Welcome
Specialties
Anatomical
Low Back, Neck, Spine
Treatment
Arthritis, Arthroscopic Surgery, Deformity, Joint Replacement, Pain, Sports Medicine, Trauma/Fractures, Personal Injury Cases / Workers Compensation
My approach to treating patients
My name is G. Michael Elkanich, M.D. and I am a board certified, fellowship trained Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon dedicated to providing exceptional orthopaedic spinal care in Las Vegas, Nevada.
My extensive training and fellowship experience have allowed me to gain an immeasurable amount of experience in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, including:
Degenerative Spinal Conditions
Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Fusion
Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Diskectomy
Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Decompression
Total Disk Replacement - Cervical & Lumbar
Endoscopic Spinal Fusion
Minimially Invasive Surgery
Spine Trauma
Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis
Spine Tumors
Spine Deformity
Dynamic Stabilization
and other complex spinal diseases
As a graduate of Stanford University Hospital (Orthopaedic Residency) with more than 9 years of surgical experience in the Operating Room, you can be assured my clinical credentials are excellent.
In addition, I've completed post-residency Fellowship program in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, with Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano, to assure you the finest of care.
I strongly believe continuing education is the key to providing excellent, ongoing patient care. As a result, I've recently completed rigorous skills training programs in Total Disk Replacement and Minimially Invasive Surgery to further enhance my surgical skills and clinical knowledge.
I am also currently the principal investigator in the use of OP-1 (BMP) for posterolater fusion of revision lumbar spine surgery.
I believe in meeting patients' individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment designed to help them achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Many musculoskeletal conditions can be treated by non-surgical techniques--surgery is just one treatment option. I combine leading edge techniques with proven traditional methods to provide our patients with the best orthopaedic care possible.
I work to develop a partnership with my patients. On my part, this begins with listening. And one of the most important things I need to know is how the physical problem affects this patient's life. We develop a dialogue, through which my patients understand the diagnostic process, their own unique problem, their treatment choices, and the recovery process. Patients help to guide and direct the diagnostic and treatment activities.
I believe that knowledgeable patients make the best decisions about their own treatment. That's why I explain every step of the diagnostic process. Next, I want my patients to understand their condition: How it developed and how various treatment approaches can improve or repair the problem. When we consider treatment alternatives, I present a realistic outlook on the results we can achieve. I'll also be frank about any risks that might be involved. If a non-surgical option is available, I'll explain that avenue in depth.
Our purpose is to handle each and every patient visit with care and proficiency. It is also highly important to us that our Doctor/Patient relationship is open and honest. It is my responsibility to make sure patients are well informed about their conditions and the multiple choices of treatment. My professional staff and I will also provide you with patient education materials, (e.g., web sites, pamphlets, and video tapes) that give you added appreciation of your condition and treatment options.
When many people consider visiting an orthopaedic surgeon, their first thought is "Oh, I don't want (or need) surgery." They may be right.
Surgery is only one of many treatment options. Many of my patients never need to have surgery - many times rehabilitation of the injured area is all that is needed. I work closely with a team of local physical therapists who, like me, believe in conservative methods: If an injury can be rehabilitated without surgery, that is what should be done. I inform my patients of all the treatment options they have for an injury, and what the advantages and disadvantages are of each option. There is a lot of valuable patient information available today that can answer many questions a patient may have, or help to calm some concerns they may have. I believe that my staff and I may be your most valuable resource for any thoughts or concerns you have, which is why we are here.
The best compliment I receive is when patients recommend me to one of their family members or friends. My patient's trust is of utmost importance to me. Any injury causes you concern and anxiety - you may not know what is wrong and what needs to be done to correct your injury. My main approach to helping heal your injury is to keep you well informed - through dialogue between us and through external sources of information that are available. It is my job to help you understand why I take, or do not take, certain actions.
When you come to see me as your orthopaedic surgeon, surgery is not your only option. Sometimes through rehabilitation and available prescriptions, your injury may be healed. If you do require surgery, I'll keep you informed of why surgery is required, what will be done in the surgery, and what to expect as an eventual outcome after surgery.
Thank you for visiting this web site!
Please feel free to contact us anytime at 702-388-1008 with any questions, comments or concerns. We'd love to hear from you!
Contact Information
Other staff in my practice
Please call 702-474-7200 with any questions or for appointments.
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