Spinal Surgery Expert Witnesses
Unparalleled expertise in high-stakes injury cases
Spinal surgery is a category of surgical procedures used to treat various spinal conditions, including spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal fractures, spinal cord tumors, and other spinal deformities. Spinal surgery aims to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall function. Types of spinal surgery include:
- Laminectomy: removing a portion of the vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Discectomy: removing a portion of a herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root.
- Spinal fusion: joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
- Artificial disc replacement: removing a damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one.
Spinal surgeons may be trained as either neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons. Becoming a spinal surgeon requires a medical degree (MD or DO), a five- to seven-year residency in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery, and a fellowship program in spinal surgery. Board Certification in spinal surgery can be sought from either the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) or the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).
The value of a spinal surgeon as an expert witness
Many of the injuries that spinal surgeons treat, including herniated discs and spinal stenosis, can be either caused or aggravated by an accident caused by negligence. In personal injury matters involving injuries to the back and spine, a spinal surgeon can offer a professional opinion on the cause and extent of the injury. A spinal surgeon can also explain the cost of surgical treatment for the injury, any potential complications, and the likely long-term prognosis for the patient.
In medical malpractice cases involving errors during spinal surgery, a Board-Certified spinal surgeon can explain the applicable standards of care and opine whether the defendant surgeon met or breached those standards. Experienced spinal surgeons can also explain the causal relationship between malpractice and the patient’s injury or illness, as well as the potential long-term effects on health and quality of life.
Contact us today for the expert witness you need
Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been working with America’s leading personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys on high-stakes cases for decades. Our network includes Board-Certified spinal surgeons from both orthopedic and neurosurgical backgrounds who are prepared to offer compelling, objective testimony in depositions and at trial. Contact us today for a free case summary review.