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Dr. Michael Spadola, MD is a neurosurgeon in Somers Point, NJ specializing in neurosurgery. He graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Michael Spadola, MD is affiliated with Shore Medical Center and SHORE SPECIALTY CONSULTANTS.
Shore Medical Center
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. Michael Spadola, MD graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in New Jersey.
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Hospitals
Licensed In: New Jersey
Dr. Michael Spadola, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Michael Spadola, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Group Health Plan (GHP), First Health PPO, Aetna POS, Community Care Network (CCN), TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna HMO, Aetna Signature Administrators, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, Aetna Savings Plus, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Gold, AmeriHealth, AARP, Medicare Advantage, First Health POS, First Health HMO, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Oxford HMO, Oxford PPO, First Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Qualcare PPO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Platinum HMO POS, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Workers Comp, Highmark Blue Shield First Priority Life (FPLIC) - AffordaBlue PPO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Prime, Aetna Advantra Credit Value, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Flex Plus PPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Keystone HMO, Clover Health Classic HMO, Highmark Blue Shield Freedom Blue PPO, Devoted Health Core Pennsylvania (HMO), Clover Health Choice, PA Health & Wellness Ambetter, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Giveback, Qualcare POS, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Complete, Oscar Health Plan of Pennsylvania HMO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Personal Choice EPO, Qualcare Workers Comp, Provider Partners Health Plan Community Plan HMO SNP, UPMC Health Plan Community HealthChoices, Keystone Health Plan East Keystone65 (Essential, Basic, Select, Liberty) HMO, Claim Watcher (Homestead/ INDECs) Open Access, Aetna Advantra Value, Aetna Advantra Eagle POS, Imagine Health (Imagine Health 360) EPO, Highmark Blue Shield My Blue Access PPO, PA Health & Wellness Allwell - HMO, Highmark Blue Shield My Direct Blue EPO, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Assured Ruby HMO SNP, UPMC Health Plan - UPMC for You (PA HealthChoices), Aetna Advantra Premier Plus PPO, Highmark Blue Shield BlueCare Custom PPO, BS of New Jersey Advantage - EPO, Aetna Premier, Devoted Health Choice Plus Pennsylvania (PPO), Keystone Health Plan East POS, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Assured Diamond HMO SNP, Devoted Health Choice Pennsylvania (PPO), PA Health & Wellness Community HealthChoices, Highmark Blue Shield Complete Blue PPO Premier, Keystone Autism Services, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Special, Aetna Flexible Five, Devoted Health Giveback Pennsylvania (HMO), Highmark Blue Shield PPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) HMO, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Payor Access Agreement, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners (PA HealthChoices; includes CHIP), Centivo EPO, PA Health & Wellness Allwell - PPO, Preferred Health Care/Eliance PPO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Dual Pearl SNP, Oxford Health Plan POS, Aetna Advantra Cares D-SNP, Highmark Blue Shield Complete Blue PPO Choice Deluxe, Aetna APCN Plus (Multi-Tier), Aetna Premier Plus, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Proactive HMO, Medicare - Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Personal Choice 65 (Prime, Saver, Elite) PPO, Aetna Philly Prime, Clover Health Choice Value PPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Behavioral Health, Aetna Upfront Advantage, Devoted Health Dual Plus Pennsylvania (HMO D-SNP), Aetna Freedom Core, Qualcare HMO, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Flex, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) PPO, PA Health & Wellness Allwell - SNP, Aetna Advantra Eagle HMO, Provider Partners Health Plan Advantage Plan HMO SNP, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Personal Choice PPO, Rail Road Medicare/Palmetto GBA, Aetna Advantra Value Plus, Preferred Health Care/Eliance EPO, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) POS, Clover Health Value, Aetna Student Health Plan PPO, Aetna PPO APCN, Devoted Health Choice Giveback Pennsylvania (PPO), Global Medical Management, Jefferson Health Plans/Health Partners Silver and Keystone Health Plan East HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Michael Spadola, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Michael Spadola practices neurosurgery in Somers Point, NJ. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is professionally affiliated with Shore Medical Center.
