sure you do not select an orthopedic generalist -- you do not want one who replaces joints or repairs broken bones.

When contemplating surgery, it is always a good idea to get several opinions. I think it makes sense to see a neurosurgeon as well as an orthopedic spinal surgeon to see if different procedures are recommended.

_____________

I have no medical training. Comments are based on personal experience and lots of research and reading.
PLIF @ L4-5 with Peek cage, rods and screws Jan 2008
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan 2009
Fusion L3-S1 coming up -- 1 June

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