The Right Approach To Spine Care
Dr. Nicholas Ferraro Helps Patients Navigate Spine Surgery With Confidence
What is the difference between an orthopedic spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon?
Both specialties perform spine surgery, but their training differs. Neurosurgeons complete a seven-year residency with spine surgery as a core component. Orthopedic surgeons complete a five-year residency in the musculoskeletal system, typically followed by a one-year spine fellowship. Neurosurgeons are trained to operate on the entire spine, including the nerves and spinal cord, with extensive training in the operating microscope and microsurgical technique.
How much will you be involved in my care?
My involvement extends beyond the operating room. When a patient trusts me with their surgery, I believe that responsibility includes being personally involved in their evaluation, treatment planning, and recovery. I do not use nurse practitioners or physician assistants; I see my patients personally. My goal is for you to understand your diagnosis, why treatment is recommended, and to feel comfortable asking questions. You should have a relationship with your surgeon – not simply an appointment for surgery.
What is one symptom that you recommend patients be on the lookout for?
A new problem with balance is something to pay attention to, especially as you get older. If balance issues occur along with neck pain, hand weakness, numbness, cramping, or trouble with fine motor tasks, the problem may be due to compression of the spinal cord in the neck. These hand symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which can cause numbness and weakness in the hands but does not affect balance. When balance problems and hand symptoms occur together, I recommend evaluating the cervical spine first to make sure there is no spinal cord compression. This matters because treating CTS will delay treatment of your spinal cord. If spinal cord compression is present for a long time, some resulting neurologic problems can become permanent.
Do I really need a fusion?
Not necessarily. A recommendation for fusion should come with a clear explanation of why it is needed. For common degenerative conditions, two important questions are whether the spine is already unstable and whether removing bone and ligament to relieve pressure on the nerves would leave it unstable. My philosophy is to recommend the least extensive operation that can safely and effectively address the problem.
