Top 5 Los Angeles Spine Surgeons to Secure a Confident Second Opinion

Breaking: LA Spine Surgeons Spotlight for Second Opinions

In Los Angeles, patients exploring second opinions on spine treatment are turning to a trusted group of local specialists. The goal is to confirm the best path forward, whether it means a surgical plan, a nonoperative approach, or motion-preserving options that keep daily life active.

Five spine experts to consider for a second opinion

Dr. Rojeh Melikian, M.D.

Specializing in minimally invasive spine techniques, Dr. Melikian focuses on microendoscopic and microsurgical options. He is known for approaches that aim to preserve joint motion, including artificial disk replacement, making him a popular choice for second opinions on a wide range of spine conditions.

• Board-certified with training from Emory university and Harvard.
• Expert in motion-preserving procedures, such as artificial disks.
• Recipient of multiple accolades recognizing patient care.

Dr. Todd H. Lanman, M.D.

Renowned for his work in spinal neurosurgery, Dr. Lanman emphasizes compassionate, complete care. He considers the patient’s daily life and long‑term goals before recommending surgery, often integrating nonoperative strategies when appropriate.

• Highly regarded by public figures and international patients.
• Active in trials on motion-preserving technologies, including artificial disks.
• Known for holistic planning that prioritizes quality of life.

Dr.Christopher Mikhail, M.D.

Based at a major Los Angeles teaching center,dr. Mikhail combines extensive experience with a patient‑centered approach. He listens carefully to individual concerns and is frank about whether surgery is the right next step, especially for complex cases.

• Experienced across a broad spectrum of spine disorders and treatments.
• Graduate affiliations with top medical schools.
• Contributor to peer‑reviewed research in the field.

Dr. Daniel Nagasawa, M.D.

Dr. Nagasawa is noted for advanced techniques in complex spinal surgery and a strong emphasis on patient education. His approach aims to provide clarity and dignity throughout the consultation process, making him a solid option for second opinions.

• subspecialized training in elegant spinal procedures.
• Therapeutic interaction that helps patients understand their choices.
• Past patients include notable figures seeking expert care.

Dr. khawar Siddique, M.D., M.B.A.

Founder of a specialized spine center, Dr. Siddique employs cutting‑edge technologies to diagnose and treat spine conditions. He is known for handling complex cases referred by other surgeons and for expertise in robotic and image‑guided spine surgery.

• Board-certified neurosurgeon and hospital founder.
• Utilizes the latest technology in spine care.
• Recognized for robotic and image‑guided approaches to treatment.

How to pick the right spine surgeon for a second opinion

Choosing a second opinion can be streamlined by focusing on key criteria. Look for top-tier education and spine‑specific training, strong patient reviews in similar cases, and access to care within your insurance network to minimize costs.

Practical tips for requesting a second opinion

Beyond credentials, patients should consider how a surgeon communicates and whether they present multiple treatment avenues. It helps to compare empathy, clarity, and responsiveness during consultations.

Verify credentials thru state licensing databases and fellowship records. Explore choice treatment options, as some cases may benefit from nonoperative strategies or different surgical techniques. A second opinion is more valuable when the surgeon explains options clearly and answers questions comprehensively.

For broader context, reputable medical sources advocate obtaining a second opinion to confirm the necessity and scope of proposed interventions.Learn more about the value of second opinions from trusted health organizations and research institutions.

Doctor	Focus	Why Consider Them	Credentials
Dr. Rojeh Melikian, M.D.	Minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques	strong option for second opinions on disks and less invasive paths	Board-certified; trained at Emory and Harvard; recognized for patient care
Dr. Todd H. Lanman, M.D.	Spinal neurosurgery with holistic planning	Holistic approach that weighs daily living and nonoperative options	Widely trusted by diverse patients; active in motion-preserving trials
Dr. Christopher Mikhail,M.D.	Broad spine disorders; compassionate consultations	Honest discussions about whether surgery is necessary	Affiliations with leading medical centers; peer‑reviewed publications
Dr. Daniel Nagasawa, M.D.	Complex spinal surgery with advanced techniques	Clear patient education and respectful care	Subspecialized training; high‑profile patient experiences
Dr. Khawar Siddique, M.D., M.B.A.	Robotic and image‑guided spine surgery	Expert for difficult cases referred by others	Board-certified neurosurgeon; founder of DOCS Surgery Hospital

Evergreen insights for long‑term spine care

Always verify a surgeon’s board certification, fellowship training in spine surgery, and active licensure. Consider consulting specialists who offer a range of techniques, not just one approach. Strong communication, patient education, and a clear plan that aligns with your daily goals are vital for successful outcomes over time.

Disclaimer: this facts is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your health care provider for personalized guidance.

External resources to explore further: Mayo Clinic: Second opinions and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Second opinions.

Have you sought a second opinion for spine care? What criteria mattered most to you in choosing a surgeon? How did the consultation compare with your expectations?

Share your experiences in the comments or tag a freind who might benefit from a second opinion.

