George D. Picetti, III, MD's portrait
George D. Picetti, III, MD
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group
Sacramento, CA
Dr. Picetti is a member of the SpineUniverse Editorial Board.

About George D. Picetti, III, MD

George D. Picetti, III, M.D., is a highly specialized minimally-invasive adult and pediatric spine surgeon at the Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group and Sutter Neuroscience Institute at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.

Known internationally for his minimally-invasive approach to scoliosis treatment, Dr. Picetti has developed new treatment options for adults and children with scoliosis and degenerative lumbar disorders. His innovative approach to spine and scoliosis surgery minimizes incision scarring and reduces the amount of damage to tissue and blood loss occurring during surgery. In addition, he is widely recognized as the expert in highly complex adult deformity and reconstruction.

Education and Experience
Dr. Picetti earned a medical degree at Creighton University. His internship and residency were at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital. He followed his general surgical training as a research associate and an Orthopaedic Residency at the San Francisco Orthopaedic Resident Training Program at St. Mary's Hospital. Dr. Picetti was an Orthopaedic Spine Fellow at the Texas Back Institute.

Dr. Picetti has authored a combination of over 30 peer-reviewed articles and has an active interest in research. He has traveled internationally to address the latest advancements in spine surgery. Dr. Picetti has more than 10 years experience treating and teaching in numerous developing countries and currently serves as the director of Spine Overseas, a volunteer-based program for orthopedic and neurosurgeons to treat complex spinal pathologies in developing countries.

Dr. Picetti is one of the most widely recognized minimally invasive spine surgeons. In the mid-1990s Dr. Picetti began to pioneer an endoscopic instrumentation for the treatment of scoliosis. Endoscopes allow the surgeon to see inside the body and operate through small incisions called portals.

Using this technique for scoliosis and spine surgery, scars are dramatically less noticeable, blood loss during surgery is reduced, there is less disruption to the rib cage, muscles and other soft tissues, post-operative pain is lessened, fewer days are spent in the hospital, and rehabilitation and recovery are easier and faster.

Professional Interests
Dr. Picetti specializes in complex adult and pediatric spine surgery and spine deformity reconstruction. He treats patients with a wide-range of spine disorders including scoliosis, spine bifida, kyphosis, congenital and developmental spinal abnormalities, tumors, infections and fractures.

Dr. Picetti specializes in treating children with scoliosis and other spine abnormalities, and is head of minimally invasive spine surgery at the Children's Center. The goal of the Children's Center is to provide each child access to the most advanced surgical treatments, including minimally invasive treatment options. Using a patient- and family-centered care approach to care, Dr. Picetti can tailor an individual treatment plan for each child and explain the plan to the family. When a minimally invasive surgical treatment is an option (surgery without the large incision), children are able to spend less time recovering in the hospital and are able to get back to their pain-free lifestyles much faster than traditional surgeries.

Publications

1. G.D.Picetti, III. CD Horizon Eclipse. Spinal Instrumentation. Thieme Medical Publishing, New York, NY, 464-477, 2005.

2. G. D. Picetti, III. Minimally Invasive Instrumentation Correction and Fusion of T-L Scoliosis, Double Major Scoliosis & Kyhposis." Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Society, Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery 12, No.5, 34, 2005.

3. G. D. Picetti, III. Thorascopic Instrumentation Correction and Fusion of Thoracic Scoliosis. Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Society, Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery 12, No.5, 35, 2005.

4. G. D. Picetti III, Micheal Yee. Minimally Invasive Instrumentation Correction and Fusion of Primary Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Scoliosis. Endoscopic Spine Surgery and Instrumentation. Thieme Medical Publishing, New York, NY, 149-161, 2004.

5. G. D. Picetti III, Dachling Pang. Thorascopic Techniques for the treatment of Scoliosis. Childs Nervous System, Vol. 20, numbers 11-12:p. 802-810, November 2004.

6. G. D. Picetti III, H.U. Bueff, Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Minimally Invasive Instrumented Techniques. Modern Anterior Scoliosis Surgery, pp. 543-556, 2004.

7. G. D. Picetti, III, M.D., Donald K. Mathews, M.D. Anterior Scoliosis Reduction/Fixation: Open and Endoscopic. Master Techniques in Orthopeadic Surgery, The Spine pp. 167-183, 2004.

