When chronic neck or back pain disrupts your daily life, finding the right spine specialist becomes one of the most important decisions you'll make for your health and well-being. Dr. Joshua S. Rovner, a board-certified orthopedic and spine surgeon, understands that selecting a surgeon to address your spinal condition requires careful consideration.
With fellowship training from the prestigious Twin Cities Spine Center and certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Rovner brings over two decades of experience in diagnosing and treating complex spinal conditions.
As one of the few surgeons in New Jersey qualified to perform advanced robotic and minimally invasive spine procedures, he has built a reputation for delivering exceptional, personalized care that puts patients first.
In this blog, we will discuss the essential factors to consider when choosing a spine specialist, the questions you should ask during your consultation, and how to identify a surgeon who will prioritize your individual needs and long-term recovery.
What Qualifications Should Your Spine Specialist Have?
Board certification and specialized training form the foundation of exceptional spine care. When evaluating potential surgeons, understanding their credentials helps ensure you're placing your trust in capable, experienced hands.
Essential credentials to look for:
- Board certification: Verify that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Board of Neurological Surgery, indicating they've met rigorous standards for education, training, and ongoing competency.
- Fellowship training: Look for surgeons who completed additional specialized training in spine surgery after their orthopedic or neurosurgery residency. This advanced training typically spans one to two years and focuses exclusively on spinal conditions and surgical techniques.
- Active hospital privileges: Confirm your surgeon maintains privileges at accredited hospitals or surgical centers, which conduct their own credentialing reviews to ensure quality standards.
- Continuing education: The best spine specialists stay current with emerging techniques and technologies through ongoing education, research involvement, and professional development.
Dr. Rovner completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine before pursuing fellowship training specifically in spine surgery. His commitment to advancing the field includes staying at the forefront of robotic and minimally invasive surgical innovations.
How Much Experience Does Your Surgeon Have?
Experience matters significantly when it comes to spine surgery outcomes. The complexity of spinal anatomy and the precision required during procedures make surgical experience a critical factor in your decision.
Key experience factors to evaluate:
- Years in practice: Consider how long the surgeon has been performing spine procedures. More years typically translate to refined skills and better problem-solving abilities when complications arise.
- Procedure volume: Research shows that surgeons who perform higher volumes of specific procedures often achieve better outcomes. Ask how many times your surgeon has performed the recommended procedure.
- Condition-specific expertise: Some spine specialists focus on particular conditions or regions of the spine. Ensure your surgeon has extensive experience treating your specific diagnosis, whether it's cervical disc herniation, lumbar stenosis, or scoliosis correction.
- Complication rates: While all surgery carries risks, experienced surgeons typically have lower complication rates. Don't hesitate to ask about success rates and how they handle potential complications.
What Surgical Approaches and Technologies Does Your Spine Specialist Offer?
Modern spine surgery has evolved dramatically, with minimally invasive and robotic techniques offering significant advantages over traditional open surgery. Your surgeon's access to and expertise with advanced technology can directly impact your recovery experience.
Important technological capabilities include:
- Minimally invasive techniques: These approaches use smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue damage, reduced blood loss, decreased post-operative pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
- Robotic guidance systems: Advanced systems like the Mazor Robotics System allow for unprecedented precision in screw placement and implant positioning, improving safety and outcomes while reducing radiation exposure.
- 3D surgical planning: Preoperative CT scans and 3D modeling enable surgeons to create detailed surgical blueprints that account for your unique anatomy and potential complications before entering the operating room.
- Motion-preserving options: Technologies like artificial disc replacement preserve spinal mobility rather than fusing vertebrae, potentially reducing stress on adjacent spinal segments.
Dr. Rovner is among a select group of surgeons in New Jersey trained to perform robotic spine surgery using the Mazor system. Research published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine demonstrates that robotic-assisted procedures improve screw placement accuracy by up to 98 percent while reducing revision surgery rates.
What Questions Should You Ask During Your Consultation?
Coming prepared with thoughtful questions helps you gather the information needed to make an informed decision about your spine care.
Critical questions to ask:
- Diagnosis clarity: "What is causing my pain, and how did you reach this diagnosis?"
- Treatment options: "What are all my treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical? What do you recommend and why?"
- Procedure specifics: "Exactly what does the recommended procedure involve? How long will it take, and what type of anesthesia will be used?"
- Recovery expectations: "What will my recovery look like? When can I return to work and normal activities?"
- Success rates: "What are the success rates for this procedure? What are the potential risks and complications?"
- Alternative opinions: "Do you support me getting a second opinion?"
Never settle for vague answers or feel pressured to make immediate decisions. A trustworthy spine specialist welcomes questions and respects your need for clarity and time to consider your options.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Rovner
Choosing the right spine specialist requires careful evaluation of credentials, experience, technology, and patient care philosophy. Dr. Joshua S. Rovner combines board certification, fellowship training, and decades of specialized experience with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes your individual needs and long-term well-being.
If you're suffering from chronic neck or back pain, don't wait to seek expert evaluation. Contact Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics today at 201.515.5190 to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Rovner.