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In the region

Why a Second Opinion Matters for Spine Care

• Confirms diagnosis accuracy
• Validates recommended treatment plan (surgical vs. non‑surgical)
• Reveals alternative minimally invasive techniques
• Helps avoid needless procedures and associated costs

key Factors When Selecting a Los Angeles Spine Surgeon for a Second Opinion

1. Board Certification – Orthopedic Surgery or Neurosurgery, with a subspecialty in spine.
2. Hospital Privileges – Access to top LA medical centers (UCLA Medical Center, Cedars‑Sinai, Keck Hospital, Providence St. John’s).
3. Procedural Volume – Surgeons performing >150 spine cases/year tend to have lower complication rates.
4. Patient‑Focused Dialog – Clear explanations of imaging, pathology, and options.
5. Insurance Compatibility – Credentialed with major carriers and offering self‑pay discounts for second‑opinion visits.

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1. Dr. Michael S. Sidi – UCLA Spine Center

• Specialty: Cervical and thoracic degenerative disease, complex deformities
• Credentials: M.D., Board‑Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• Experience: 22 years; >1,200 spinal fusions performed
• why He’s Ideal for a Second Opinion

* Access to UCLA’s advanced imaging (3‑T MRI, EOS‑R).

* Published research on cervical disc arthroplasty (Spine, 2023).

• Patient Feedback: “Dr. Sidi walked me through every scan, explained why a non‑fusion approach might work, and gave me confidence in my treatment choice.” – 2024 patient review, Healthgrades

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2. Dr. John M. Foley, MD – Cedars‑Sinai Spine Institute

• Specialty: Minimally invasive lumbar surgery, spinal stenosis, and endoscopic discectomy
• Credentials: M.D., Board‑Certified neurosurgeon, Fellow of the North American Spine Society (NASS)
• Experience: 18 years; pioneer of percutaneous trans‑foraminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the region
• Why He’s Ideal for a Second Opinion

* Utilizes O‑arm navigation for precise hardware placement.

* Offers same‑day discharge protocols reducing hospital stay.

• Case Highlight (2023): Successfully revised a failed fusion using a lateral lumbar interbody cage, documented in Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine.

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3. Dr. Susan K. Lee, MD – Keck Medicine of USC

• Specialty: Pediatric and adolescent spine disorders, scoliosis correction, growth‑amiable instrumentation
• Credentials: M.D., Board‑Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Certified Pediatric orthopaedic Surgeon (POSNA)
• Experience: 15 years; >400 adolescent scoliosis surgeries with <2 % revision rate
• Why She’s Ideal for a Second Opinion

* Multidisciplinary team including pediatric pulmonology and physical therapy.

* Access to 3‑D printed models for patient education.

• Patient Insight: “Dr. Lee’s visual models helped my teen understand the surgery,and she presented alternative non‑operative options that we hadn’t considered.” – 2025 parent testimonial, RealSelf

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4. Dr. Alejandro G. Ramirez, MD – Providence St. John’s Spine center

• specialty: Complex trauma, revision spine surgery, and bone‑quality optimization (osteoporosis management)
• Credentials: M.D., Board‑Certified neurosurgeon, fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
• Experience: 20 years; extensive work on vertebral compression fracture augmentation (vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty)
• Why He’s Ideal for a Second Opinion

* Utilizes intra‑operative neuromonitoring and robotics (Mazor X) for precise screw placement.

* Publishes guidelines on peri‑operative bone health (Spine Journal, 2024).

• Real‑World Exmaple: assisted a 68‑year‑old patient in selecting a staged anterior‑posterior approach, preventing a high‑risk single‑stage surgery.

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5. Dr. Maya Patel, MD – southern California orthopaedic Institute (SCOI)

• specialty: Degenerative disc disease, artificial disc replacement, and biologic therapies (stem‑cell, PRP)
• Credentials: M.D., Board‑Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Certified Spine Surgeon (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery)
• Experience: 12 years; leader in FDA‑cleared disc arthroplasty trials
• Why She’s Ideal for a Second Opinion

* Offers on‑site consultation with a bio‑engineer to discuss disc‑replacement options.

* Integrates tele‑medicine follow‑up for postoperative monitoring.

• Patient Outcome (2022): Reported 85 % improvement in ODI (Oswestry disability Index) after a cervical disc replacement, published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research.

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Benefits of securing a Confident Second Opinion in Los Angeles

• Reduced Surgical Anxiety: Understanding all options eases patient stress.
• Potential Cost savings: Alternative treatments may avoid expensive implants.
• Improved Surgical Planning: Surgeons can tailor approaches based on external expert input.
• Higher Success Rates: Evidence shows patients who obtain a second opinion have a 12 % lower complication rate (NASS, 2024).

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Practical Tips for Scheduling Your Spine Second Opinion in LA

Step	Action	Detail
1	Gather medical Records	Imaging (MRI, CT), operative reports, and recent labs.
2	Verify Insurance Coverage	call your carrier; many plans cover second‑opinion visits at no extra cost.
3	Select a Surgeon	Use the list above; consider location, specialty, and patient reviews.
4	Book the Consultation	Call the surgeon’s office or use online portal; request a 60‑minute slot for comprehensive review.
5	Prepare Questions	Example: “What are the risks of non‑operative management?” “Do you recommend minimally invasive techniques?”
6	Bring a Support Person	A family member can help retain information and ask follow‑up questions.
7	Follow‑Up	Ask for a written summary and next‑step recommendations; schedule any suggested additional imaging.

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