BACK to Basics: Spine Health Simplified

The Art of Spine Surgery: Why How It’s Done Matters

What makes one spine surgery different from another when the diagnosis and procedure are exactly the same?

In this episode, Dr. Gene Katsevman explores the idea that spine surgery is not a commodity. The name of the procedure tells only part of the story. The outcome can depend on the hundreds of decisions made before and during surgery — from implant selection and screw placement to spinal alignment, preservation of the surrounding anatomy, and the use of modern technology.

Dr. Katsevman discusses:

• Why surgical technique and judgment matter as much as the procedure itself
• How implant size, position, and angle can affect long-term biomechanics
• Why protecting the facet joints matters during spinal fusion
• The importance of sagittal alignment and patient-specific surgical planning
• How EOS imaging, robotic navigation, neuromonitoring, and ultrasonic technology can improve precision
• What “minimally invasive” really means beyond simply having a smaller incision
• Questions patients should ask when choosing a spine surgeon

The central message is simple: the procedure is the framework. The execution is where the art of spine surgery lives.

🎧 Read the full article:
The Art of Spine Surgery — Why How It’s Done Matters

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Katsevman and spine surgery:
FloridaSpineSurgeon.org

AI Disclosure:
This podcast was created using Google’s NotebookLM (Gemini) to transform the written article into an audio discussion. The underlying source material is Dr. Katsevman’s original article. The podcast is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical evaluation or advice.

Neck or Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Whether it’s from that golf game, a recent injury, or something more chronic, you're not alone if you're reaching for relief. As a spine surgeon, I often get asked: What medications can help? While not every patient needs surgery, many can benefit from medications that ease pain and inflammation. Here's a breakdown of the medications I often recommend or prescribe.

Link to site: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/having-back-pain-here-are-the-medications-a-spine-surgeon-might-recommend

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

Visiting a spine surgeon for the first time can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make the experience much more comfortable. We focus on personalized, compassionate care — always putting your goals first.

Here’s what your first appointment will look like.

Link to site: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/what-to-expect-during-your-first-visit-to-a-spine-surgeon

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

Do you get pain, cramping, tightness, or heaviness in the back, buttocks, or thighs that gets worse with prolonged standing or walking and improves with leaning forward, standing still, or sitting down? No, you're not getting old. This could be neurogenic claudication. All due to a spine condition called spinal stenosis. Tune in to learn about the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment options, and how ultimately minimally invasive decompression surgery is an excellent option to address the stenosis if conservative measures fail.

Link to site: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/what-is-neurogenic-claudication-understanding-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

The median age in Naples, Florida is 67 years old (vs 39 in the general United States). We see patients in their 80s and 90s very frequently. Some look their age, but some look as if they are in their 50s. What is the secret to their success?

Link to site: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/three-tips-for-spine-and-life-longevity

Having difficulty with balance? Having hand clumsiness, hand coordination, or hand strength issues? Difficulty with jewelry clasping, knitting/sowing, fine motor skills, opening jars/cans, or dropping of objects? Is buttoning your shirt harder? No, you are not just getting old and it is not just hand arthritis. This could be myelopathy. Tune in to learn what myelopathy is, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

Link to site: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/understanding-myelopathy

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

Do you have a "foot drop" or "drop foot?" What is it exactly? What are the causes? What is the treatment? Tune in to hear about this condition, its two most common causes, and the treatment options.

https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/understanding-foot-drop-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

Did you just get spine surgery? Planning to go under the knife? Wondering what the general postoperative instructions are? Tune in to learn more about what to expect in the postoperative period. We cover topics such as pain management, wound care, activity restrictions, and showering guidelines, all with the goals of ensuring a successful and speedy recovery.

Link: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/what-to-expect

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

I've treated patients with neck pain who weren't sure if I also fix back issues.

I've had patients who I've seen for scoliosis ask if I fix brains.

I've had patients whose carpal tunnel I fixed ask if treat spine issues.

So, what does a neurosurgeon treat?

Answer: we can fix it all! Tune in to learn more.

Link: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/blog/what-does-a-neurosurgeon-treat

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.

What happens when you come see us? Here's some things to expect when seeing a spine surgeon. The more you know, the less anxiety over the process you will have. Tune in to learn more.

Link: https://www.floridaspinesurgeon.org/what-to-expect

Dr. Katsevman is a neurosurgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon in Naples, Florida.