I suffered a synovial fluid cyst on L5, S1 (nerve) and could not lie on my back without severe pain. I had not slept in my bed for four months, thinking is was sciatica. After failed pain management sessions, I saw Dr A. In a short outpatient surgery, he removed the cyst. I was instantly free of pain and could sleep on my back. I had a very quick recovery and am not 100%. read more

I never write reviews but feel like this is necessary! Be cautious!!! I had L5 S1 fusion surgery and after 10 months of complaining I insisted on another MRI. He told me I only needed some bone shaved away from my cage. Then two days later I saw he did not put anything in my chart notes, except "reviewed MRI, no findings, referred to pain management." I obviously saw a red flag so I saw a spine surgeon at Stanford and a neurosurgeon at UCSF, both told me the same thing. The cage he placed in me was not centered, it was off to the left and oversized!! Therefore it had been sitting on my nerve since I woke up in recovery and began complaining of nerve pain, which was not there prior to surgery. I had revision surgery and the surgeon had to shave the cage away from my nerve to half the size. Now I am currently working through recovery hoping my nerve will recover after the cage was compressing on it for over a year. Just sharing my story.... There are so many surgeons out there to choose from, get 2nd and 3rd opinions. read more

Altho I had to wait almost 40 minutes to be escorted to an examination room, I was extremely impressed with the treatment received by the support staff. Also feel that Dr. Athanassious truly cares about me - health and comfort - and focuses on me and my concerns, looking me in the eyes, throughout our visits. Thank you one and all. read more

Great surgical experience, no complaints with Dr. Athanassious. L5 to S1 fusion for a 72 yo female. I feel for this busy office though. Calls rarely returned, very infrequent that I can get through to a person. Staff is overwhelmed! One gal cried on the phone could I please call back later, that she was under such pressure today. She cried tears! read more

best medical care I have ever received! And I could say that 10,000 times more. Always feel that staff and doctors have been polite and professional caring for me in ways that serve my best interest. read more

I'm so thankful to have had Dr Athanassious handle my surgery. He carefully explained the procedure and what to expect postoperatively. The office staff is professional and compassionate. Thank you for giving me a quality life again. read more

Dr. Athanassious was on time. Thorough, although quick. He had answers from my MRI (off site testing) and a neck X-ray (taken on site) and the results were ready in minutes. The front desk staff were courteous and knowledgeable in workman's comp requirements and insurance. The X-ray tech (onsite) also, straight to the point, but kind and understanding of my pain when having to position me For the X-ray. Amani (I could easily have her name wrong) and the tech in training were just as thorough and I really appreciate them asking all the questions to get my diagnosis nailed down. I finally have answers after 7 weeks of struggling and I can't say thank you enough. read more

In a world full of so many mediocre doctors, it is truly a blessing when you finally find one as good as Dr. Athanassious. I was misdiagnosed by another doctor which led to immense anxiety, doubts on an active future doing the things I love and all of it at such a young age. Less than 5 minutes into my appointment he completely changed everything. He went over my MRI with me and showed me a rather healthy spine (in his own words) and no obvious sign of disease. If you're going to put your health, (along with your mental wellbeing) into someone, ensure it is an expert in that field like Dr. Athanassious. Had I not visited him again, I would be under the impression I had no chance for an active future, when in reality all I need is some PT and core strengthening. Thank you so much to Dr. Athanassious and his awesome staff. They make you feel welcome and in my opinion actually care. read more

Dr. Athanassious fixed my problem with an ACDF of my C5,C6& C7area. I was seeking help for my neck pain and pressure headaches trying everything possiable ( acupuncture,PT, pain management injections ,chiropractics but it kept getting worse with little to no relief ) I truly ran out of hope and thought my active life was over just as I retired . Soon after surgery I felt relieved from the pressure in my head and 6 months later I can now turn my head to look for traffic with no pain wich was my main goal ! Anyway I have no restrictions now and I'm back to doing the things I love so thank you Doc !!! read more