8. G. D. Picetti, III, M.D., Janos P. Ertl M.D. Endoscopic Treatment for Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Scoliosis. Atlas of Minimal Access Spine Surgery 2nd Edition, pp.423-438, 2004.

9. G. D. Picetti III, Dachling Pang, H. U. Bueff. Thorascopic Techniques for the treatment of Scoliosis: Results in early Procedure Development. Neurosurgery, 51:987-984, October 2002.

10. G. D. Picetti III, H. U. Bueff. Minimally Invasive Instrumentation Correction and Fusion of Thoracolumbar Scoliosis. European Spine Journal, 11(S1) 41, 2002.

11. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Preface: Endoscopic Spinal Surgery, Miwashoten, Tokyo, Japan, 2002.

12. G. D. Picetti III, Janos P. Ertl, M.D, H.U. Bueff. Anterior endoscopic Correction of Scoliosis. Orthop Clin N Am 33, 421-429, 2002.

13. G. D. Picetti III. Minimally Invasive Techniques for Spinal Surgery. Orthopedics Today, August, 15-17, 2002.

14. G. D. Picetti III, Janos P. Ertl, M.D, H.U. Bueff. Endoscopic Instrumentation Correction and Fusion of Thoracic Idiopathic Scoliosis. The Spine Journal, May-June, 1, No. 3, 190-7, 2001.

15. G. D. Picetti III, H. U. Bueff, M.S. Yee. Anterior Endoscopic Correction and Instrumentation of Idiopathic Scoliosis. Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery 7, No.2, 340, 2000.

16. H. U. Bueff, G. D. Picetti III, M.S. Yee. Anterior Endoscopic Correction and Instrumentation of Idiopathic Scoliosis. European Spine Journal, 8 (S21) 30-31, 1999.

17. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Ronald Blackman, M.D.,Edwardo Luque, M.D. Correction and Fusion Of Thoracic Scoliosis Using an Endoscopic Approach. Orthopaedic Transactions 22 (2): 643 1998 - 1999.

18. George D Picetti, III, M.D., Ronald G. Blackman, M.D., Kelley O'Neal M.D., Edwardo Luque, M.D. Anterior Endoscopic Correction and fusion of Scoliosis. Orthopedics, 21 (12): 1285-87, 1998.

19. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Jeffery Moore, M.D., Jeffery Smith, M.D., Ronald Blackman, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Evolution of the Techniques of the Anterior Thoracic and Lumbar Spine. In Devlin VJ (ed): Anterior Spinal Column Surgery. Spine: State of the Art Reviews, Vol. 12, No.3. Philadelphia, Hanley & Belfus, Inc., 1998.

20. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Ronald Blackman, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (VATS) in the Treatment of Congenital Hemivertebra. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 79-B: 289, 1997.

21. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Ronald Blackman, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Preliminary Results of Endoscopic Procedures on the Anterior Thoracic Spine. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 79-B: 289, 1997.

22. Marc E. Pollock, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D., George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Ronald G. Blackman, M.D. The Results of Video-Assisted Exposure of the Anterior Thoracic Spine in Idiopathic Scoliosis. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 1996; 62: 1818-23.

23. John J. Regan, M.D., Michael J. Mack, M.D., George D. Picetti, III, M.D. A Technical Report on Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy in Thoracic Spinal Surgery. Spine, Volume 20, Number 7, pp. 831-837, 1995.

24. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Ronald Blackman, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Alternative Technique for Thoracoscopic Releases in Pediatric Patients. Atlas of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, pp. 225-231, 1995.

25. Ronald Blackman, M.D., George D. Picetti, III, M.D, Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Arthroscopic Microdiscectomy. Lumbar and Thoracic Spine Care Operative Treatment, Volume 2, 1995, pp. 1002-1016.

26. McAfee, P.C., Fedder, I., Geis, P., Picetti, III, G.D., Regan, J.J., Hein, S. The Incidence of Complications in Endoscopic Anterior Thoracolumbar Spinal Surgery. Spine 20, (14), 1624-1632, 1995.

27. Mack, M.J., Regan, J.J., McAfee, P.C., Picetti, III, G.D., Ben-Yishay, A., Acuff, T.E. Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) for the Anterior Approach to the Spine. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 59: 1100-6, 1995.

