Mentoring the next generation of spine surgeons — Dr. Behrooz Akbarnia gives back by creating two nonprofit foundations
Written by Megan Wood
The spine industry has significantly evolved over the last few decades — a transformation described as “night and day” by pediatric and adult scoliosis surgeon Behrooz Akbarnia, MD, past Scoliosis Research Society president and founder of San Diego Spine Foundation.
Dr. Akbarnia remembers a time when scoliosis patients with spinal fusion had to undergo many corective castings and recover in bed for six months to a year before they were allowed to walk.
“I think now the general trend is toward less invasive surgery,” says Dr. Akbarnia. However, Dr. Akbarnia cautions surgeons should only perform MIS if it will yield the same or better patient outcome as an open technique approach.
“‘Good surgeons know how to operate, better surgeons know when to operate and the best surgeons know when not to operate,'” says Dr. Akbarnia, quoting an old adage.
He emphasizes the importance of patient selection, and hopes advancements in technology will allow surgeons to better determine the source of a patient’s disability and pain and address the problem appropriately.
“The key is an accurate diagnosis, because if you don’t have a right diagnosis, you can’t have a proper treatment and eventually good outcome,” says Dr. Akbarnia.
