Radiculopathy near Calabasas, CA

Care Philosophy: The practice of orthopaedic surgery is constantly evolving due to changes in technology, economic and regulatory factors. My approach to patient care involves keeping up with the latest advances and at the same time not ignoring the art of caring. A majority of my practice consists of treatment of arthritis. This includes joint replacement of the hips, knees and shoulders. I believe in a thorough discussion about the diagnosis and treatment options with the patient/family. This helps in making good decisions and helps recovery after surgery. Newer techniques and implants such as minimally invasive surgery, gender knee, hip resurfacing and computer navigation are used when indicated. Custom knee implants including partial and total knee replacements are now available and can be used for the appropriate patients. In 2012, there will be continued emphasis on improving the entire joint replacement experience, starting with the preoperative visit to the hospital admission to the postoperative rehabilitation. Lessons learned from about 300 hip and knee replacements in 2011 will be incorporated in the planning and execution of these procedures. Minimally invasive techniques for both hip and knee replacement have been refined and advanced. As far as possible, the muscle sparing MIS approach is used for knee replacement and anterior MIS approach is used for hip replacement. Also, bone preserving techniques such as hip resurfacing and partial knee replacement are gaining in favor. Shoulder replacements are also advancing in techniques and materials. In short, there have been significant advances in joint replacement that allow faster recovery and improve long term outcomes. Complex hip and knee operations including revision or redo operations are also increasing in number. These are all managed effectively due to good support from hospital staff, physical therapists, implant manufacturers and rehabilitation centers. Feedback from patients is welcomed and helps everyone involved.

Biography: Zachary T Sharfman, MD, MS is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of spine conditions from the upper neck to the low back. Raised in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Sharfman graduated from the University of California San Diego with a bachelor's degree in Biology and Biochemistry. He was a four-year scholarship collegiate rower and was awarded as a national student athlete honoree. He then received a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Human Nutrition at Columbia University. He went on to study medicine at Tel Aviv University, where he graduated at the top of his class and received the Deans Award for Academic Excellence.Dr. Sharfman completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, during which he served as chief resident and was honored with the Stanley Hoppenfeld award for excellence in spine surgery. Dr. Sharfman further specialized in complex, minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery, completing his fellowship at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), under the guidance of Doctors Berven, Deviren, Tay, Theologis and Burch. Dr. Sharfman specializes in surgery for degenerative and deforming conditions of the spine. He also performs motion preserving surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and complex revision spine surgeries. His procedures include, cervical disc replacements, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion, laminoplasty, lumbar decompression, microdiscectomy, lumbar fusion, lumbar disc replacement, deformity surgeries, and procedures to address arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain.Striving to deliver personalized, thoughtful and thorough care, Dr. Sharfman is committed to providing his patients with the most effective treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical. He believes in non-fusion and motion preserving options. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the North American Spine Society, and the AO Spine Foundation. Dr. Sharfman lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife and two children and enjoys spending time outdoors surfing, biking, hiking.

Care Philosophy: I have a patient first philosophy and believe in shared decision making. I personalize my treatment recommendation for patients' based on their personal health needs and goals.