The goal of the program is to provide residents with the broadest possible experience in pathologic conditions related to the spine. Utilizing the resources of the entire medical center allows for the efficient delivery of the most modern interventions. A variety of operative and non-operative techniques are employed. The goal is to return the patient to the highest level of functioning possible. When non-operative approaches fail to relieve symptoms, the patient is then assessed as a potential surgical candidate.
Management is tailored to the individual patient.
Both anterior and posterior surgical approaches to the spine are utilized, as indicated, to deal with differing pathologies. Ongoing research efforts complement patient care activities. Surgical indications are refined by carefully assessing patient outcomes, studying ways to improve implant design, and minimizing perioperative morbidity by improved surgical techniques. Professional and public educational activities are designed to increase understanding of the scope and breadth of modern spinal surgery.