Best Neurosurgeons and Brain Surgeons in Newark, NJ

The cornerstone of my patient treatment philosophy is integrative care, of which surgery is but one component. I am committed to a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to spinal disorders that might include deformity, tumor, trauma, spinal cord injury, and degenerative disease, and I tailor treatment plans to individual patients for optimal outcomes. For patients who require surgery, I don't believe my role ends after the procedure. I am interested in long-term outcomes following spinal surgery, and to that end I follow my patients long after they leave the OR, and I continue to utilize a team-based approach during the post-operative period.

Dr. Michael G. Vitale specializes in the non-operative and operative treatment of complex pediatric scoliosis and other spinal disorders, and performs approximately 200 scoliosis procedures every year, half of which are in children less than 8 years of age. Dr. Vitale has a special interest in innovative treatments for younger children with scoliosis, including the use of a magnetic spine lengthening device ("MAGEC") which eliminates the need to perform repeat spinal surgeries every 6-9 months on growing children, non-fusion procedures such as vertebral stapling and vertebral tethers, "growing rods," and the "Shilla" procedure. As part of his commitment to innovation in Scoliosis treatment, Dr. Vitale helps to lead the Children's Spine Study Group, which conducts extensive multicenter international research focused on improving the care of young people with scoliosis. Dr. Vitale also leads the Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis Center, with Co-Director Hagit Berdishevsky. One of the only programs of its kind, the Center focuses on avoiding surgery with attention to scoliosis specific Schroth physical therapy and state-of-the art expert brace options including the Rigo System Cheneau brace. For the youngest children with scoliosis, Dr. Vitale runs an active Mehta casting program and has successfully used this method to reverse spinal curvature in numerous patients. For those who need surgery, Dr. Vitale, also the Chief Quality Officer for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, has a focus on making sure every procedure is done in the safest possible way. In fact, Dr. Vitale has written extensively on best practices in the care of patients with scoliosis. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Vitale serves as director of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Research Group and leads the clinical research team in their efforts, which are often funded by multi-year grants, published in leading medical journals, and presented at national and international conferences. Under Dr. Vitale's leadership, the group has published over 150 peer reviewed publications in the field. In recognition of his clinical and academic leadership, Dr. Vitale has received numerous national awards from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America including the Arthur H. Huene Memeorial Award, the Angela M Kuo Award Young Investigator Award, the Robert Hensinger Scientific Paper Award, as well as the Hansjorg Wyss Research Award, the Frank Stinchfield Research Award, the Rosamond Kane Award in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Harrison Mclaughin Award. Dr. Vitale also serves numerous roles in the national governance of the field currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, chairing the International Pediatric Orthopaedic Society, leading the efforts of the Scoliosis Research Society on Advocacy for Unmet Needs of Children for Pediatric Medical Devices, serving on the Executive Committee of the Children's Spine Study Group, and is a Member of the prestigious International Pediatric Orthopaedic Think Tank. Dr. Vitale is the recipient of the Castle Connolly Top Doctors award for 5 consecutive years and has been named Top 50 Physicians in the US in the area of Scoliosis Care by Becker's Spine Review. An avid skier, marathon runner and recreational triathlete, Dr. Vitale's biggest pleasure is spending his free time with his wife and four Sons.

I treat every patient as if they were a family member. I take the time to make sure that the patient and family understands the nature of the medical condition, all the treatment options, and strategize a tailored, personalized plan of care. I take pride in technical surgical excellence in order to achieve the best outcome to eliminate the disease (tumor, aneurysm, AVM) and optimize quality of life. Our goal is to make a difference, providing the best clinical outcomes and improving quality of life in each patient. ?

Joseph Lombardi, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the operative management of spinal disorders in adult and adolescent patients. His practice is focused on minimally invasive surgical treatments for both common and complex spinal conditions, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal deformity. Dr. Lombardi leverages the latest surgical technology – robotics, guided navigation, and advanced instrumentation – to provide patients with tailored surgical procedures, accelerated recovery times, and superior outcomes.

I treat every patient as if they were a family member. I take the time to make sure that the patient and family understands the nature of the medical condition, all the treatment options, and strategize a tailored, personalized plan of care. I take pride in technical surgical excellence in order to achieve the best outcome to eliminate the disease (tumor, aneurysm, AVM) and optimize quality of life. Our goal is to make a difference, providing the best clinical outcomes and improving quality of life in each patient. ?