--- title: "Sutter advanced spine care | Complex spine surgery | Sutter Health" description: "Complex spine conditions need a higher level of care. Our spine surgeons at Sutter Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Institute treat spinal deformity, tumors and perform revision surgery across Northern California." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/sutter-advanced-spine-care" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) / 3. Sutter advanced spine care ![Spine doctor speaking with patient](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-professionals/spine-doctor-with-patient.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150) # Sutter advanced spine care We provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a broad range of spinal conditions, from persistent back and neck pain to complex spinal deformity, revision surgery, reconstruction and spinal tumors. [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ![Spine doctor speaking with patient](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-professionals/spine-doctor-with-patient.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150) ## Why choose Sutter? When spine conditions are complex, recurring or require specialized treatment, the team behind your care can make all the difference. Our specialists at Sutter Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Institute (SANSI) bring together expertise in spine surgery, pain medicine, rehabilitation, oncology and more to develop individualized treatment plans based on your condition and goals. Because spine care is more than surgery, we consider the full range of options for adults and children, from nonsurgical care, physical therapy and pain management to minimally invasive procedures and complex surgery. No matter how complex your condition, you have a team working together from your first visit to help you receive the right care at the right time. ## How we care for you **Specialists by your side** **Comprehensive treatment options** **A personalized approach** ### Specialists by your side Sutter Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Institute brings together specialized expertise in spine surgery and multidisciplinary spine care. Our specialists collaborate across disciplines to evaluate complex conditions and coordinate treatment tailored to your needs. We treat more than 1,100 complex spine cases annually, serving as the destination hub for our complex spine care in Northern California. **Specialists by your side** ### Specialists by your side Sutter Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Institute brings together specialized expertise in spine surgery and multidisciplinary spine care. Our specialists collaborate across disciplines to evaluate complex conditions and coordinate treatment tailored to your needs. We treat more than 1,100 complex spine cases annually, serving as the destination hub for our complex spine care in Northern California. **Comprehensive treatment options** ### Comprehensive treatment options From the most complex reconstruction to less invasive approaches, our team of specialists covers the full spectrum of spine care: - **Complex spinal deformity:** Evaluation and treatment of adult scoliosis, pediatric scoliosis, complex cervical deformity, spinal imbalance and spinal cord compression - **Complex spine reconstruction:** Surgical treatment for severe deformity, trauma, multilevel disease and other challenging spinal conditions - **Minimally invasive spine surgery:** Less invasive surgical approaches for conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis, including minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures - **Revision spine surgery:** Treatment of persistent symptoms or complications following previous spine procedures, including complex revision and reconstruction - **Spine oncology:** Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of spinal tumors and cancer that has spread to the spine, coordinated with oncology and other specialists **A personalized approach** ### A personalized approach From diagnosis through treatment and recovery, our specialists consider your condition, goals and treatment options. Care may include: - Nonsurgical treatment - Pain management - Physical therapy and rehabilitation - Minimally invasive procedures - Complex surgery We also collaborate with referring physicians to support timely consultations, coordinated treatment planning and communication throughout your journey. ![Doctors laughing in office](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-professionals/team-doctors-laughing.jpg?h=1576&iar=0&w=2100) ## Advanced spine care in San Francisco Our team of specialists at the [Mission Bernal Care Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/mission-bernal-care-center-2011972352) offers comprehensive treatments for adults and children. You don't have to travel far for the specialized spine care you need. Phone: [415-600-0528](tel:14156000528) Fax: 415-369-1207 ## Meet Sutter Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Institute's team 4 providers - [![Sigurd H. Berven, M.D.](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/DnW93502Gxb586Pi7p7lTPP2kbvHIC3KH25fhJdbdCY/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=192,height=240) ### Sigurd H. Berven, M.D. Orthopedic SurgerySan Francisco, CA](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-sigurd-h-berven-1046243460) - [![Shane Burch, M.D.](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/JDKced50j2ZglVujcBJ7QYEKjK5ywWcoHWR1cG2ftds/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=192,height=240) ### Shane Burch, M.D. Spine SurgerySan Francisco, CA](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-shane-burch-2088381031) - [![Aaron Clark, M.D., Ph.D.](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/O__tOrVeayg_mXBBxvaVUWA8PJv2V0Su0I4bv9DdS-U/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=192,height=240) ### Aaron Clark, M.D., Ph.D. NeurosurgerySan Francisco, CA](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-aaron-clark-2088381036) - [![Alekos A. Theologis, M.D.](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/JzUc4k8O79pK65zAa3qadkiLteuH35dvRdPrXN9HgtQ/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=192,height=240) ### Alekos A. Theologis, M.D. Orthopedic SurgerySan Francisco, CA](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-alekos-a-theologis-2088381041) ## Request a referral Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, or call us at [(888) 534-1788](tel:+18885341788). [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ## Conditions - Adult spinal deformity - Complex spinal stenosis - Pediatric spinal deformity - [Scoliosis](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/scoliosis) - Spinal cord compression - Spinal cord injury - Spinal tumors - Spine fractures and trauma - Spondylolisthesis - [Tarlov cyst](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/tarlov-cysts) - Thoracic disc disease ## Diagnostics - CT myelogram - CT scan - Electromyography (EMG) - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Nerve Conduction Studies - PET scan - Standing Full-Spine X-ray - X-ray ## Treatments - Artificial disc replacement - Complex spinal reconstruction - Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty - Laminectomy and laminoplasty - [Minimally invasive spine surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/minimally-invasive-back-spine-procedures) - Revision spine surgery - Robotic-assisted spine surgery - Scoliosis and deformity correction - Spinal fusion - Spinal tumor resection - Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) ## Related services - [Back and spine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/back-spine) - [Back and spine surgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/back-spine-surgery) - [Cancer services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer) - [Interventional pain management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/interventional-pain-management) - [Neurology](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neurology) - [Neuroscience](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neuroscience) - [Neurosurgery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neurosurgery) - [Orthopedics](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/orthopedics) - [Pediatric back and spine care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pediatric-back-spine) - [Pediatric orthopedics](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pediatric-orthopedics) - [Physical therapy and rehabilitation](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation) ## Frequently asked questions **What makes a spine condition complex?**  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.  **How do I know which spine specialist I need?**  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. **Is complex spine surgery safe?**  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. **Should I get a second opinion before complex spine surgery?**  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.  **What should I do if I have sudden weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control?**  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.  ## Sutter spotlight [All back and spine articles](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Ask+An+Expert%22%2C%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Back+and+Spine+Health%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) Health & wellness ### [Is This Serious? Decoding Back Pain](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/is-this-serious-decoding-back-pain) Some back pain needs pampering at home while other forms may need evaluation by your doctor. Learn how to know the difference. Health & wellness ### [Treating Back Pain at Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/treating-back-pain-at-home) Try our advice for self-care and learn when to call your doctor. Health & wellness ### [Back Pain Causes at Any Age](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/understanding-your-back-pain) Your age may give clues to the cause for your back pain. Learn the most common reasons. 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