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Check List For Choosing A Skilled Spinal Surgeon

• Must be board certified and trained at an accredited university.
• Have performed the surgery that is required for you on a regular basis.
• Have a residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship in spinal surgery.
• Should have enough experience, being out of residency 3-5 years.
• Should be willing to explain potential risks and complications in detail.
• Have a likeable personality and be a good communicator. He/she will treat you through the followup care, so it is important that the doctor/ patient relationship be a good one.
• Must be able to assure you that your expectations match what is possible in surgery.
• Must be able to indicate recovery time and emotional reactions.
• The doctor should be able to refer you two patients he/she has operated on.
• He/she should try all conservative approaches to the problems before surgery. Surgery should be the last resort.