It makes sense to me to try an Minimally invasive procedure FIRST. Then if it doesn't work an "open" procedure is still an option. Unfortunatley there are so few who offer this option. And those who say they do it, generally do not, especially in the cervical spine.

Anyone got a list of physicians in the United States who really do perform these procedures?

I've heard of Dr Jho (Pennsylvania), Dr. Schiffer (San Francisco), Dr. Dillin (Los Angeles), Yeung (Lumbar Surgeon in AZ) and the microspine facility in Florida (Probably because they are online and marketed heavily online) but how about those doctors who chose not to market online?

There are two more facilities in Los Angeles - California Minimally Invasive Institute (Probably have that name wrong) and 2 doctors in beverly hills whose names I can not remember.

If any of you could list other physicans which really do these procedures and where they are located it would be extremely helpful. In a country this large it is almost criminal to think that procedures which spares much of the "side effects" of open procedures (scarring, cut muscles, vocal cord risks, etc.) are not being developed and taught in medical schools so more people can have less risky proceedures.

Please list doctors you know of who perform procedures that are truly minimally invasive, and the state and city in which they work if possible. Please also indicate if they work on the Cervical Spine in addition to the Lumbar Spine. Thank you.

Another Surgeon with impeccable credentials is Dr Richard Fessler at Univ of Chicago Hosp. I have an appt with him on Jan 17.

Minimally invasive surgery comes in many forms. It would help to pin point the type you are referring to. Such as fusion, etc. And also the area of the spine, although you did mention cervical?

Just know that depending on what you have going on with you.. it is possible that minimally invasive surgery may not be an option, so keep an open mind (no pun intended) when researching. Some surgeries, open is preferred because of acessibility and also seeing things better.

My doctor does perform minimally invasive spine fusions in the lumbar region, but it also is dependent on the back issue, the patient, physiologics, etc. His name is Dr. Zoller, in Winchester, VA.

I had a minimally invasive spine fusion at l4/l5, April 18th, 2006.

After having had a spine surgery now, I personally think the approach is the least of the worries. I would be more focused on the actual surgery itself and not the cutting aspects.

Hope this helps. Good luck in your research.