Recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India made it clear that spine procedures can be performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. This decision aims to define the scope of practice for these specialists in the field of spine surgery and is a response to a debate held by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) on November 24, 2023.
A complicated medical treatment called spine surgery is necessary for a number of disorders that damage the spine. Spinal abnormalities, tumors, injuries, and degenerative disorders such as stenosis and ruptured disks are among these conditions. Depending on the demands of the patient and the particular ailment being treated, either minimally invasive or classic open approaches might be used to perform the operation.
In the past, there has been some discussion regarding the kinds of specialists who are capable of carrying out these complex treatments. Historically, the majority of spine surgeries have been performed by orthopedic surgeons, who specialize in treating musculoskeletal disorders, and neurosurgeons, who treat disorders of the neurological system, which includes the spine. But as spine surgery has developed, more people are seeing how similar these two specialists’ fields of competence are.
In the past, there has been some discussion regarding the kinds of specialists who are capable of carrying out these complex treatments. Historically, the majority of spine surgeries have been performed by orthopedic surgeons, who specialize in treating musculoskeletal disorders, and neurosurgeons, who treat disorders of the neurological system, which includes the spine. But as spine surgery has developed, more people are seeing how similar these two specialists’ fields of competence are.
The NMC’s clarification, which acknowledges that both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons are capable of performing these difficult procedures, encourages a more inclusive approach to spine surgery. It is anticipated that this ruling will improve access to spine surgery specialists, which will benefit people in need of these vital medical procedures.
The latest statement from the NMC affirms that spine surgeries can be performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. This statement reflects the changing landscape of medical specializations and the growing acceptance of a range of skills in the field of spine care.
SOURCE:
SARKARI DOCTOR