JOHN SAFANDA practices as a MD, an Orthopedic Surgeon in SAN RAFAEL, CA, focusing on lumbar fusion and related spine procedures including Lumbar Fusion, Cervical Disc Replacement, Laminectomy, Microdiscectomy.
Orthopedic Surgeons undergo rigorous training including 4 years of medical school followed by a 5-year orthopedic surgery residency. Many pursue additional fellowship training in sports medicine or joint replacement. They are experts in spine surgery, joint reconstruction, and treating complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Considering lumbar fusion? Call (415) 444-2000 to book a consultation with JOHN SAFANDA in SAN RAFAEL, CA.
Lumbar spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back to eliminate painful motion at a damaged segment. The surgeon uses bone graft, screws, and rods to stabilize the spine while the vertebrae fuse into solid bone over 3-6 months. It treats degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and fractures.
Cervical disc replacement removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc that preserves motion at that spinal level. Unlike cervical fusion, disc replacement maintains natural neck movement and may reduce stress on adjacent discs. FDA-approved since 2007 with excellent long-term results.
Laminectomy (decompression surgery) removes part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. It relieves pressure caused by spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spinal canal common in patients over 60. The procedure can be performed alone or combined with fusion for stability.
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve. Through a 1-inch incision, the surgeon uses a microscope to precisely remove the disc fragment causing sciatica (leg pain, numbness, or weakness). One of the most successful spine surgeries with 85-95% relief of leg symptoms.
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Costs vary by provider, insurance, and case complexity. Contact JOHN SAFANDA at (415) 444-2000 for a consultation.
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