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Answers about Controversial Trends in Spine Care

Spine Health | Last Active: Jan 16, 2023 | Replies (35)

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@stantallusa

Wow. Now I need to find someone to look at my MRIs and tell me if this may be an option for me. I have seen ads over the last few years advertising “cyber knife”. Is that what this is?

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Replies to "Wow. Now I need to find someone to look at my MRIs and tell me if..."

@stantallusa Only a surgeon can clarify what the tools are that they use and how they use them, so we can't assume anything about an advertisement. Calling something a "cyber knife" instead of the actual product name sounds like a term to make it less worrisome and more attractive to patients. I know that isn't an answer to your question, but it is so important to ask questions so you fully understand everything about surgery you are considering. I have not sought out surgeons who are advertising for patients, and personally, I would have a hard time trusting a surgeon who needs to advertise to get patients. Some have educational online videos for patient education which would not be considered advertising. Their reputation and skills should be recognized by respected medical institutions and the ratings by the insurance companies who are funding the procedures. I look for medical literature by any surgeon I am considering and read it. I look for participation in spine surgical societies and conferences and for a surgeon who is teaching surgical procedures at the conferences. There you will find the leaders in the field. Choosing the best surgeon you can find who's interests match with what you need can make a lot of difference in the results and recovery from a procedure, and also being the best patient you can be by making wise health choices that will improve your ability to heal. Often it helps to get multiple opinions because there can be different ways to solve a problem, and the risks may be a bit different with different procedures or implants. The patient needs to make an educated choice about what is best for them with the advice of a physician that they trust.