Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Fort Lauderdale, FL

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Fort Lauderdale

Experiencing back pain? Contact us TODAY to make an appointment with Dr. Matthew Hepler, your best choice for an orthopedic spine surgeon in Broward County, FL.

We are open:

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact Information:

T: 561-345-1780

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Spine Surgeon Fort Lauderdale – Further Information

Service areas:

At our South Florida Spine Clinic, Dr. Hepler is also able to service nearby communities, including:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Coral Springs
• Davie
• Hollywood
• Plantation
• Sunrise
• Tamarac
• Other cities in Broward County

There are many types of back injuries, so it’s important to have a medical provider with experience in this field evaluate the symptoms before. Depending upon your specific condition, a surgical or non-surgical treatment plan will be prescribed.

In addition to treating patients at the Fort Lauderdale location, Dr. Hepler also has an office in Palm Beach County. Read about his role as an orthopedic spine surgeon in Delray Beach.

About Dr. Hepler – Spine Specialist in Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Hepler is a leading Fort Lauderdale spine surgeon with fellowship training in both adult and pediatric spine surgery. He has a subspecialty interest in complex spine reconstruction. That includes scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis but treats all spine conditions including disc herniations, radiculopathy, discogenic disc disease, lumbar and cervical stenosis, traumatic and osteoporotic fractures. He is also an expert in back surgery and spinal stenosis treatment in Palm Beach County.

A former US Naval Flight Surgeon, Dr. Hepler completed two tours to the Mediterranean and middle east aboard the aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt and one tour with the F-18 strike fighter training squadron.

Dr. Hepler is available to treat new patients at his two South Florida spine clinics: Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach.

What is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons defines an orthopedic surgeon as:

a physician devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, disorders and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system.

Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) may be orthopedic surgeons who have completed a five-year surgical residency focused on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of almost all bone and joint disorders, including:

• Spinal disorders
• Sports injuries
• Trauma
• Bone tumors
• Arthritis
• Hand injuries and deformities
• Total joint replacement

Some orthopedic surgeons focus their practice only on spine surgery, some on other types of joints (e.g. knees, hips, shoulders). An orthopedic spine surgeon specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, disorders and diseases of the spine.

What’s more, an orthopaedic spine surgeon follows the patient all the way from prevention through diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Regardless of the treatment, whether it is non-operative or operative treatment of the spine, the patient will remain under the direct supervision of the spine specialist. Additionally, the spine surgeon will continue to have contact with the patient with follow-up visits and follow the  progress of the patient through rehabilitation, especially after surgery. 

What types of conditions does Dr. Hepler treat?

As an orthopedic spine surgeon in Broward County, Dr. Hepler treats a broad variety of conditions affecting the back, including:

• Disc Herniation (HNP)
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Low back pain
• Spondylolysis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal Stenosis
• Lumbar stenosis
• Cervical Stenosis
• Spinal Trauma – Traumatic Fractures
• Osteoporosis

View a full list of conditions he treats.

What is the difference between a Neurosurgeon and Orthopedic Spine Surgeon?

Neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery are both medical subspecialties of surgery and have some similarities. Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons have to undergo several years of education and training to become experts in their field, usually work in operating rooms and perform surgical operations on patients. That also means, they both share similar responsibilities and they’re prepared for the significant risks. 

However, there are a number of differences between these two terms too. For a better understanding we will define the term “neurosurgeon” and explain what the main differences between these two specialists are. 

“Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system.” 

(source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurosurgery )

In other words, a neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves, intracranial, and intraspinal vasculature. Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine can become neurosurgeons after completing a five or six-year residency that focuses on the surgical treatment of neurological conditions. A neurosurgeon may complete additional training with a spine fellowship and specialize in spine surgery.

The main differences between neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons are:

• neurosurgeons operate on different systems of the human body, especially disorders affecting the nervous system,
• neurosurgeons only provide surgical care, while orthopedic surgeons provide surgical and nonsurgical care, 
• Only neurosurgeons are trained to perform procedures inside the dura, which is the lining of the spinal canal

What is the difference between an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and  Chiropractor?

The main difference between an orthopedic spine surgeon and a chiropractor, is that the latter does not prescribe medications nor do they perform surgery. Another difference is that chiropractic medicine is considered to be more ‘alternative’, whereas orthopedic spine surgeons are more a part of traditional medicine, following an evidence-based scientific approach. That being said, there are also several similarities: Both of them specialize in providing treatment to the back and both of them want to return the patient to their full health.

Are all conditions treated with surgery?

The treatment option selected will depend on several factors, such as the type of condition, the severity of the condition, and the state of the patient. Treatment options are both surgical and non-surgical. The exact treatment plan chosen will depend upon your specific injury or condition.

A full examination is conducted with all new patients, to ensure that the medical history, symptoms, and all other relevant factors are considered prior to prescribing a treatment plan. View a full list of back surgery treatment options in Fort Lauderdale, as well as non-surgical treatment options.

Why back surgery should be the last option?

Many patients believe that surgery is the easiest and quickest option to relieve back pain and it will solve their problem. Firstly, not all patients are suitable for surgery due to a current medical condition or their age. Most of the spinal problems can be treated with non-surgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy. 

If surgery is being considered, it is important to evaluate the risks and benefits of both the surgery and anesthesia. Therefore, our spine expert ensures that patients clearly understand that surgery is not a cure-it-all and through careful inspection will diagnose and determine a proper treatment option.

Our experienced spine surgeon in South Florida knows that back surgery is usually required in a small percentage of cases such as spinal fractures, spondylolisthesis, spinal infections, tumors, or other degenerative spinal condition that causes damage to the spinal cord. And these cases don’t happen very often. But if alternative treatment methods don’t provide enough relief or any results, then back surgery might be recommended. 

However, if surgery is the best option, then minimally invasive surgery should be considered,as many patients can qualify for minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS). It usually results in fewer risks of developing complications, less pain and faster recovery. What’s more, MISS has been used successfully for a range of degenerative, traumatic and deformity related conditions. 

The various surgical procedures may include:

• Spinal decompression
• Spinal fusion
• Scoliosis treatment
• Spinal stenosis treatment

What types of insurance are accepted?

Depending on your specific insurance plan, it may cover your cost of treatment by our spine surgeon in Fort Lauderdale. Participating insurance plans include Medicare, Aetna, BCBS among others. View a full list of accepted insurances.

Does Dr. Hepler accept Workers’ Compensation cases?

Yes. As a spine specialist in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Hepler is experienced in the treatment of work related back injuries. He is listed on all major workers’ compensation insurances. Read more about our Workers’ Compensation program or contact the office at 561-345-1780.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Fort Lauderdale – Additional Questions?

If you have any additional questions about Dr. Hepler and his role as an orthopedic spine specialist, please contact the office at 561-345-1780.