Dr Steve Zhou Orthopedic Spine surgeon

In this episode of ‘Interview the Expert’ Joel speaks with Dr Steve Zhou Orthopedic Spine Surgeon. Dr Zhou concentrates on advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques and has special interest in complex spine reconstruction including revision fusion surgery. Dr Zhou works out of the Hartford Hospital Connecticut US.

Chaptered topics include:

0:10 - Intro to Dr Hanbing (Steve) Zhou Orthopedic Spine Surgeon.

01:00 - Social media use for patients seeking information. Understanding who the surgeon is.

09:55 - Patient perceptions of the spine surgeon. How do you lay down patient expectations. All patients are treated how I would treat myself or family. Truth and expectations is also required.

Private practices need patients BUT most patient appointments do not need a surgical intervention.

Non-operative possibilities are always explored first.

14:20 - What do patients want? Patients want to know what is going on. 90% of conditions are degenerative and related to age and use. Patients can still do well with conservative treatment.

17:40 - A patient with back pain but no red flags. Some patients will catastrophise the situation and how are they dealt with? Chronic pain and the anxiety implications.

24:45 - Preparing for a surgical procedure and pre-operative counselling. It’s up to the surgeon to explain exactly what is going to happen. The use of dedicated nurse practitioners so patients understand what will be needed to assist the post operative situation. When can I go to the bathroom, what about showering etc.?

32:35 - Fusion surgery of any kind is huge surgery and should not be under played. The long term limitations need to be understood. Adjacent Segment Disease is also a factor. These can be life altering procedures.

37:20 - Restoring the appropriate segment lordosis can lessen the Adjacent Segment Disease occurrence. Many factors are apparent though. 

41:50 - If you don’t adjust your movement patterns post fusion you’re not helping the risk of Adjacent Segment Disease. Surgeons focus on the spinal column not the muscle and their function post procedure.

44:30 - Failed fusion or ‘non unions’ - what is the main factor that stops the fusion. Bone healing can be affected by certain risk factors. The more surface area in contact the more likely the fusion. Hence a fan of ALIF and lateral fusion techniques.  

50:55 - Post surgery rules of no bending, lifting or twisting post surgery are being relaxed given the latest fusion tech. Steve doesn’t believe this is ideal. The construct must not be stressed during the initial recovery phase. Two to three months before anything beyond 20lbs can be lifted. Subsidence can still occur.

54:40 - Where is Dr Steve Zhou based? Hartford Hospital Connecticut between New York and Boston. Telemedicine is viable for remote opinions. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ctspine360/