Dr. Ruben Torrealba

Throughout my medical career, I have remained dedicated to improving my patients' quality of life. As a specialist in adult cervical and spinal deformity surgery, I understand the significant impact our interventions have on individuals suffering from debilitating pain and physical and mental health challenges. Spinal deformity surgery merges the complexities of spinal biomechanics with the needs of an aging population. My research focuses on spinal alignment, biomechanics, innovative surgical techniques, and health economics to ensure value-based care that enhances patient outcomes. Dr. Passias is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in Laminectomy. His top areas of expertise are Kyphosis, Lordosis, Scoliosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion.

I have more than 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages with spinal disorders. I have had an interest in the management of spinal disorders since starting my medical education. I performed residencies in both orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire range of spinal disorders. My goal has been to find innovative ways to manage the range of spinal conditions, straightforward to complex. I have a focus on managing patients with complex spinal disorders. My patient evaluation and management philosophy is to provide engaged, compassionate care that focuses on providing the simplest and least aggressive treatment option for a particular condition. In many cases, non-operative treatment options exist to improve a patient’s symptoms. I have been actively engaged in clinical research to find the best ways to manage spinal disorders in order to achieve better results with fewer complications. Dr. Shaffrey is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in Laminectomy. His top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion.

I am returning to Duke with my wife and four children. We have been living in eastern North Carolina where I have been in private practice doing pediatric and adult spinal surgery for 20 years. I am board certified in both orthopaedics and spinal surgery and was drawn to the specialty after working at a Shriner's hospital during my training. I try to approach each individual patient with a few fundamental goals. I first try to listen to what has brought someone into my office and then provide them with a diagnosis. I focus on options for management  both non-operative as well as surgery. I also hope to engage the patient or family to participate in the  decisions as it relates to the treatment options available to them. Dr. Reeg is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Laminectomy. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Laminectomy, and Herniated Disc Surgery.