28. George D. Picetti, III, M.D., Ronald Blackman, M.D., Kelly O'Neal, M.D. Alternative Technique for Thorascopic Release in Pediatric Patients. Atlas of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, pp.225-231, 1995.

29. Regan, J.J., Mack, M.J., Picetti, III, G.D. A Comparison of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic (VAT) to Open Thoracotomy in Thoracic Spinal Surgery. Orthopaedic Transactions, 18 (1): 112, 1994.

30. Picetti, III, G.D., Blackman, R.G. Diagnosis and Management of Scoliosis. Hospital Physician, 1 (3) 3-15, 1994.

31. Regan, J.J., Mack, M.J., Picetti, III, G.D., et al. A Comparison of Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS) With Open Thoracotomy in Thoracic Spinal Surgery. Today's Therapeutic Trends, 11:203-218, 1994.

32. Regan, J.J., Mack, M.J., Picetti, III, G.D., Guyer, R.D., Hochschuler, S.H., Rashbaum, R.F. A Comparison of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VAT) with Open Thoracotomy in Thoracic Spine Surgery. The Journal of New Developments in Clinical Medicine, 11, (4), 203-218, 1994.

33. Zuckerman, J., Hsu, K., Picetti, III, G.D., Wynne, G., Taylor, L. Clinical Efficacy of Spinal Instrumentation in Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. Spine, 17 (7) 834-836, 1992.

34. Schofferman, L., Zucherman, J., Schofferman, J., Hsu, K., Gunthrope, H., Picetti, III, G.D., Goldwaite, N., White, A. Diptheroids and Associated Infections as a Cause of Failed Instrument Stabilization Procedures in the Lumbar Spine. Spine, 16, (3) 356-358, 1991.

35. Picetti, III, G.D., McGann, W.A., Welch, R.B. The Patellofemoral Joint After Total Knee Arthroplasty Without Resurfacing. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 72-A: 1379-82, 1990.

36. Zucherman, J., Hsu, K., Picetti, III, G.D., Wynne, G., White, A. Clinical Efficacy of Spinal Instrumentation in Lumbar Degenerative Disease. Orthopaedic Transactions, 14 (1): 21, 1990.

37. Derby R., Zucherman, J., Picetti, III, G.D., Hsu, K., White, A., Wynne, G. Cervical Epidural Corticosteroid Injection in Degenerative Disease. Orthopaedic Transactions 14 (1): 21, 1990.

38. Schofferman, L., Schofferman, J., Zucherman, J., Gunthorpe, H., Hsu, K., Picetti, III, G.D., Goldthwaite, N., White, A. Occult Infections Causing Persistent Low Back Pain. Spine, 14 (4) 417-419, 1989.

39. Floyd, T., Picetti, III, G.D., Schneider, R. Tibial Tubercle Avulsion: A Case Report. The Physician and Sports Medicine, 17 (8) 79-81, 1989.

40. Welch, R.B., McGann, W.A., Floyd, T., Picetti, III, G.D. Retrieval of Fractured Cemented Femoral Stems. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 71-A: 918-919, 1989.

41. Schofferman, L., Schofferman, J., Zucherman, J. Hsu, K., White, A., Gunthorpe, H., Picetti, III, G.D., Goldthwaite, N. Experience with Occult Infections of the Lumbar Spine. Orthopaedic Transactions, 13 (1): 18, 1989.

42. Zucherman, J., Derby, R., Hsu, K., Goldthwaite, N., White, A., Picetti, III, G.D. MRI Scan Does Not Replace Discography. Orthopaedic Transactions, 13 (1): 16, 1989.

43. Welch, R.B., McGann, W.A., Picetti, III, G.D. Charnley Low-Friction Arthroplasty: A Fifteen to Seventeen Year Follow-Up Study. The Orthopaedic Clinics of North America, Vol. 19, #3: 551-566, July 1988.

44. Zucherman, J., Derby, R., Hsu, K., Picetti, III, G.D., Kaiser, J., Schofferman, J., Goldthwaite, N., White, A. Normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Abnormal Discography. Spine, 13 (12): 1355-1359, 1988.

