There’s a New Spine Surgeon in Nassau County: Dr. Franklin Lee
South Island Orthopedics already has a reputation for providing some of the best orthopedic care on Long Island. And, in August, their team is growing, with the arrival of Dr. Franklin Lee, the newest spine surgeon in Nassau County.
Dr. Lee brings his expertise in neck, spine, and general fractures to SIO to help patients live active and pain-free lives. Already known for providing expert, comprehensive care for all orthopedic conditions, the addition of Dr. Lee makes it even easier to access the highest-quality back and neck treatments close to home.
A Spine Surgeon Who Listens
A football fan and a foodie, Dr. Lee, a native of Florida, says that the beaches of Long Island were a big draw for him to move to the area. But more importantly, South Island Orthopedics presented an opportunity for Dr. Lee to treat patients with exceptional empathy and care while offering access to some of the most advanced treatments and techniques in the field.
Dr. Lee understands that many people are reluctant to undergo any surgery, never mind back surgery. That’s why he’s committed to less invasive treatments, only recommending surgery when all non-operative options have been exhausted. He believes that his patients appreciate this approach, saying, “When all conservative treatments have failed and [patients] require spinal surgery, I’m conservative with my surgical recommendations and only perform surgery when it is the last resort.”
And, if patients do need surgery, Dr. Lee is an expert in minimally invasive spinal surgery and strives to perform the least invasive procedures possible. He’s also trained to handle the most complex conditions and perform advanced procedures including lumbar fusions, revision fusions, and complex cervical fusions, often using the latest robotic surgical navigation tools.
Dr. Lee wants people to live pain-free and is known for his empathetic approach to patient care. When patients see Dr. Lee, they can “expect someone that will listen to them, have patience, and empathy for their condition,” he says.
Expert Care for Common Spinal Conditions
With the arrival of a new spine surgeon in Nassau County, Long Islanders can access local, expert care for common spine injuries and conditions. Dr. Lee specializes in caring for all parts of the spine: the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back).
Dr. Lee treats multiple neck, back, and spine conditions, which include:
- Back pain
- Pinched nerves
- Cervical stenosis
- Spinal infections
- Spinal stenosis
- Kyphosis
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal tumors
- Herniated discs
- Scoliosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sciatica
And again, while neck and back surgery is his area of specialization, it’s not always Dr. Lee’s first recommendation for patients. He works closely with other orthopedic specialists to develop an effective treatment plan that ideally keeps patients off the operating table.
“I have collaborated with physical therapists, pain management experts and colleagues, and neurologists,” says Dr. Lee, “to ensure all conservative treatments are attempted before having to perform surgery.”
In fact, Dr. Lee is a D.O. or osteopathic doctor. This means that he takes a holistic approach to deliver care, considering the entire body and how different systems work together and affect pain and function. D.O.s also undergo about 200 hours of additional training in the musculoskeletal system and osteopathic manipulative treatment. Having a D.O. on the South Island Orthopedics team adds new and exciting treatment options to the practice.
And, Dr. Lee is excited to work at a practice where so many specialists are located under one roof. South Island Orthopedics is a one-stop shop for all musculoskeletal needs, including diagnostics, pain management, and physical therapy, and Dr. Lee is looking forward to being a part of such a comprehensive team.
The Road to Becoming a Spine Surgeon in Nassau County
As mentioned, Dr. Lee is a native of Orlando, FL. So, how does someone from the Sunshine State find his way to the shores of Long Island?
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Biology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, Dr. Lee attended the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey, where he earned a Master’s in Biomedical Science. From there, he went on to medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL.
Upon earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Dr. Lee completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell at Plainview Hospital in Plainview, New York. This was followed by a fellowship in spine surgery at MedStar Health/Union Memorial Hospital and University of Maryland/St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Maryland.
Dr. Lee is active in the orthopedic medical community, having presented at multiple conferences as well as having research published in major medical journals. He’s also a member of multiple professional organizations, including:
- North American Spine Society
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics
- American Osteopathic Association
- Nassau County Medical Society
- International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
Dr. Lee has six years of experience as an orthopedic spine surgeon and notes that his most successful surgery was on a patient suffering from severe leg pain and weakness caused by an extreme herniated disc. Dr. Lee performed a minimally-invasive discectomy to alleviate pressure, relieving the patient’s pain and restoring function.
At South Island Orthopedics, Dr. Lee is prepared to perform a wide variety of surgeries, including:
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Posterior cervical decompression and fusion
- Lateral interbody fusion
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion
- Lumbar decompression and fusion
- Lumbar laminectomies
- Lumbar microdiscectomies
- Lumbar minimally-invasive TLIF surgery
- Scoliosis surgery
- Cervical disc replacement
Make an Appointment With Dr. Franklin Lee
Dr. Lee officially joins the South Island Orthopedics team in August 2021. However, patients can make appointments with him now. Dr. Lee will participate with most major insurance plans, including:
- Aetna
- Empire BCBS
- Cigna
- Emblem HIP
- Emblem GHI
- Empire Plan
- Fidelis
- Medicare
- Railroad Medicare
- Oxford
- UHC
He will also work with No-fault and worker’s Compensation cases.
And of course, all of SIO’s other providers are currently accepting new patients as well. If you have ongoing back pain, or pain or lack of function in any of your joints, muscles, or bones, request an appointment today to get help from one of our orthopedic specialists.
South Island Orthopedics’ Guide to Bone and Joint Care
