Spine Program of Excellence

Introduction

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. 

Here are a few common offerings: 

• Laminectomy with and without fusion
• Complex Spinal Instrumentation
• Computer Assisted Stereotactic Guided Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
• Motion-sparing technology (artificial discs)
• Sacral Iliac Joint Fusion
• Spinal Cord Stimulation
• Pain pumps (assistance with complex cases)
• Lumbar/spinal shunt procedures
• Spinal cord tumor & metastatic cancer treatment
• Spinal trauma treatment
• Chiari Malformation Treatment
• Scoliosis

And much more….

Lesions Treated Include

• Herniated cervical, thoracic & lumbar discs
• Spinal degenerative disease with 2 percent nerve root compression or cord compression
• Spinal dysraphism

Faculty in Neurosurgery Spine 

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. 

UC Hospital at Anschutz Campus

VA Medical Center at Anschutz Campus

UCHealth, Highlands Ranch Medical Center

Denver Health Neuro Spine Surgeons

See the Neuroscience institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado at Anschutz Medical Campus

More About Neurosurgery-SPINE Program at University of Colorado

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.