For Immediate Release
June 28, 2007
Contact: Donna Sellmann
(732) 530-2282
dsellmann@meridianhealth.com

NEW SPINE CENTER LAUNCHED AT RIVERVIEW

Physicians' skill, state-of-the-art technology offer robust resource for community

Red Bank, NJ - A specialty approach to spine care is the latest center of excellence to be launched at Riverview Medical Center. The center offers one of the most comprehensive spine center programs in the region, which personally guides patients through pre-operative education, surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.

"I believe many patients build up a tolerance for their pain and put off treating their back problems for a lot of reasons," says Gordon Donald, M.D., a board certified orthopedic surgeon and spine surgery specialist at Riverview Medical Center. "They often feel that seeing a physician will automatically lead to a surgery that will have a lot of risk, without much benefit. The truth is, only about 10 percent of the patients I see are candidates for surgery. Most do well with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or pain management, but it's important that those therapies are performed by highly qualified professionals who specialize in the spine."

And it is that approach which is behind the new Spine Center at Riverview, which offers a comprehensive, highly specialized approach to spine care. The Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic and neurological surgeons, pain specialists, specially trained registered nurses and therapists providing both surgical and non-surgical treatments, caring for the whole patient, not just on isolated surgical procedures.

"A truly comprehensive approach, focused on both the physical and emotional impact of a spine disorder by professionals who specialize in the spine is a powerful approach for patients," says Dr. Donald. "With the Spine Center at Riverview, we are bridging a patient's care from the hospital to their outpatient recovery with a consistent level of expertise and communication, giving our patients the very best care available today."

Spine surgeons at Riverview have access to revolutionary technology such as computer assisted image guided navigation devices and the brain lab. Physiatrists and Pain Management specialists bring non-surgical treatment and rehabilitative options. Throughout each patient's experience, a spine program coordinator facilitates the full continuum of care with physicians, patients and families to ensure a seamless transition.

"Riverview has united the optimal components that make for a unique spine center program that is unparalleled in our area," says Arthur Phair, M.D., vice-chair of the department of orthopedics at Riverview Medical Center and spine surgery specialist. "Many of the technologies and surgical procedures are usually found at large, urban centers, but Riverview has established a reputation for offering the same advanced technology to suburban New Jersey patients."

Riverview has dedicated an inpatient unit with private rooms that specializes in providing expert care for spine cases. Patients are under the exceptional care of physicians and Magnet-recognized nurses who have treated numerous spine patients for the past 20 years. Prior to having their procedure, patients and their family members can participate in special pre-operative educational programs to best prepare them for the surgery and recovery that lies ahead. For more information abou the Spine Center Program at Riverview Medical Center, call 732-530-2442.

Riverview Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a non-profit community hospital located in Red Bank, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neuro, thoracic and vascular surgery; cardiology; renal dialysis; diabetes management; and emergency and critical care services. Riverview's Booker Cancer Center is an affiliate of the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, and Riverview is home to the only fully accredited acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation center in Monmouth County. In addition, its Women Center and Childbirth Center specialize in the full spectrum of needs for the body, mind and spirit. For more information about Riverview Medical Center and Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com.

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