Orthopedic Spine Expert Witness & Medicolegal Services
Independent, Evidence-Based Spine Expertise
Dr. Shlykov provides expert witness and medicolegal services involving orthopedic spine conditions, injuries, and spine surgery.
As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon in active clinical practice, Dr. Shlykov provides objective medical opinions based on the medical record, imaging findings, clinical examination when applicable, current medical literature, and accepted standards of spine care.
Services are available for attorneys, insurers, employers, case managers, and other organizations involved in workers’ compensation and personal injury matters.
Expert Witness Services
Dr. Shlykov provides expert review of cases involving cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions.
Services may include:
- Medical record and imaging review
- Expert medical opinions
- Causation analysis
- Assessment of injury and diagnosis
- Evaluation of proposed or prior treatment
- Assessment of surgical indications
- Standard-of-care review
- Functional and work-capacity assessment
- Deposition testimony
- Trial testimony
Opinions are provided independently and based on the available medical evidence and current spine surgery practice.
Independent Medical Evaluations
Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) are available for individuals with spine-related injuries and conditions.
An evaluation may address:
- Diagnosis and nature of the spine condition
- Relationship of the condition to a reported injury
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
- Appropriateness of treatment provided
- Need for additional treatment
- Indications for spine surgery
- Work restrictions and functional capacity
- Maximum medical improvement when appropriate
- Permanency or impairment when applicable
Evaluations include review of relevant medical records and imaging, a focused history and physical examination when indicated, and a detailed written report.
Causation & Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions
Determining whether an event caused, aggravated, or exacerbated a spine condition is frequently an important issue in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Dr. Shlykov evaluates:
- Mechanism of injury
- Timing and onset of symptoms
- Pre-injury medical history
- Pre-existing degenerative spine conditions
- Imaging findings
- Treatment history
- Objective examination findings
- Natural history of the underlying condition
Opinions regarding causation are based on the complete clinical picture rather than imaging findings alone.
Spine Surgery Review
Cases involving spine surgery often require evaluation by a physician who routinely treats these conditions and performs the procedures being reviewed.
Dr. Shlykov provides expert review involving:
- Cervical and lumbar decompression
- Spinal fusion
- Cervical and lumbar disc replacement
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Revision spine surgery
- Spinal deformity and scoliosis surgery
- Spine trauma
- Spinal tumors
- Postoperative complications
- Failed or unsuccessful spine surgery
Review may address whether surgery was indicated, whether alternative treatment options were reasonable, postoperative outcomes, complications, and the need for additional treatment.
Standard-of-Care Review
Dr. Shlykov provides independent review of spine-related medical care when questions arise regarding the standard of care, surgical decision-making, or treatment provided.
Cases are evaluated based on the specific clinical circumstances, available medical documentation, accepted practice standards, and relevant medical literature.
Medical Record & Imaging Review
Some matters may not require an in-person evaluation.
Dr. Shlykov can review:
- Medical records
- Operative reports
- MRI studies
- CT scans
- X-rays
- Prior expert reports
- Treatment recommendations
Following review, a written opinion or consultation can be provided when appropriate.
Objective & Evidence-Based Opinions
The role of a medical expert is to provide an independent and medically supportable opinion.
Dr. Shlykov’s evaluations focus on:
- Objective clinical findings
- Imaging and diagnostic studies
- Medical history
- Accepted standards of spine care
- Current medical literature
- The individual circumstances of each case
Expert opinions are not predetermined by the party requesting the evaluation.
For Attorneys, Insurers & Case Managers
Dr. Shlykov works with professionals involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and other spine-related medicolegal matters.
Our office provides:
- Efficient case review
- Clear communication
- Detailed written reports
- Review of medical records and imaging
- Independent medical evaluations
- Expert consultation
- Deposition and trial availability when appropriate
Request an Expert Review or IME
To inquire about an expert witness consultation, independent medical evaluation, record review, or other medicolegal service, please contact our office.
Direct Contact
For urgent coordination or questions:
- Phone:
- Fax:
