Dr. Ronald Greenwald failed cervical fusion but never told me ripoff Mountain View California

Now almost ten years later I continue to suffer daily due to the negligence of dr. Grenwald. I have needed additional surgeries to correct his work. Recently after reading the posts of satisfied patients I felt I needed to update this matter. I came to learn later that Greenwald used hardware in my neck that was a new and unproven product which was discontinued. i learned later that the hardware was sized improperly and was impinging on the vertebrae above and below the fusion site. I also learned later that he was investigated by the calif dept of health and his post operative care found to be poor. Anyone considering this doctor needs to consider the following.

Dr Robert Bray one of the worlds leading surgeons in this field asked me to write to the board governing doctors to complain about Greenwald. Dr Bray was so offended by what was done to me he asked that I use his name when complaining. It is virtually unheard of for a doctor to actually ask you to complain about another doctor. Even a blind squirrel can find a nut so it's no surprise he has performed some surgeries successfully. Consider how incredibly bad he must be to have four surgeons in a matter of seconds identify the lack of fusion which he claimed existed. The surgeons at UCSF who did not do the repair was so shocked he was actually speechless. When he was finally able to talk all he could say was " I've never seen anything like this " if you value your health find another doctor. David Santa Cruz

 I'd like to point out to those touting dr greenwald service as a retort to my horrible experience should be advised that one of the worlds best cervical surgeons dr Robert Bray asked that I complain to the state regarding dr greenwalds work. Dr bray wa so offended by what was done he did what doctors never do he actually admitted I had been treated horribly. In addition the hardware used by dr greenwald was new and never widely used and then discontinued. He basically used me as a Guinea pig. 10 years later I have had to have more surgery to mitigate the nightmare greenwald created. I live in constant pain all because of an ego maniac who couldn't bring himself to admit a failed fusion. Naturally there are going to be successful surgeries by him even a blind squirrel finds the occasional nut. If you value your life you won't let this man touch you.

Though I am not rebutting any specific article or comment regarding Dr. Greenwald, I want to add an account of my experience with him.
 
I was facing back fusion about 3yrs ago and was very apprehensive about the procedure.  Dr. Greenwald and my primary physician agreed that if I continued to put it off I probably would become crippled later in life.  Dr. Greenwald did not rush me at all.  He let me know that he was there when I was ready. Thereafter I spent the next 2yrs trying pain blocking medicine / procedures and visiting various surgeons who suggested I should have surgery
immediately.

My pain persisted. Throughout these two years, I heard nothing but praise and respect from patients (current & former) and other surgeons for Dr. Greenwald. My mind was made up. Dr. Greenwald performed my back fusion and post minor rehab I could walk distances and sit for a reasonable length of time without the intense pain I had been experiencing.  

He really went the extra mile when a hospital induced infection arose extending my stay for about 2 months and putting me under the care of an infectious disease doctor. Dr. Greenwald visited me weekly to ensure that I was comfortable and that he was comfortable with the progress of my treatment.

It has been almost a year since the surgery.  I have not felt this good in years.  Im returning to an active full life and I can only thank God that I had Dr. Greenwald as my surgeon.  I know why he is so respected in his field by his peers and patients; he is simply the best. His surgery is a well honed art that he loves and is outstanding at.  

I'm sorry for anyone who has had a bad medical experience, but since I had a terrific surgical experience I feel I had to tell my story to counter David's.

Dr. Greenwald performed an anterior cervical discectomy on me earlier this year. The surgery and recovery were remarkably easy, presumably due to his high skill level. Extreme acute pain before surgery due to a compressed nerve and a history of chronic pain due to spinal stenosis is now resolved.  I am 3 months post-surgery.  I am doing moderate exercise such as walking, hiking, golf, light weights.  I specifically asked Dr. Greenwald about playing tennis, but he suggested I wait until 6 months post-surgery since it can take that long for a bone graft to fuse completely (it's a gradual proccess). Since in tennis there is quite a bit of torsion on the neck I am taking his advice not to play for 3 more months.   I am relatively young and a non-smoker so I may heal faster than six months - but why take a chance?

I found Dr. Greenwald to be confident but NOT arrogant. He tends to be a man of few words, but he absolutely answered all my questions and took time with me, both before and after surgery. Also, when I had questions after I left his office, he and his staff were excellent in getting back to me. He gave written detailed instructions for post-operative care, including what I should and shouldn't do (also verbal instructions). As long as you follow his instructions, you should do great.  If you do have specific questions, such as what activies you can and cannot do, just ask him directly.  He will answer you. 

Dr. Greenwald's staff is extremely friendly and good at their jobs. I would highly recommend Dr. Greenwald to my friends and family and he would be my first choice if I ever needed neurosurgery again.  I had my surgery at El Camino Hospital and was also very happy with the whole hospital staff and surgery team.