Where Can I Get Advanced Spine Surgery in Long Island?

You can visit Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for advanced spinal surgery in Long Island. Our board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons and interventional pain specialists provide personalized spinal care for a wide range of spinal disorders. We also use on-site imaging and advanced diagnostic tools to confirm your condition.

Once we confirm your diagnosis, our spine surgeons recommend the most suitable treatment for your condition. We offer advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, artificial disc replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, and complex lumbar spine reconstruction. We also review your medical history and provide a second opinion. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment with our surgeon at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Syosset.

Why Should You Choose Total Orthopedics For Spine Surgery?

You should choose Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for expert spinal care through minimally invasive procedures that reduce muscle damage, shorten recovery time, and lower post-surgical discomfort. Our team also provides personalized treatment plans and coordinated support from diagnosis through rehabilitation. As a result, you receive quality care and effective treatment throughout your recovery.

Beyond that, we provide the following services at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to support your spine treatment:

Fellowship-Trained Expert Care

You receive care from our board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with advanced training in treating complex cases. Our specialists use advanced imaging and detailed functional evaluations to identify the exact source of your symptoms. This thorough assessment allows us to create a personalized treatment plan for your condition. As a result, you receive precise care from diagnosis through recovery.

Conservative Treatment First

Our multidisciplinary teams enhance pain management strategies by creating personalized treatment for each patient before recommending surgery. Your care plan may begin with pain management services such as image-guided injections and medication to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. We may also recommend activity modification, bracing, and personalized exercise programs to improve spine function and support recovery. However, if your condition does not improve, we will discuss the most appropriate surgical option for long-term relief.

Advanced Spine Procedures

Our specialists select each procedure based on your condition, symptoms, and long-term recovery goals. For example, our surgeons may recommend lumbar decompression or microdiscectomy to relieve pressure on compressed nerves and reduce leg pain. Depending on your diagnosis, our surgeons may recommend endoscopic spine surgery or artificial disc replacement to restore spinal function while preserving movement. Moreover, we perform complex revision surgery to correct or repair unsuccessful spine procedures.

Personalized Follow-Up Care

After your procedure, our specialists schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. During each visit, our specialists assess your healing, review your progress, and answer your questions. If your recovery plan requires changes, we adjust your treatment to support better outcomes. This continued care promotes a smoother recovery and helps restore a full range of motion for daily activities.

Secure Patient Portal

You can request an appointment through our secure online patient portal for quick and convenient access to our care team. You can also review surgical instructions, appointment details, medical records, test results, and post-operative guidance in one place. This convenient access keeps you informed throughout your treatment and recovery.

Major Insurance Plans

Our team accepts most major insurance plans to improve access to expert spine care. To support convenient access to treatment, we accept the following insurance plans:

• Commercial Plans: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Empire Government, Fidelis, GHI, Healthfirst, HIP, MagnaCare, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund.
• Medicare Plans: Medicare, United Healthcare Medicare, Railroad Medicare, and Humana (out-of-network benefits only).
• Military Plans: Tricare East and Tricare For Life.
• Special Coverage: No-Fault Insurance and Workers’ Compensation.

Before your appointment, contact our office or your insurance provider to confirm your current in-network coverage and eligibility for your specific treatment.

Important Note: Please bring your active insurance card and a valid photo ID to your scheduled appointment for insurance verification.

How Can You Choose The Right Spine Surgeon?

To find the best doctor in Long Island , you should look for board certification, specialized fellowship training, and experience treating your specific spinal condition. These qualifications demonstrate the surgeon’s advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders.

You should also choose a specialist who specializes in spine care, as this reflects greater experience with spinal conditions and procedures. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our spine surgeon, Dr. Vadim Lerman, completed his spine fellowship at the Beth Israel Spine Institute in New York, NY. His practice focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating spinal disorders. Moreover, he holds the following professional credentials:

• Board-Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
• Licensed by the New York State Board of Medicine
• Licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Medicine

Our surgeon, Dr. Vadim Lerman, also completed specialized training through the North Shore–Long Island Jewish Health System. He also trained in pediatric orthopedics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. This extensive experience supports personalized surgical care and a smoother recovery. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment with our surgeon.

Which Spine Conditions Can Specialists Treat?

Our board-certified spine specialist, Dr. Vadim Lerman, treats conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. He also provides advanced care for degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, spinal instability, and other complex cases affecting the spine. Beyond these conditions, our specialist, Dr. Vadim Lerman, identifies the underlying cause of your symptoms and develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Here is how these spinal disorders cause chronic pain and reduce your quality of life:

• Herniated Disc: A damaged disc presses on nearby nerves, causing chronic back or neck pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve causes pain that travels from the lumbar spine into the legs.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerves, affecting walking, balance, and daily activities.
• Scoliosis: An abnormal spinal curve can lead to uneven posture and progressive spinal deformity.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear between the vertebrae reduces spinal support and causes persistent discomfort.
• Spinal Fractures: Broken vertebrae from injury or osteoporosis can lead to thoracic or lumbar spinal trauma, instability, and severe pain.

