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Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD is a neurosurgeon in Gilbert, AZ specializing in neurosurgery and spine surgery. He graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 2018 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD is affiliated with Barrow Neurological Institute and Barrow Brain and Spine.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.
There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.
There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.
Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.
Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:
Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.
Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 2018. He completed residency at Barrow Neurological Institute. He has a state license in Arizona.
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine (2018)
Residency: Barrow Neurological Institute (2025)
Licensed In: Arizona
Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Cigna, Aetna, AARP (Medigap), Great West, First Health, United Healthcare, Medicare, UMR, Mercy Care, Indian Health Plan, Mercy Maricopa, Copper Point Mutual Workers Comp, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, MultiPlan, Blue California, Medicare Part B and Mercy Care at the Phoenix and Chandler Locations.
According to our sources, Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joseph Michael Abbatematteo, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Gilbert, AZ.
Dr. Joseph Abbatematteo is a specialist in neurosurgery. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Abbatematteo seems to be an in-network provider for Great-West Healthcare, AARP, and Coventry, as well as other insurance carriers. His practice in Gilbert, AZ is open to new patients as reported by Yext.
