University of Pittsburgh Neurosurgery News - Winter 2001

The Spine Services Division at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Neurological Surgery is a multidisciplinary organization composed of specialists in the field of physical therapy, chiropractic care, rehabilitation and physical medicine, neurological surgery, and orthopaedic surgery. The Spine section provides a comprehensive evaluation of patients and provides referring physicians, patients and insurers with cost-efficient, comprehensive, proven, and effective treatment options. The section is an integral component of the UPMC Health System Comprehensive Spine Center/Spine Specialty Center and has close relationships with the departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic Surgery, Neurology, Anesthesia Pain Management, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Complete diagnostic testing of all spinal and nerve disorders is available through the center. The center also offers all nonsurgical adjunctive therapies including intradiscal electrothermy for painful disc conditions, acupuncture, traction, physical therapy modalities, steroid injections, and others. All efforts are made to reduce fragmentation of services, and provide a centralized service delivery process, while providing high-quality clinical delivery of services. To this end, the Department performs approximately 2500 spinal operations each year. In addition to the extensive clinical services, the division performs corporate, local and federallyfunded research projects. It establishes new clinical protocols, performs investigatory studies, cooperates in the development of new treatment protocols, and has established ties with outpatient physical therapy services. The division is a recognized “Center of Excellence” and has programs to teach visiting physicians new surgical techniques and to train fellows in spinal surgery. Physicians from the center also teach spine surgery at international centers. The division also sponsors joint conferences and actively participates in national symposia. The goals of the Spine Specialty Center at the Department of Neurological Surgery are to deliver comprehensive, excellent quality, outpatient medical care to patients with spinal disorders. Other goals include the advancement of clinical knowledge through academic activities, establishment of new clinical protocols, and deliver the highest quality and costefficient inpatient care. ■ Specialists from these fields work together as a unified group to provide the highest quality care for patients and athletes who have spine injuries, painful disc conditions, neck, arm, back or leg pain. Immediate access is available to all of UPMC Health System's extensive medical and surgical resources through the Spine Specialty Center. Led and developed for the past eight years by Dr. William Welch, M.D., the section is comprised of fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in spinal surgery. Other members include Drs. Peter Gerszten, M.D., John Moossy, M.D., Donald Marion, M.D., and P. David Adelson, M.D. Dr. Gerszten joined the department in 1999 as a spine fellow and is now an assistant professor with special interest in spinal tumors, outcomes research and stereotactic radiosurgery of the spine. Dr. Moossy specializes in peripheral nerve disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy, and pain procedures such as implantation of spinal cord stimulators and implanted pumps for pain disorders. Dr. Marion provides services related to traumatic injuries of the spine and Dr. Adelson specializes in spine, peripheral nerve and brachial plexus surgery in adults and children. Spine Center strives for comprehensive, high quality care