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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

The sacroiliac (SI) joint exists between the sacrum and ilium bones in the back of the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a degenerative condition of this joint that can result in lower back pain. It is frequently overlooked and can explain up to 15-30% of cases of low back pain in the outpatient setting. Risk […]

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of low back and leg pain. It occurs when the space around the nerve roots narrows. This puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and may cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Degenerative changes and arthritis that occur over long periods of time are […]