About
Dr. Ratnayake is a fellowship trained Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon in Sacramento, California specializing in the comprehensive care of patients with complex spinal disease. He specializes in all regions and aspects of spinal care including disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He has extensive fellowship training in advanced minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery techniques.
Care Philosophy
Dr. Ratnayake believes that every patient should have a comprehensive understanding of their condition and what options are available to them so they can make meaningful and well-informed decisions about their care. As a core value, he believes surgery should always be tailored to each individual after non-operative management has failed and that every patient should be treated as though they are his family. If surgery for the spine can be of benefit, his goal is to provide the most minimally invasive approach that will also lead to the most durable outcome in the safest possible way.
Conditions Treated
Spinal conditions that Dr. Ratnayake frequently treats.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that arises when the spinal cord becomes compressed or squeezed.
Spondylolisthesis
A spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the bones in your spine – called a vertebra – slips forward and out of place.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Disc herniations are a common source of back and leg pain. They can also occur in the smaller discs in the neck.
Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of low back and leg pain. It occurs when the space around the nerve roots narrows.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joint exists between the sacrum and ilium bones in the back of the pelvis.
Blog
Dec
02
2022
Osteoporosis and the Spine
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak due to a lack of quantity, thus becoming thinner, and more likely to break. In 2017 to 2018, the CDC published that the prevalence of osteoporosis and generally low bone mass in adults 50 and older was around 55%. Unfortunately, people with osteoporosis are more […]
...CONTINUE READINGJul
18
2021
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Webinar Registration
Primary care docs, medical students, and PAs/NPs are cordially invited to join a free informative webinar hosted by Dr. Ratnayake on Aug 12th 2021 at 6pm PST. The webinar will cover recent advances in spinal surgery with an emphasis on new treatment options including minimally invasive techniques and approaches that reduce morbidity and speed up […]
...CONTINUE READINGMar
02
2021
The Importance of Physical Therapy in the Management of Acute Back Pain
Back pain, with or without radiation to the legs is one of the most common ailments in society. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons why patients seek medical advice. Even if you personally haven’t had an issue with back pain, I’m sure you know someone or are related to someone who […]
...CONTINUE READINGJan
26
2021
Neck Pain Explained – Causes, Workup, and Treatments
Neck pain is an incredibly common and potentially debilitating condition that ranges from mild to life altering. It can have many different sources including alterations to bones, discs, tendons, and muscles. Most of the time, neck pain is brought on by age-related changes in the discs and joints in the neck (called cervical spondylosis). Another […]
...CONTINUE READINGJan
22
2021
Surgical Treatment of Patients with Dual Hip and Spine Disease
In recent years the spine and orthopaedic community has begun to understand the interrelatedness of spinal and hip disease. The importance of understanding this relationship has been underscored by the fact that many patients experience both, and unfortunately may experience debilitating hip pathology as well as lumbar spine disease requiring decompression of neural structures and […]
...CONTINUE READINGJan
21
2021
Welcome
Welcome to ruwanratnayakemd.com. I have designed this online platform primarily as an educational resource for any and all patients and the spine community as a whole. As a medical professional I see one of my primary roles as an educator for my patients and others. Spinal conditions can be complex and delicate. They can also […]
...CONTINUE READING
Patient Stories
Dr. Ratnayake is amazing! I had been suffering from a herniated disc for a year and nothing was working to manage the pain. I was scared of getting surgery, but after speaking to him my fears went away. He took his time educating me about my condition, answering all of my questions, and explaining the whole procedure. He even offered to discuss other treatment options. It really felt like he listened to all of my concerns. He made me feel like I was in charge of my own health. Next to finally finding relief from constant nerve pain, receiving care from Dr. Ratnayake was probably the best thing to happen to me in 2020. I would highly recommend him and his practice.
-- Carolina
I highly recommend Dr. Ratnayake. He performed my herniated disc surgery and I only have good things to say. He is very clear at explaining things, friendly, responsive, and professional.
-- Hagop
Dr. Ratnayake is very good doctor. He listened to me explain my lower back pain, reviewed my x-rays and then explained to me in very simple terms what my back issues were and what options I had in treating those symptoms. I elected to have surgery and could not be happier. My pain is gone. Dr. Ratnayake's follow up after surgery was also very good. He really cares about the well-being of his patients. If you have any back issues I highly recommend you see Dr. Ratnayake.
-- J. Murk
Dr. Ratnayake took great care of me. His communications are professional, warm, and caring. He addressed my questions patiently, clearly, and enthusiastically. In terms of his skills, I had seriously debilitating symptoms before surgery, and none afterwards. My recovery has been smooth. I'm walking miles pain free! I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. R.
-- Mark Ginsberg
New Patients
Please call our office to schedule an appointment. For other inquiries, please use the form below.
Office Location
NCSRA Medical Corporation
2801 K St., Suite 410
Sacramento, CA 95816
Parking is available in the building. Entrance to parking is on K St. between 28th and 29th. Metered street parking is also available.
Tel: (916) 389-7100
Fax: (916) 389-7140
Website: ncsramedical.com
ruwanratnayakemd
Ruwan Ratnayake, M.D. Follow
Spine Surgeon | Northern CA Spine Associates | @dignityhlthsac Neurological Institute & @sutterhealth | Clinical Asst Prof of Orthopaedics @CNU_Med
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It is obvious but worth repeating that spine surgery must be performed by spine surgeons 🚨
Recently, nine surgical societies delivered a joint position statement about spinal fusions being performed by non-spine surgeons.@AANSNeuro @SRS_org @spinesection @CNS_Update
Surgeons, massive far lateral HNP at L2/3 causing severe radiculopathy. What is your approach/workflow? Location of incision? Tube? Docking point? Many ways to address this! @alibaajmd @atmghn @NaderDahdaleh @DrBenRodgers @FAndrewRowan1
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