Which Tests Will You Need Before Spine Surgery?

Before spinal surgery, you will typically need a physical exam and medical tests, including blood work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a chest X-ray, based on your health and planned procedure. Your care team may also order advanced diagnostic testing, including discography and EMG/NCS, X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to evaluate your condition and plan the procedure with greater precision. In most cases, your surgeon may recommend the following additional tests and medical clearances based on your health history:

• Cardiac Evaluation: Assesses heart function if you have a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Pulmonary Evaluation: Reviews lung function for patients with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions.
• Diabetes Assessment: Ensures your blood sugar is well controlled before surgery.
• Medication Review: Identifies medications that should be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the procedure.
• Anesthesia Evaluation: Reviews your medical history and determines the safest anesthesia plan for your spinal surgery.
• Primary Care Clearance: Confirms your overall health and readiness for surgery.

When Should You Consider Advanced Spine Surgery?

Our spine specialist, Dr. Vadim Lerman, may recommend surgical intervention if your spine pain persists despite 6 to 12 months of conservative treatment, such as rest and medication. He may also recommend spinal surgery when imaging confirms nerve compression, spinal instability, or other structural problems, including:

• Herniated Disc
• Spinal Stenosis
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Fractures
• Spinal Deformities

In these cases, surgery can restore spinal stability, improve mobility issues, and enhance your well-being. In fact, an NIH study found that patients who underwent surgery within 48 hours to 6 weeks achieved recovery rates above 90%, especially those with mild to moderate nerve weakness. Delaying surgery beyond six weeks was associated with longer-lasting symptoms and poorer outcomes, particularly in severe cases.

What Are The Different Types Of Advanced Spine Surgery? 

Artificial disc replacement, spinal fusion, or complex reconstruction treat spinal conditions. In some cases, surgeons may recommend laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve nerve compression and reduce back pain. Beyond these procedures, robot-assisted surgery and balloon kyphoplasty treat fractures, spinal deformities, and other complex cases. Here is how these advanced procedures support long-term recovery based on your diagnosis:

Decompression Surgery (Laminectomy)

If spinal stenosis compresses your nerves, your surgeon may recommend lumbar laminectomy surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon removes part or all of the lamina to create more space around the compressed nerves. As a result, nerve pressure decreases, and symptoms such as leg pain or numbness often improve. This procedure commonly restores mobility and supports a more comfortable daily routine.

Microdiscectomy

During surgery, your surgeon removes only the damaged portion of the disc causing the compression. This minimally invasive spine surgery can relieve sciatic pain caused by a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve. Moreover, your surgeon may also recommend this procedure for lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve) or worsening neurological symptoms.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery treats spinal conditions through a very small incision. Your surgeon uses state-of-the-art imaging technology and specialized instruments to reach the affected area with precision. As a result, the procedure causes less disruption to the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. This minimally invasive option also reduces postoperative discomfort and shortens recovery time.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement, also known as total disc replacement, replaces a damaged spinal disc. The artificial implant preserves natural spinal movement. As a result, the spine maintains greater flexibility while relieving nerve pressure. This procedure may be recommended for degenerative disc disease that does not improve with conservative treatment.

Spinal Fusion

Your surgeon may recommend spinal fusion if spinal instability or abnormal movement causes ongoing pain or nerve compression. This procedure permanently joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine. It is commonly recommended for spondylolisthesis and other conditions that cause abnormal spinal movement, such as:

• Spinal deformities: Progressive conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis that affect spinal alignment.
• Recurrent disc herniation: A herniated disc that returns after previous treatment or surgery.
• Spinal fractures: Broken vertebrae caused by trauma or osteoporosis that require spinal stabilization.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

If a damaged disc is affecting your neck, your surgeon may recommend an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). This procedure treats cervical disc herniations and cervical spinal stenosis by removing the damaged disc. The affected vertebrae are then stabilized with a bone graft and implant. As a result, pressure on the spinal cord and nerves is relieved while stability improves.

Complex Reconstruction and Revision Surgery

In severe cases, complex reconstruction corrects major spinal deformities or instability. Revision surgery repairs problems that develop after a previous spinal surgery. Your surgeon carefully evaluates imaging before selecting the most appropriate surgical approach based on your patient’s specific condition and unique needs. This individualized treatment plan restores alignment and improves spinal function.

