Orthopaedic Surgeon, Pain Management in Tampa, Florida (FL)

Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery
Member of the FL Board of Osteopathic Medicine
2005 and 2008 Physician of the Year – American Association of Physician Specialists
Meritorious Service Award - United States Army

Laser Spine Institute, the premier health care deliverer in spinal surgery. We offer a wide variety of laser-assisted techniques in treating spinal conditions such as, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, and arthritis of the spine. Our physicians are all board certified in their specialties so you know you are receiving the best possible care.
What makes our surgical procedures unique is the fact that all of our surgeries are performed with the use of the most advanced microscopic surgical techniques. Another unique aspect is that all of our surgeries are performed with a local anesthetic, with deep IV sedation, meaning the patient is comfortable, yet arousable during the procedure. No longer are large incisions needed. No hospitalization is required*. Patients come in have surgery, and walk out.

One of many common conditions that we treat is spinal stenosis. This condition is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal to the point of compressing the spinal cord inside the canal. This condition can be very disabling in older patients and can cause severe pain in the lower back and leg especially when they stand or walk for any period of time. Patents with this condition frequently have to sit between periods of walking and they can get relief by leaning on a grocery cart while in the store. The conventional surgical treatment for this would be an open spinal surgery requiring an incision of anywhere from three to six inches or more. Procedures like open laminectomy, spinal fusions with hardware and bone are a thing of the past.

The key to treating any spinal conditions is obtaining the correct diagnosis. Our doctors have at their disposal the latest in diagnostic tools, such as x-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. We are also able to perform diagnostic and therapeutic injections to pinpoint the exact location of your spinal problem. When surgery is indicated, our chief orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James St. Louis utilizes the latest in surgical equipment: state-of-the-art fiberoptics, laser and x-ray equipment to assist him in performing our minimally-invasive spinal surgery. In fact, one of the most important and integral part of the surgical team is the patient. The patients communicate to the surgeon during the surgery their pain level, location, and most importantly, the disappearance of their pain. When Dr. St. Louis removes the offending disc or spur that has been pinching the nerve, the patient will frequently relate that the pain will be gone right on the operating table. This affords Dr. St. Louis the luxury of performing spinal surgery only in the area of the spine where your pain is located.