Sutter advanced spine care

A spine condition is considered complex when it's severe, involves multiple parts of the spine, has come back after previous surgery or requires a team of specialists working together. Examples include spinal deformities like severe scoliosis, spinal tumors or revision surgery when a prior procedure hasn't resolved the problem, and spinal cord compression. 

You don't need to figure that out before your first visit. Neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons are highly trained in spine surgery, and in many cases they treat the same conditions using similar techniques. Neurosurgeons bring extra training in operating on the spinal cord itself and inside the spinal canal. Orthopedic spine surgeons often lead care for structural problems like spinal deformity and scoliosis. For complex cases, our team reviews your imaging and symptoms and matches you to the right specialist.

Complex spine surgery is a serious decision. Age matters less than your overall health, bone density, and heart and lung function. Before surgery, we optimize your health to reduce risks and during surgery, we use neuromonitoring to protect your nerves and spinal cord. Complication rates for large reconstruction surgery are real, which is why careful planning matters so much. We'll walk through the trade-offs with you before any decision.

A second opinion can be helpful when considering complex spine surgery, particularly before elective procedures. We welcome second opinions, will review your outside imaging and records and can often begin the review virtually so you don't have to travel first. We'll help you think through your options, even if you decide to stay with your current care team. 

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Sudden weakness in one or both legs, new loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in your groin, buttocks or inner thighs can be signs of cauda equina syndrome or spinal cord compression. These are medical emergencies where every hour of delay can affect your long-term ability to walk. If you have cancer and develop new back pain with weakness or numbness, don't wait — rapid treatment can help protect you.