Who can perform spine surgeries? NMC specifies eligibility

New Delhi: The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has stated that both Orthopedic and Neurosurgeons are competent to perform spine surgeries. 

Discussions regarding the competency of doctors performing spine surgeries were held last year on 24.11.2023 at a meeting held by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of NMC.

Consequently, the PG Board of NMC informed that in addition to spine surgeons who can conduct spine surgeries, both Orthopedic Surgeons and Neuro surgeons are competent to perform spine surgeries. 

Manish Kumar Mittal from the Ethics Board of NMC issued this clarification to Dr. H.S. Chhabra, Chief of Spine Service & Medical Director of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.

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While discussing the subject of "Eligibility of Orthopedic Surgeons for doing Spine Surgery", the Ethics Board of NMC referred to Dr. Chhabra's letter dated 18.01.2023 in this regard.

"The Board examined the representation of the Association of spine surgeons of India. In this regard the internal meeting was held by PGMEB on 24/11/2023 and it has been stated by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board that both the Orthopedic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons are competent to perform spine surgeries. In addition, spine Surgeons can also do the spine surgeries," NMC mentioned in the letter dated 15.07.2024.

"This issues with the approval of the competent authority. Yours faithfully," it further added.

Spine Surgeries are required for spinal deformities, spinal inspections, trauma, spine tumors, and some degenerative spine conditions such as stenosis and herniated disks. These types of surgeries can either be performed in an open (traditional) spine surgery procedure or using minimally invasive techniques involving a smaller incision and the insertion of a tube.

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