Dr. Joseph Perra, MD

The last time I was in to see Dr Perra was when I discovered how much he doesn’t really care…nice soft voice pulls you in and 3 surgeries later he tells you at your one year check up of a 2year recovery surgery that he can’t help you anymore?? He mentioned I have a halo—but no other information?? By definition he is more than a surgeon but also supposed to treat muscles etc. His assistant Julie told me on the phone when I called because I was still in so much pain that she would call me back if not before the end of the day that she would contact me by the next day…over a year later and no calls! I have never felt so mistreated by any dr…who I had been seeing for years. I have never felt so abandoned by anyone…and I was under his spell what a joke

Dr Perra takes the time to explain and review your condition in detail.Previously did my back surgery and gave me such relief like a miracle.New issue now so working with me on that. Have the utmost respect for him. Excellent surgeon professional caring and brilliant in his field.

Both my mother and now myself have seen Dr. Perra for a span of over 25 years. He operated on my surgical spine 9 years ago. I have continued issues due to degeneration and severe arthritis. I see him every 1-2 years, he orders all the needed tests, re-evaluates based on results. Dr. Perra is very professional, timely, and conservative in his approach to considering another surgery. He is caring and compassionate, and truly wants the best for his patients.

Dr Perra ignored a request to brace my daughter. He stated she was done growing and her minor curvature was what she would have. We returned a year later to find 60 degree curvature had formed in the one year after he refused care. His comment was of surprise and admitted,'I made a mistake.' She has suffered since and increasingly so. We are at a loss of what to do now.

Dr.Perra dealt with my low back issues over a period of years first with conservative and non-surgical procedures and later with a complicated surgery. He explained his views and advice clearly. He helped me make good decisions throughout. When the time came for surgery, he and his team prepared me for the surgery and the path to recovery. The surgery was successful and I have had a great recovery from my perspective. Dr.Perra came highly recommended and is deserving of his fine reputation!

I like to hear the truth straight and to the point. Dr Perra does that. I know what is going on with my spine. I don’t need my hand held and Dr Perra knows this. I had a great visit.

Dr Perra took the time to answer all of our questions, and explained what comes next in my recovery stage.

Dr Perra’s personal connect and expertise.

I saw Dr. Joseph Perra very recently. He is a wonderful spine doctor who truly cares about his patients and has a very personable and friendly approach in dealing with them. It is obvious that he is an extremely intelligent person, doctor, and professional who has extensive knowledge of the spine and how it functions. He also has a great sense of humor, too, which makes his patients feel at ease. He listened carefully to what I had to ask him and I know he had looked at all of my records and tests carefully before he saw me. This was the first time I ever met him, yet he knew my condition very well. He answered all of my questions and concerns and I knew I was talking to someone who wanted what was best for me. He told me about what could be done to improve my situation. I went away knowing that I got the best advice and help from him and if I ever needed surgery, he is the surgeon I would pick.

I’ve seen Dr Perra for several years now and one thing has not changed: He’s the best at explaining both lumbar and cervical conditions, both pretreatment and post treatment. He listens carefully to me and truthfully provides answers. He doesn’t mince words. A great doctor. I thoroughly trust him.

My son has fairly severe scoliosis. We saw Dr Perra for our first visit. He didn’t want to do a brace and wanted to wait 4 months to recheck. We scheduled that appt, but then a few days later, Dr Perra himself called to cancel. I assumed that someone else would call me back to reschedule because I trusted Dr Perra that he was on top of this. However, no one ever called. So we had to start over and now my son’s scoliosis is even worse and will be wearing a brace for 18 hours a day. I should’ve known that a doctor calling himself (not a nurse or admin) to cancel is a red flag. He didn’t want anyone else involved because they would have pushed for rescheduling. It was a cop-out. I hope this doesn’t happen with anyone else.

I traveled from Des Moines Iowa in 2005 to meet the doctor that would change my life at the age of 40. I suffered from childhood scoliosis that was never treated. It had got progressively worst with age and after becoming a mother of four children. Years later, life and age caught up with me and I had to take another trip up to the Twin City Spine Center. At the age of 58, I needed Dr. Perra’s help again. I was greeted by his friendly staff and Dr Perra’s wonderful smile and warm heart. His sense of humor always puts you at ease as he comes up with a great plan of attack!! You never feel rushed as he answers all your questions. With Dr. Perra by my side, I feel like growing old will be much easier! :-)

Dr Perra worked with me to find a solution to back pain after another option only partially worked. He completely explained the condition and new solutions. He didn’t give me false hope but the possibility that it might work!

First, I love his sense of humor. I think humor is always a good trait for a doctor to have. He was very knowledgeable about the problems and history re: my back. He ordered repeat x-rays which were done at his office, so no appointments at a radiology office, then new appointment with him. They were completed and processed for him to review quickly. He was thorough and understandable explaining what was wrong, possible avenues of treatment, including pros and cons of each, and coming to a plan of action we could agree on. He seems to be conservative with his approach to treatment, beginning with less aggressive and progressing to aggressive as needed, although he made it clear that it was my decision re: how aggressive I wanted to be. I like to start out conservative and consider more aggressive treatments if the conservative ones don't work.

Dr Perra takes a non-invasive approach to solving spine problems, thoroughly explaining all the options so one can make a good and well informed decision if surgery is a solution.

Very thorough explanation of my situation and assisting me with finding a specialist to treat my osteoporosis

Dr. Perra performed an anterior & posterior fusion to repair scoliosis deformity. He is a wonderful, skilled surgeon. My extreme back pain was gone. The entire team at Twin Cities Spine was professional, compassionate, respectful and highly competent. I would recommend them to anyone needing a spine doctor.

Dr Petra is not only an excellent surgeon, but also provides me with excellent analysis of an MRI and discussed options going forward. Good communicator and listener to my questions and concerns.

From being greeted by the front desk staff to seeing Dr. Perra, my appt was well worth the trip from Michigan. And hey, doc actually looks you in the eye and shakes your hand! I was not “bullied” or “feared” into unnecessary surgery. I was included in all decisions. No such thing as “routine x-rays” and such here. Full health history was considered. All questions and concerns were addressed. Fun trip to the city too!

Visited to get opinion on Lower lumbar spine surgery.