Robot-Assisted Surgery

For greater precision, your surgeon may perform robotic spinal surgery during spinal fusion. Throughout the procedure, computer-guided technology incorporates the latest advancements to improve the accuracy of screw and implant placement. It also reduces the risk of injury to nearby nerves and surrounding tissues. This advanced approach supports safer surgery and more precise outcomes.

Balloon Kyphoplasty

If a compression fracture damages a vertebra, balloon kyphoplasty may restore spinal support. During the procedure, a small balloon gently restores the bone’s height before medical cement is injected. As a result, the fractured vertebra becomes more stable. This procedure often reduces pain and improves mobility. Some specialized centers also offer ultrasonic spine surgery, an advanced technique that allows surgeons to remove bone with greater precision while protecting nearby tissues. However, the most appropriate procedure depends on your specific spinal condition.

Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Better Than an Open Procedure?

Yes, minimally invasive procedures are often preferred over open surgery because they reduce muscle disruption. As a result, you usually experience less pain, reduced blood loss, and a faster recovery. However, your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your diagnosis and the complexity of your condition.

Compared with open surgery, minimally invasive procedures may require smaller incisions and provide more targeted surgical access. Because they preserve healthy tissues, patients often have shorter hospital stays and return to daily activities sooner. These techniques may also have lower complication rates than traditional open surgery.

How Will Your Surgeon Choose The Right Spine Procedure?

To determine the right surgical procedure, our spine surgeon, Dr. Vadim Lerman, identifies the exact cause of your spinal condition through advanced imaging and a detailed evaluation. He also reviews your overall health, symptom severity, and response to previous conservative treatments. Beyond that, the following factors help determine the safest and most effective surgical approach for patient-centered care:

• Underlying Condition: The specific spinal disorder causing your symptoms.
• Spinal Anatomy: The location and extent of structural damage.
• Age and Overall Health: Your medical condition and recovery potential.
• Activity Goals: The activities you want to return to after surgery.
• Job Demands: The physical requirements of your work and daily routine.

When Is Disc Replacement Recommended Over Spinal Fusion?

An orthopedic spine surgeon may recommend disc replacement instead of spinal fusion when you have single- or two-level disc disease without significant arthritis or spinal instability. Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure preserves movement in the affected spinal segment. It is often recommended for active individuals and athletes who want to maintain flexibility and support the body’s natural movement.

In fact, a study published in the European Spine Journal compared total disc replacement with spinal fusion in 152 patients with chronic low back pain who did not improve with nonsurgical treatment. After a five-year follow-up, researchers reported the following clinical outcomes:

• Pain-Free Patients: 38% of disc-replacement patients became pain-free, compared with 15% of fusion patients.
• Significant Pain Relief: Patients reported lower back pain scores and better overall pain improvement.
• Better Physical Function: Patients showed greater improvement in disability scores and daily activities.

What Risks Should You Discuss Before Spine Surgery?

Before spine surgery, you should discuss potential risks, such as nerve damage, infection, and blood clots, with your surgeon. You should also ask about anesthesia-related complications, including breathing or heart problems, and implant-related issues after the procedure. Discussing these risks gives you a clear understanding of the procedure and possible complications. This information also helps you and your surgeon make the safest treatment decision for your condition.

What Should You Expect On The Day Of Spine Surgery?

On the day of your spine surgery, you will complete your pre-surgery preparation, meet your surgical team, and sign consent forms. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will review the procedure and confirm the surgical site. Then, you will receive general anesthesia so you remain asleep and pain-free throughout the operation. During surgery, our dedicated medical team continuously monitors your vital signs while your surgeon performs the procedure.

How Long Does Recovery From Spine Surgery Take?

Spine surgery recovery can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 months, depending on the type of procedure you have. For example, minimally invasive procedures often allow you to return to normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks. In contrast, more complex spine surgeries may require 6 to 12 weeks or longer before you resume daily activities. Your overall recovery time also depends on the following factors:

• Age and Overall Health: Your physical condition before surgery.
• Underlying Spine Condition: The severity of your spinal disorder.
• Bone Healing: How quickly your spine heals after surgery.
• Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Your recovery progress with targeted exercises.
• Activity Level: How closely you follow recovery guidelines.

Schedule Your Advanced Spine Surgery Consultation At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine!

If back pain continues to limit your daily life, you may wonder whether spine surgery could provide lasting relief. At the same time, concerns about recovery time and possible complications can make the decision even more difficult. You may also worry about waiting weeks for appointments while your pain continues to interfere with activities.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our spine surgeon, Dr. Vadim Lerman, performs a high volume of specialized spine procedures. He provides advanced spine surgery tailored to each patient’s condition. He collaborates with physiatrists and other rehabilitation specialists to develop a personalized recovery plan that supports healing and improves surgical outcomes. Call 855-321-6784 or visit our clinic in Syosset to schedule your appointment with our Long Island Dr. Vadim Lerman.

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