Lumbar spine problems
- Disc herniation, bulging disc and sciatica
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal)
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
- Failed back surgery syndrome
I am a neurosurgeon specialising in the treatment of spinal conditions. My work combines over twenty years of experience at the HUS Neurosurgery Clinic with the microsurgical teachings of my long-time mentor, Professor Juha Hernesniemi.
I believe every patient deserves a careful evaluation and an individual treatment plan. Over my career I have performed more than 3,000 neurosurgical procedures and carry out around 150 spine surgeries a year. Many of my patients are referred by surgical colleagues – but I am also glad to see new patients.
Areas of expertise
What I can help with
Surgery of the spine and nerve structures – from the lumbar and cervical spine to peripheral nerves, from common herniations to demanding revisions.
Cervical spine conditions
- Cervical disc herniation
- Pain and numbness radiating to the arms
- Cervical stenosis and myelopathy
Nerve entrapments
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
Complex spine surgery
- Rheumatoid changes in the cervical spine
- Craniovertebral junction problems
- Spinal cord and column tumours
- Revision surgery and trauma
When to seek an assessment
When is it worth a consultation?
- Back or neck pain radiating to the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the limbs
- Walking distance shortened by back pain
- A previous spine surgery did not bring the hoped-for result
- MRI shows a change causing nerve compression
- You want an experienced surgeon's opinion before deciding on surgery
Good to know: I use microsurgical neurosurgical techniques – the precise methods of brain surgery applied to spinal problems. This allows smaller incisions, tissue-sparing technique and faster recovery. Many procedures can be done as day surgery, so you can go home on the day of the operation.
Treatment philosophy
Precise diagnostics, a listening consultation
In spine surgery, accurate diagnostics and truly listening to the patient matter most. Every patient has individual needs, and treatment is planned accordingly. Surgery is not always the best answer – I always assess carefully whether a patient will benefit more from an operation or from conservative care.
In 2013 I founded Helsinki Hospital, where I developed Finland's first day-surgery protocol for cervical spine surgery – an innovation later adopted by HUS as well. I firmly believe that modern techniques and patient-centred thinking can substantially improve outcomes.
My international experience as a spine surgeon and educator, my long experience in pain surgery (neuromodulation) and my doctorate in neuropharmacology help me form a complete picture of pain mechanisms and treatment options.
Welcome to my practice
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