Spine
The spinal subspecialty at Tuckahoe Orthopaedics focuses on the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of disorders and diseases of the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbosacral (lower back) areas of the spine. Optimal diagnosis and treatment of patients with spine disorders require an expert understanding of both the anatomical source of the patient’s symptoms and the context in which the patient lives with his or her problem.
Common conditions of the spine include low back pain, mid-back pain, and neck pain related to*:
- herniated discs
- sciatica
- spinal stenosis
- degenerative disc disease
- arthritis of the spine
- spinal instability
- traumatic or pathologic spinal fractures
- compression fractures
- work-related injuries.
More than 80 percent of Americans will be affected by back or neck pain at some time during their lives and in many instances may need to seek the care of a specialty trained spine physician. Our spine physicians at Tuckahoe Orthopaedics, Drs. Michael Simpson, Jed Vanichkachorn, and Walter Rabhan, have developed a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with spine disorders and injuries. These physicians understand that most patients with back or neck pain do not require surgery, but do need education, guidance, and access to the best in non-operative care. They are aware that each patient is unique, partnering with them to coordinate an individualized program of care, which may include on site specialized physical therapy, open MRI imaging, and referral to interventional pain management and physical medicine therapies when appropriate. A non-operative approach is always the first line of treatment; however, when the best treatment approach is indeed surgery, our fellowship-trained spine surgeons are well versed in the latest in minimally invasive spine surgical procedures, Kyphoplasty, Vertebroplasty, X-Stop Interspinous Implants, cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement, as well as complex reconstructive spine surgery.
Our spine program physicians are supported by physician assistants, orthopaedic nurses, medical assistants and an administrative staff whose purpose is to provide all patients being treated for spinal problems with education, support, and compassionate care. Together the physicians and staff at Tuckahoe Orthopaedics ensure patients are well-educated as to the nature of their condition, the prescribed treatment plan, and any planned surgical procedure and postoperative care and rehabilitation thus enabling patients to attain the best possible outcomes.
* Note, this is not a comprehensive list, merely a quick guide to give patients an overview. For more information about these or any orthopaedic condition affecting the spine, please contact our office or visit these important links:
AAOS – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
NASS – North American Spine Society www.spine.org
Spine Universe - www.spineuniverse.com
Spine-Health.Com - www.spine-health.com
New Patients to Tuckahoe Orthopaedics:
Please click here to complete the Spine New Patient History Form along with required registration forms.