Alexander Taghva, MD

949-388-7190

949-388-7190

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Home » Neurosurgery » Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon: Making the Right Choice for Your Spine

When facing spine-related concerns, many patients find themselves at a crossroads: Should they consult a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? While both specialties have their merits, it’s essential to delve deeper into the specific training and outcomes associated with each to make an informed decision.

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Training and Experience

Neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery residents undergo rigorous training. However, there are substantial differences in the exposure each receives, particularly concerning spine surgeries:

  • Depth of Experience: According to a comprehensive 2021 study by Lad et al., titled “An ACGME-based comparison of neurosurgical and orthopedic resident training in adult spine surgery via a case volume and hours-based analysis,” neurosurgery residents log a notable 6.8 times as many spine cases as their orthopedic counterparts. This extends to hands-on experience as well, with neurosurgery residents recording 6.1 times as many spine procedure hours. This considerable difference implies that by the time a neurosurgeon completes their residency, they have had more extensive hands-on experience with spine cases.
  • Neurological Expertise: Another unique advantage of neurosurgeons lies in their comprehensive training in neurology. This foundation equips them with a profound understanding of nerve-related issues, making them exceptionally proficient at recognizing and addressing nerve complications.

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Neurosurgery diagram

Clinical Outcomes

The training a surgeon receives undeniably impacts the outcomes of their procedures. This connection is evident in a 2022 study by Alomari et al., titled “Early Outcomes of Elective Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion for Degenerative Spine Disease Correlate With the Specialty of the Surgeon Performing the Procedure.” The findings indicated that patients treated by neurosurgeons experienced:

  • Shorter hospital stays.
  • Reduced risks of requiring a blood transfusion.
  • Lower incidence of sepsis.
  • Decreased likelihood of a return to the operating room.
  • A higher rate of discharge to their homes rather than rehabilitation or other facilities.

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Conclusion

While both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are qualified to treat spine conditions, the depth of training and specific clinical outcomes associated with neurosurgeons make them a compelling choice for many patients. It’s essential to weigh these factors, along with personal preferences and individual health concerns, when deciding on the right specialist for your spine care.

Reviews

Since I have no formal medical training, I would like to provide you with my layman’s point of view of my case and the incredible journey I undertook.

In early January of 2015 I developed a serious problem in…

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  • Deloris C., Ladera Ranch, California

Doctors McFarland, Sieglen, Massoudi, and Madara,

I am writing this letter today to thank each of you individually and your organizations for allowing me the opportunity to have met a man of such as Alexander Taghva MD.

I am the son of poor Scottish immigrants, an Ex Army Paratrooper, Ex…

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  • James G.

I have suffered for years with excruciating hip pain, More recently, I began needing ambulatory assistance, for without a cane, it became impossible to get from the bed to the bathroom. So, I saw another hip specialist and he deduced that the problem was in my back. He scheduled a MRI, and this…

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  • Joseph R.

5 years ago I was sent to Dr. Taghva by my pain management specialist. He had very thorough tests done. He told me that it was his opinion that I had RSD aka CRPS. After much discussion with my pain specialist, I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted. I loved the relief it gave me.

A few years…

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  • Susan H.

Dr. Taghva is my hero. I had a herniated disc and spinal stenosis with pressure on the upper spine area. After 3 hours of surgery I was up and walking pain free right away. My recovery in just 2-3 weeks had me walking without any walker or back brace and I am feeling terrific.

Thank you so much…

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  • Real patient

I had a trial stimulator put in two weeks ago since I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis and helped with my pain 100%. Yesterday he inserted permanent stimulator inside me. I am so happy and love Dr Tagvha. I highly recommend him and has a wonderful bedside manner. Best neurosurgeon. Dr. Alexander…

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  • Christina C.

I recently had major surgery on my cervical spine. Work was done from C3 to T1. I was suffering from severe stenosis and losing the ability to use my left arm and hand.

Dr. Taghva performed the surgery and was assisted by his nurse practitioner Vanessa Stroessner. It’s been a few months since…

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  • Pat B.

In September 2018, my ENT doctor sent me to see Dr. Taghva; as a result of the MRI taken after my ears were tested for possible hearing loss. It turned out that I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball that needed to be removed; which most likely was the cause of some hearing loss. Both doctors…

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  • Jeannette P.

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949-388-7190

26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 541
Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

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