The Greenberg Spine Approach

Training and an evidence-informed framework for spine-care decisions

Choosing a spine surgeon calls for a clear understanding of the diagnosis, alternatives, surgeon training, proposed operation, and expected tradeoffs. This chapter summarizes Dr. Marc Greenberg’s documented training and offers questions patients can use in any surgical consultation.

Medical Education

• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — Medical degree
• Johns Hopkins Hospital — Orthopedic surgery residency
• Brown University — Spine fellowship

Why Fellowship Training Matters

After orthopedic surgery residency, Dr. Greenberg completed fellowship training in spine surgery. Fellowship is an additional period of focused training; it does not by itself predict the result of a particular operation.

Surgical Philosophy

Conservative First, Surgery When Appropriate

Many spine symptoms are initially managed without surgery when it is safe to do so. An operation is considered when the diagnosis, symptoms, examination, imaging, and patient goals identify a problem surgery can reasonably address. Progressive neurologic loss, spinal cord dysfunction, infection, unstable injury, or another time-sensitive problem may require a different pace.

Motion Preservation When Possible

Preserving motion can be useful when the anatomy is suitable and stability can be maintained. Fusion may be appropriate when instability, deformity, painful motion, or the required decompression makes stabilization important. The goal is not to avoid or perform fusion categorically, but to match the operation to the problem.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

Depending on the procedure and anatomy, surgical options may include tubular, endoscopic, percutaneous, navigation-assisted, or open techniques. A smaller approach may limit exposure in selected cases, but it does not make an operation minor; symptoms, complications, activity progression, and overall outcome remain patient- and procedure-specific.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

Evidence from research is considered alongside the individual patient’s anatomy, health, neurologic findings, prior treatment, and goals. Published averages cannot predict an individual result, and reasonable surgeons may interpret limited or mixed evidence differently.

Individualized Care

No two patients are identical. A useful recommendation should explain the target of treatment, reasonable alternatives, expected benefit, material risks, and how the plan fits the patient’s goals and medical risk.

Research and Outcome Information

Dr. Greenberg’s research page lists source-linked publications. The outcomes and research page explains the distinction between published evidence, patient-reported measures, and practice-specific performance data. This website does not publish a verified practice-specific success or complication rate, so no such rate should be inferred from its educational content.

Serving Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana

Greenberg Spine provides educational and appointment-request information for Dr. Greenberg’s spine practice in Fort Wayne. The site does not guarantee access, candidacy for a procedure, or a treatment result based on location.

Learn More: Read about the Greenberg Spine approach and the Fort Wayne location.

Questions to Ask Any Spine Surgeon

When evaluating spine surgeons, ask these important questions:

• What training and experience do you have with the operation being proposed and its alternatives?
• What specific finding is the operation intended to address?
• What are the reasonable nonoperative and operative alternatives in this case?
• What benefits are realistic, and which symptoms may not improve?
• What are the material risks, and how do my medical conditions change them?
• Why is fusion needed, or why can motion be preserved?
• What would make you change the plan during surgery?
• How will recovery restrictions and follow-up be individualized for my work, home support, and goals?
• What symptoms before or after surgery should trigger an urgent call or emergency evaluation?
• How are complications and patient-reported outcomes measured, and are the numbers being discussed specific to this practice, a published study, or a broader registry?

Your Next Steps

If you’re experiencing spine-related symptoms, here’s how to move forward:

Schedule a Consultation

Request an evaluation to discuss symptoms, review available imaging, and explore treatment options.

Get a Second Opinion

If surgery has been proposed, a second opinion can reassess the diagnosis, the proposed operation, and reasonable alternatives.

Continue Learning

Explore the patient education resources to learn more about specific conditions and treatment questions.

Physician Referral

Healthcare providers can use the referral request to begin contact without sending protected medical information through the public form.

Thank You

This patient guide provides general information about spine conditions, treatment options, and questions to ask before surgery.

Use this information to prepare for an individualized discussion; no guide can predict a particular patient’s outcome.

Greenberg Spine — Fort Wayne, Indiana

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information only and is not intended as personal medical advice. Every patient’s condition is unique. Consult with Dr. Greenberg or another qualified spine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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