Who we treat
Adult Patients
Back and neck conditions can affect every aspect of daily life, impacting work, family, sleep and independence. At Harbour Spine Surgeons, we provide expert assessment, clear communication and evidence-based treatment recommendations, helping patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care.
Our Commitment
Our five fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeons perform more than 500 spine operations every year and consult across multiple Sydney locations. Each surgeon practises exclusively in spine surgery and has completed advanced subspecialty fellowship training at leading centres in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
We understand the impact that back and neck conditions can have on every aspect of life. Our surgeons take the time to listen, undertake a thorough assessment and work with each patient to develop an individualised treatment plan focused on reducing pain, improving function and mobility, and enhancing quality of life.
Specialist expertise
Five fellowship-trained spine surgeons with expertise in the assessment and management of degenerative conditions, spinal deformity, trauma and tumours.
Collaborative decision-making
Complex cases are regularly discussed within our multidisciplinary team, with two surgeons operating together for selected major procedures where appropriate.
Timely access to care
We prioritise urgent and complex referrals where clinically appropriate to help patients access specialist assessment and treatment without unnecessary delay.
How we can help
Our surgeons provide specialist assessment and management for the full spectrum of adult spinal conditions, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Spinal degeneration, including lumbar disc herniation and sciatica
- Radiculopathy and nerve compression, including spinal stenosis
- Adult and degenerative scoliosis
- Kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, and other spinal deformity
- Spinal trauma and fractures
- Spinal tumours
- Spinal infections
- Osteoporotic and age-related spine conditions
- Post-surgical and complex spine conditions
Hospital Appointments
Our surgeons hold appointments at major Sydney public and private hospitals including:
- Royal North Shore Hospital (the state’s principal spine trauma unit)
- Westmead Teaching Hospital
- North Shore Private
- Westmead Private
- Sydney Adventist Hospital
These appointments ensure close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and provide patients with access to comprehensive spine care across both the public and private health systems.
Supporting referrers
We strongly value collaborative, coordinated care and believe Veterans achieve the best outcomes when there is open communication and close collaboration between treating health professionals. With the Veterans consent we work closely with:
- General Practitioners
- Allied health practitioners
- Rehabilitation providers
- Veteran health providers
- Treating specialists and clinicians involved in the Veteran’s care.
We aim to make the referral process as seamless and supportive as possible. Our team will discuss complex cases, provide guidance on appropriate referral pathways and funding, and answer clinical questions to help ensure Veterans receive timely, coordinated and high-quality care.
Additional support we provide
Harbour Spine Surgeons also offers
- Educational events for health professionals
- Clinical case discussion and support
- A dedicated health professional Support Line for clinicians seeking advice during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A current referral from your GP or another specialist is required to claim the Medicare rebate.
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many adult spinal conditions can be managed successfully with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, pain management, exercise and lifestyle measures. Our surgeons will assess your individual circumstances and discuss both conservative and surgical treatment options, recommending surgery only when it is clinically appropriate.
What if I don’t have private health insurance?
All of our surgeons hold appointments at major teaching hospitals and see patients with and without private health insurance. If you do not have private health insurance, our reception team will discuss the available options with you, including whether a consultation in our private rooms or a public hospital clinic may be most appropriate for your circumstances. Please note that consultations in our private rooms attract consultation fees.