45. Schofferman, L., Schofferman, J., Zucherman, J. Hsu, K., White, A., Gunthorpe, H., Picetti, III, G.D., Goldthwaite, N. Occult Infections Causing Low Back Pain and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Orthopaedic Transactions, 12 (3): 630, 1988.

46. Zucherman, J., Schofferman, L., Schofferman, J., Hsu, K., White, A., Gunthorpe, H., Picetti, III, G.D., Goldthwaite, N. Diphtheroid and Associated Infections as a Cause of Failed Instrument Procedures in the Lumbar Spine. Orthopaedic Transactions, 12 (3): 613-632, 1988.

47. McGann, W.A., Welch, R.B., Picetti, III, G.D. Acetabular Preparation in Cementless Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty. Clinical Orthopaedic and Related Research. #235, 35-46, October 1988.

48. Dworzack, D.L., Bartlet, M.A., Baily, R.T., Fitzgibbons, R.J., Reich, J.W., Picetti, III, G.D. Origins of Aztreonam Resistance. Clinical Pharm. Jan-Feb 4 (1): 23-4, 1985.

49. Dworzack, D.L., Bartlet, M.A., Baily, R.T., Fitzgibbons, R.J., Reich, J.W., Picetti, III, G.D. Emergence of Resistance to Aztreonam. Clinical Pharm. Sept - Oct 3 (5) 460, 470, 1984.

Articles Written by George D. Picetti, III, MD

Thoracoscopy in the Treatment of Scoliosis

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive spine surgery performed to treat thoracic scoliosis. Thoracoscopy combines the science of endoscopy (video-assisted surgery) with thoracotomy (access to chest, or thoracic spine).

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Anterior Thoracoscopic Correction

Anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis. A complete description for patients and parents dealing with this disease.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Rod Measurement and Placement

Detailed explanation and figures illustrate rod measurement and their placement during anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Discectomy

An excellent description of the exposure and discectomy performed as a part of the anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Basic Introduction to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Learn all about the recently popularized approaches to spine surgery known as thoracoscopic,laparoscopic,endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Surgical (OR) Setup and Equipment

View the set up of equipment in the operating room for an anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Pre-op Planning

In this multi-part article, the author discusses a surgical technique for anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Surgical Results

A review of the patients who underwent anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis, the complications and conclusions.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Surgical Compression and Closure

Compression and closure discussion and photos of an anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Surgical Screw Placement

Description with excellent images of screw placement in an anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Idiopathic Scoliosis: Graft Harvest for Fusion

The graft harvest stage of an anterior thoracoscopic correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Articles Reviewed by George D. Picetti, III, MD

Evening Primrose

The seeds of this plant contain two essential fatty acids: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA). Both GLA and LA may help reduce pain and inflammation.

St. John's Wort

This herb is used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, hyperinsomnia (excessive sleep), wounds, and hemorrhoids.

Ginseng: American, Asian, Siberian

Each ginseng type may help alleviate stress (physical, mental, environmental), fatigue (increases endurance, stamina), poor mental performance (eg, concentration), symptoms associated with menopause, and may protect against colds.

Celery Seed

These seeds are used to treat high blood pressure, nervousness and anxiety, muscle spasms, and to stimulate appetite.

Barberry

The bark and stems may be used medicinally to decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, slow breathing, reduce bronchial congestion (mucus), reduce fever and swelling, and treat arthritis and psoriasis (ointment form).

Spirulina

Spirulina contains a high level of protein, amino acids, and nucleic acids (RNA/DNA). This is a good nutrient source for vegetarians.

Melatonin

People use melatonin to treat jet lag and insomnia. Melatonin may also prove helpful in the treatment of .....

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid found in the muscles. It is also known as brain fuel because it easily passes the blood-brain barrier. .

Cartilage

Cartilage may help treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, ulcerative colitis, pain and inflammation. It may also treat psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is from the same plant family as mint and contains tannins, eugenol, and terpenes. Tannins are antiviral—eugenol kills bacteria and relaxes muscle spasms—and terpenes are essential oils known to be antiviral and calming.

Anterior Surgery for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Rationale and Technique

Thoracolumbar burst fractures occur after the thoracolumbar spine fails in axial compression, which may result from trauma.

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