Vivek Panikkar has been working as a Consultant Spinal Surgeon for over 14 years. Prior to that I received training from leading orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons in order to develop the best possible expertise. My initial orthopaedic training took place in the Mersey and East Midlands region, after which I undertook specialist training in the spinal unit at Queens Medical Centre Nottingham and Derby Royal Infirmary. The combination of multidisciplinary and sub-specialist training has allowed me to develop my practice to a higher degree than would otherwise be possible. My main goal is to give my patients the best possible outcome for their spinal problems. Although I am a surgeon, I would like to clarify that coming to me does not always mean you will need an operation on your spine! In fact, the majority of cases I come across can be helped without surgery. Together with our specialist physiotherapist teams, chiropractors, pain consultants and other colleagues I always formulate the best treatment plan going forward.

 

I am now confidently trained to deal with an array of spinal conditions; ranging from those relating to the neck and upper back to those in the lower back and coccyx/sacrococcygeal area. My specialist areas include minimally invasive procedures, micro-surgery, 

 

The advancements in minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery such as microdiscectomies, spinal  fusions, XLIF, verteboplasty and kyphoplasty have been astonishing. They allow for a much faster recovery time for patients, together with less pain after surgery and a quicker return to normal activities. Technological improvements mean that these procedures are also extremely safe and have a track record of proven results. I offer all of them as part of my practice at the group of Hospitals I work at. 

 

My NHS practice is based at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, where I am the most senior spinal surgeon. Over the last decade I have been at the forefront of bringing the latest advancements in treatment and technology to the Trust. I am also an honorary consultant at Leeds Spinal Neurosurgical Unit where I keep abreast with surgical advancements for complex spinal conditions. 

 

In terms of my academic commitments, I hold the post of Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield. 

I love travelling and exploring new places around the world. Being a surgeon I have been fortunate to have travelled the world to enhance my skills and share knowledge with surgeons around the world with only one goal; to give my patients the best possible outcome for their spinal problems. 

 I am a member of the North American Spine Society, British Association of Spine Surgery, British Medical Association, Bapio and AO spine.