• Ruwan

    Ratnayake

    M.D.

  • Fellowship

    Trained

    Spinal

    Surgeon

  • SPECIALIZING IN

    Minimally

    Invasive

    And Complex
    Techniques

About

Dr. Ratnayake is a board certified and 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.

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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 […]