• Ruwan

    Ratnayake

    M.D.

  • Fellowship

    Trained

    Spinal

    Surgeon

  • SPECIALIZING IN

    Minimally

    Invasive

    And Complex
    Techniques

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.

Learn more about Dr. Ratnayake

Welcome message from Dr. Ratnayake

Conditions Treated

Spinal conditions that Dr. Ratnayake frequently treats.

Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve” occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed.
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.

Surgical Resources

Cervical Foraminotomy

A cervical decompression, also called a laminotomy or foraminotomy is a minimally invasive technique of approaching the cervical spine from the back of your neck in order to address conditions like radiculopathy or pinched nerves. These sources of pain could be herniated discs, osteophytes (bone spurs), or other degenerative changes. The main indication for minimally […]

Cervical Laminoplasty

Cervical laminoplasty is a motion-sparing technique used primarily for treating symptomatic spinal cord compression (myelopathy). It provides decompression of the spinal cord and cervical nerve roots by effectively increasing the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. It is designed to preserve range of motion in the cervical spine and can be utilized for various causes […]

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

When a spinal fusion is indicated after non-operative management has failed, it is used to correct problems with the bones in the spine called vertebrae. The most common reason for its use is as a treatment option when motion of the vertebrae is a source of pain, instability, or nerve compression. An interbody fusion involves […]

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

When a spinal fusion is indicated after non-operative management has failed, it is used to correct problems with the bones in the spine called vertebrae. The most common reason for its use is as a treatment option when motion of the vertebrae is a source of pain, instability, or nerve compression. An interbody fusion involves […]

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement involves removing a degenerated or herniated disc and replacing it with prosthetic components, as is done in a hip or knee replacement. The  goal of surgery is usually to relieve pressure on pinched nerves or the spinal cord while allowing the spinal segment to keep some flexibility and maintain more normal motion. […]

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can be indicated for a variety of conditions after non-operative management has failed, most commonly for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. The primary goal of surgery is usually to relieve pressure on pinched nerves as they exit the neck to the arms, or the spinal cord itself. Other goals can […]

Minimally Invasive Decompression

Minimally invasive decompression procedures are indicated when spinal stenosis or disc herniations are causing painful or debilitating symptoms in the low back or legs and extensive non-operative management has failed to provide relief. The procedures are typically called a lamino-foraminotomy or a microdiscectomy depending on your pathology. The techniques used will vary from patient to […]

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 READING

Jul

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 READING

Mar

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 READING

Jan

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 READING

Jan

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 READING

Jan

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

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    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