MDNews - Long Island

My associates are comprehensively trained in this type of care and known around the world as experts. Because specialist care is key to positive outcomes, we have become a national destination for scoliosis care." New York Spine Institute's scoliosis specia lists of fer open a nd minima l ly invasive surgical interventions and focus on preparing patients for surgery and help- ing them recover after the procedure for optimal outcomes. CONSERVATIVE OPTIONS The robust physical therapy program at New York Spine Institute focuses on the mechanics of joints, ligaments and muscles for improved strength, flexibility, motion and pain control. Using a combination of exercise, stretch- ing and behavioral modification, licensed physica l therapist Michael Friar, DPT, assists individuals with spine concerns. Physical therapy may serve as a standalone conservative treatment or be used in con- junction with other therapies. It also plays a key role in preparing individuals for surgery and helping them recover after a procedure. " Prov id i ng physica l t herapy at t he Institute helps complete the continuum of care we provide," Dr. de Moura says. "Physical therapy is part of a comprehensive conservative therapy program for many patients. If conser vative therapy fails, patients who have surgery return to the same therapist they worked with prior to surgical intervention. That maintains continuit y. The therapist knows each individual case and person well, and can build a customized post-surgery physical therapy plan using that information." The New York Spine Instit ute a lso provides physiatr y ca re to assist with rehabilitative physical therapy program- ming a nd conser vative therapies. The physiatrist focuses on fully understanding the neuromuscular causes of pain, paralysis or deformities of the spine. After conduct- ing comprehensive physical assessments, he uses tools such as nerve conduction studies to gather information about neu- ra l response. The physiatrist then uses holistic models to craft treatment plans designed to address all aspects of a patient's condition, ranging from pain to stress and trouble sleeping. Partners in Spine Care E X PERIENCE, LE A DER SHIP A ND a commitment to patients are hallmarks of the care each of the three physician leaders of New York Spine Institute delivers. Founder Alexandre de Moura, MD, FAAOS, has worked with thousands of patients from across the globe, providing innovative treatments and compassionate care to individuals with a variety of complex spinal issues. His medical philosophy centers on finding solutions uniquely suited to each individual case and approaching patients with respect, patience and understanding. "It is incredible to work closely with people and see the interventions we offer change their lives completely," Dr. de Moura says. "They may experi- ence extreme pain and/or be completely prevented from working and enjoying life. Seeing them get their lives back is the most rewarding part of what I do." Dr. de Moura has undergone advanced training in bone and neurologi- cal spinal disorders. His medical degree is from the Chicago Medical School, and he completed an orthopedic surgery residency at Temple University Medical Center. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the North American Spine Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, New York Medical Society and Nassau County Medical Society. He also teaches as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. Joining Dr. de Moura in practice at the New York Spine Institute are Peter Passias, MD, who specializes in the cervical and lumbar spine, and Angel Macagno, MD, who specializes in cervical spine, lumbar spine, spinal deformities, and adult and pediatric scoliosis. Dr. Passias joined the Institute in 2010. During his medical education, Dr. Passias completed a residency at Tufts University School of Medicine as well as fellowships in spinal tumors and spinal trauma at the Harvard Combined Spine Fellowship and additional postdoctoral work in a biomechanical engineering research of spinal disorders program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, Cervical Spine Research Society, International Spine Study Group and North American Spine Society, often serving as a member of key committees for these organizations. Education remains close to Dr. Passias' heart. He works closely with the orthopedic and neurosurgery residency programs at NYU Langone Medical Center to train surgeons on advanced spinal techniques. Prior to joining the team at the New York Spine Institute, Dr. Macagno was a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in his home country of Argentina for 15 years. After coming to the United States, he completed a spine fellowship at Miami Children's Hospital as well as a surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at State University of New York at Downstate, and another fellowship at NYU Langone's Hospital for Joint Diseases. Dr. Macagno is an experienced researcher and writer, as well as a mem- ber of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, North American Spine Society and International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. His practice focuses on spinal reconstruction to assist children, adolescents and adults with spinal deformities or injuries. Timeliness and clear communication are important to him, as is giving back. Dr. Macagno frequently volunteers his time to help individuals in Nicaragua with Health Volunteers Overseas. He specializes in the treatment of scoliosis, kypho- sis, tumors and trauma. M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S L O N G I S L A N D ■ 2 016 0 9

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