A respected spinal surgeon, Dr. Kristen Radcliff offers New Jersey patients minimally-invasive treatments for conditions such as disc herniations. Kristen Radcliff, MD, has extensive knowledge of the spine, and he previously served as the principal investigator in a study focused on cervical disc replacement. Running through the neck, the cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae, each of which is separated by cervical discs. These discs contain a gel-like substance that cushions the vertebrae and stabilizes the neck, such that it can bend forward and back and turn from side to side. Functioning as a shock absorber, the discs make the spine much less stiff than it otherwise would be. With age, the cervical discs may begin to degenerate, with the nerves getting pinched as space between vertebrae narrows. Relatively common, cervical degenerative disc disease affects approximately 60 percent of individuals past the age of 40 to some degree. The condition is characterized by decreasing neck flexibility, with stiffness and pain occurring from time to time. This can culminate in a slipped, or herniated, disc that places pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord.
Kristen “Kris” Radcliff, MD serves as a spinal surgeon at the Rothman Institute in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. To meet the specific needs of each patient, Dr. Kristen Radcliff draws on knowledge of multiple spinal procedures, including the minimally invasive microdiscectomy.If a patient has a herniated disc or other degenerative disc condition that has not responded to conservative treatment, his or her surgeon may perform a microdiscectomy to alleviate certain symptoms. Surgeons experienced in minimally invasive techniques often can perform this procedure with only a 2-centimeter incision in the lower back.Using specialized instrumentation, the physician spreads the muscle tissue and removes part of the bony structure that protects the disc to be treated. This also allows the surgeon to access the damaged disc. Then, after drawing the nerves to the side, the surgeon removes the disc material that is compressing the nerves and causing the patient's pain.Because this procedure minimizes damage to nearby muscle, patients can enjoy a shorter recovery time and reduced risk of complications, as compared to a traditional open approach. Most patients can go home the same day and experience relief beginning immediately after surgery. However, some symptoms may take months or years to resolve.For more information about Dr. Radcliff and his work, visit rothmaninstitute.com/physicians/kris-e-radcliff-md or orcahealth.com/dr-radcliff.
After receiving his bachelor of arts degree in biology from Harvard University, Kristen (Kris) Radcliff, MD, pursued his doctor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. With more than 14 years of medical experience, Dr. Kristen Radcliff exclusively practices spinal surgery at Rothman Institute in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Dr. Radcliff is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, a diplomate of the ABOS, a fellow of the AAOS, and a member of the prestigious American Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Radcliff has been on the faculty of numerous AAOS educational activities, including as the instructor of basic science for the AAOS Board Review Course.The Instructional Course Lectures are the core didactic activity of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting. The ICLs enable practicing surgeons to learn about specific topics within spine care and to stay abreast of the latest research. Dr. Radcliff has been been an attendee and faculty at numerous AAOS ICL events. Dr. Radcliff was on the faculty at two ICLs at the 2018 AAOS Annual Meeting. Dr. Radcliff was recently selected to service as chairman of the Spine Instructional Course Lecture Committee for the AAOS. Dr. Radcliff will have oversight over which instructional course lectures are part of the next American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons meeting. Thus, Dr. Radcliff will have a hand in directing the future education and training of the next generation of orthopedic spine surgeons.
A graduate of Harvard and the Duke University School of Medicine, Kristen Radcliff, MD, has worked in medicine for over 14 years. Since 2010, he has served as a spinal surgeon at the Rothman Institute in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. In his work, Dr. Kristen “Kris” Radcliff provides surgical and non-surgical treatments for a range of conditions, including spinal stenosis. Characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, spinal stenosis is an often painful condition that typically occurs in older adults over the age of 50. Although many cases of stenosis stem from arthritis, the condition can also occur due to herniated disks, thickened ligaments, tumors, and even spinal injuries involving dislocations and fractures. Some patients with spinal stenosis have no symptoms of the condition, but those who do tend to see the symptoms worsen over time. The most common symptoms are back pain, as well as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the extremities. Depending on where the stenosis is along the spinal canal, symptoms can affect various parts of the body, including the neck, hands, arms, legs, feet, and buttocks. While treatment varies depending on symptom severity, most cases of stenosis are first addressed using non-surgical interventions such as medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections. If these treatments prove ineffective, surgery to decompress the stenosis may be used. The most common surgery performed is a decompressive laminectomy. An example of a decompressive laminectomy performed by Dr. Radcliff may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/5Arv25rUo-wTo learn more about Dr. Kris Radcliff’s practice, visit www.rothmaninstitute.com/kris-e-radcliff-md. Additional information about spinal conditions and related treatments is available at www.orcahealth.com/dr-radcliff.
