Dissection: A Spine Blog

X-ray of cervical spine with surgical implants and annotations on cervical lordosis and vertebral alignment.

Dissecting the latest in spine health and life at Dr. Katsuura’s Spine Clinic.

I try to share interesting and educational concepts in spine care and focus on the joy of medicine and surgery.

This blog is 100% human produced.

Illustration of a spinal segmental unit showing two vertebrae, an intervertebral disc, pedicle, lamina, facet joint, and vertebral body, with labeled parts.
Lumbar Stenosis: Will Physical Therapy Cure it?
Yoshihiro Katsuura Yoshihiro Katsuura

Lumbar Stenosis: Will Physical Therapy Cure it?

Endoscopic spinal decompression is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic back and leg pain caused by nerve compression. While physical therapy is often effective for mild conditions, persistent pain from disc herniation or spinal stenosis may require surgical intervention. Patients in San Francisco, Marin County, Novato, Sonoma County, and Mendocino County can benefit from endoscopic decompression for faster recovery, less tissue disruption, and lasting relief when conservative care fails. Dr. Yoshihiro Katsuura is the bay area expert on endoscopic spine surgery and can help determine if you are an appropriate candidate.

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Is Spine Surgery Safe After 80?
Yoshihiro Katsuura Yoshihiro Katsuura

Is Spine Surgery Safe After 80?

Is spine surgery safe after age 80? Many adults in their 80s worry that they may be “too old” for spine surgery. This article looks at the safety of spine surgery for patients over 80, explaining risks, benefits, and recovery in clear, simple terms. We review how overall health, modern surgical techniques, and minimally invasive options can affect outcomes, and why age alone is not always a barrier to treatment. This guide helps patients and families make informed decisions about spine care later in life.

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Understanding Prior Authorization
Yoshihiro Katsuura Yoshihiro Katsuura

Understanding Prior Authorization

Dr. Yoshihiro Katsuura, a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon located in Novato, Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco and Mendocino explains how insurance prior authorizations can impact your health care delivery. He is an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery and non-operative spine care.

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What is a Total Disc Replacement?
Yoshihiro Katsuura Yoshihiro Katsuura

What is a Total Disc Replacement?

Discover Advanced Relief with Cervical Disc Replacement – Dr. Katsuura, Leading Spine Surgeon in Marin & Sonoma
Looking for a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion? Dr. Katsuura, a top spine surgeon serving Marin and Sonoma counties, specializes in cervical disc replacement—a cutting-edge solution for neck pain, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. Learn how this minimally invasive procedure can help you get back to living pain-free with better mobility and faster recovery.

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What is a Spinal Decompression?
Yoshihiro Katsuura Yoshihiro Katsuura

What is a Spinal Decompression?

Is spinal decompression right for you? In this video, I break down everything you need to know about spinal decompression therapy, including who can benefit from it, the different techniques used (surgical & non-surgical), and the potential risks involved. Whether you're dealing with herniated discs, sciatica, or chronic back pain, understanding your options is key to finding relief.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✔️ Who needs spinal decompression?
✔️ Non-surgical vs. surgical techniques
✔️ Potential risks and considerations

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