Neurosurgery is the medical specialization of diagnosing and treating patients with diseases or disorders affecting the nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of the brain and its associated blood vessels, the spinal column, spinal cord and nerves as well as the peripheral nerves. Of these, the spinal column and spinal cord and its nerves are of the most concern to neurosurgeons specializing in disorders of the spine.
Only
neurosurgeons are trained to perform procedures inside the lining of the spinal canal called the dura mater. Therefore, diagnoses like spinal cord tumors, tethered spinal cord, Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, fall exclusively under the
domain of the neurosurgeon. Other diagnoses commonly treated by Spinal Neurosurgeons include sciatica, herniated discs, disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, scoliosis and other developmental disorders of the spine. Other areas
of expertise include spinal trauma (including vertebral fractures and spinal cord injury) and the treatment of metastatic cancer to the spine. (put in a generic picture somewhere along here)
Our Spine Neurosurgeons offer many different procedures, techniques and devices.
And much more….
The University of Colorado Department of Neurosurgery has many very gifted surgeons, most of whom work out of the UCHealth Spine Center. The Spine Center is a multi-disciplinary center including Neurosurgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, PM&R
physicians (Physical Medicine & Rehab), and Anaesthesiologists, Physical Therapists, and many others. In addition to regional leadership in state-of-the-art surgical procedures and research in this field, and The Spine Center includes
an injection clinic, a pain psychologist, a procedures clinic, and a multi-faceted approach to comprehensive spinal care.
VA Medical Center at Anschutz Campus
UCHealth, Highlands Ranch Medical Center
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See the Neuroscience institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado at Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Department of Neurosurgery Spine Program is unique in the region, offering the latest options and answers. First, it is part of a multi-disciplinary approach spine program, at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH).
Second, it is the neurosurgical spine service for The Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), The Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC) and The Children’s Hospital.
Under the leadership of Dr. Peter Witt, the spine service at UCH is part of a comprehensive program, offering the individual an opportunity to be evaluated for first line therapies for spine and neck issues prior to being referred for surgical consultation.
This allows for the exploration of more conservative treatments before surgery is considered. If surgery is indicated Dr. Witt can provide the latest and most advanced technologies for the most complex surgical issues.
Dr. Kerry Brega heads the program at VAMC. The focus of their practice is the same as the Spine Center except the location differs. Drs. Brega, Finn​ and Witt work as partners in the amelioration of neurosurgical spine and neck disease or disorders.
Drs.
Kathryn Beauchamp is the head of neurosurgery at DHMC. They specialize in traumatic injuries to the neck and back. Denver Health is one of the leading trauma centers in the country and has access to a variety of specialists to provide the most
comprehensive care for patients with severe traumatic injury.
The Children’s Hospital of Denver has two pediatric neurosurgeons that provide spine services. Drs. Michael Handler and Corbett Wilkinson perform procedures ranging from removing spinal cord tumors to repairing myelomeningocele. This complement of pediatric neurosurgeons is the largest group practice in the region.