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Healthcare Services Orthopaedics Spine Medical Services and Treatments

Medical Services and Treatments

University of Florida physicians in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation provide services for patients with the following conditions:

  • Cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy
  • Deformities of the spine
  • Lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica, stenosis
  • Spinal tumors
  • Spondylolisthesis, scoliosis

Diagnostic Procedures and Evaluations

Diagnostic evaluation of spine patients involves taking a careful history and gathering other information regarding their specific problems, previous treatments and social circumstances, such as occupation and family support. This is followed by a physical examination and supplemented by a review of images made of the patient's spine or other body parts. Imaging studies may include radiographs (x-rays), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans or other tests.

Treatment Options

Treatments for spinal disorders vary from nonsurgical to surgical procedures.

Nonsurgical treatments will be recommended by the spine team, but the patient's primary care physician or physiatrist usually provides ongoing care for the patient. These recommendations include medications, blocks and physical therapy.

Surgical treatments are specific to the disorder being managed and may involve discectomy, decompression of neural elements, fusion use of internal traction (metal hardware), other implanted devices or combination of these.

Each type of surgery has its own expectations. The surgeon will provide an explanation of the diagnosis, treatment options, the procedure planned and what to expect for hospitalization and recovery. We will also discuss with you the benefits and risks of not doing surgery versus having the surgery.

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