My experience with Dr Athanassious was life changing. When I first met the Dr. I was quite debilitated and my back was extremely problematic. Most of my days were spent in bed and crawling to the restroom only when absolutely necessary. After my laminectomy it took me several weeks to feel better and a few more months to begin normal activity. But now at 7 months post surgery most of my days are normal and pain free. It was a difficult recovery for me but Dr Athanassious assured me that with perseverance I would regain my strength and activity level. Today I can attest that my life has changed much for the better. I feel that the surgery was the only thing that has given me my life back. Im extremely grateful to Dr. Athanassious and his entire team. Thank you Dr. Athanassious! -Moses Latno read more

He's a wonderful very compassionate doctor and a gifted surgeon, within 2 weeks after my neck surgery my neck felt better than it had in many years Thank you Dr Athanasious and all the staff read more

Dr Athanassius was outstanding throughout my process of back surgery. I couldn't continue living with the pain while trying to live an active lifestyle. Having lived with this pain for a handful of years, the only option was having surgery. I was very apprehensive. I heard horror stories from everyone I knew about having surgery on your back. Dr A put me at ease. I'm now 5 mos post surgery and everything has been great. Dr A has been conservative with my healing process and I've been thankful. Each follow up visit has been beneficial. Dr A is extremely knowledgeable and great with his patients. Can't believe there's a better back surgeon in the area. read more

Lateral lumbar interbody spinal fusion and posterior spinal fusion L3-4 I am more than satisfied with the treatment I received from Dr. Athanasscious!His demeanor is friendly and open; efficient without making me feel rushed. He speaks in lays terms without a hint of condescension.His explanation of my condition and the procedure was thorough. He responds to concerns and questions clearly and patiently. The office seemed understaffed, wait times were long. Despite this, staff was helpful, polite and mostly friendly. His Medical Assistant was competent and attentive to my concerns about addiction issues. She actually LISTENED and gave me some say in the process; but not too much. I required pain medication far longer than I expected (Dr. Athanasscious told me this might be the case). But I was supported throughout; and received what I needed without constant skepticism. Weaning off was gradual and about gentle as could be. Most importantly, my surgery was completely successful; Dr. Athanasscious absolutely nailed it! I have range of motion and strength that I've haven't experienced for many years with NO pain. THANK YOU read more

Dr Athanassious was fantastic!! I had recurring back pain that required almost monthly steroid shots to control. I decided to have the back surgery, a Laminectomy, because they were not going to put something into my back, but take some bone out. The surgery was not that invasive and I healed very quickly. Within the first 4 days my paid was almost gone. I highly recommend this surgery for anyone with back pain. read more

I highly recommend the doctor. he's an excellent surgeon. Super knowledgeable and very friendly . He explains everything that's going on with you. I don't think anyone likes having surgery, Too many horror stories. but if you have to have it it's nice to know you're in good hands with the S.R. Orthopedic. Group. I live in Marin and I'm fortunate to have found the Doctor. read more

Dr. Athanasius is an amazing Doctor I had ACDF surgery and it was very successful I'm so thankful no severe pain any more

This is the second time I have come to Dr. Athanassious for serious problems first in my neck and now for my lower back. Dr. Athanassious operated on my neck five years ago and completely resolved the problem with a textbook result. Coming back to him now for my severe lower back pain, he identified the problem immediately and recommended the solution. I have complete confidence in him. It has taken me two years and three different doctors to get to this point. Extremely frustrating. Finally I have gotten to the right doctor. read more

I had an appointment with him at the Montgomery office. I got caught in traffic and called the office to tell them I would be about fifteen minutes late. First they said no wouldn't see me. I said I would wait all day if I had to. My appointment was at 11:45. I arrived at 10 after 12. I went in and there was t a single patient there. The whole staff and doctor was though. I asked why so empty and they said it was their lunch time. Even tho I saw no one eating anything. I got back to the room and the nurse came in first. She said that they were doing my neck only. I told them I had been but two times within six months head on by drunk drivers and had bad spinal and head injuries. I had my records with me. I asked if we could do the whole spine. She said no. I would have to do neck. Come back and do the spine, then come back again and do my lower back. I told her I would prefer to do it all. It's an hour drive for me and the money I have had to put out for medical has been astronomical. She asked doc he said no. So I got undressed got my gown on still not happy with it. I got into the X-ray room and asked the technician if we could do it all especially with no other patients there. He said sure why not. But said he had to clear with doc. He came back in and said he told him no. I asked to see the doctor. The office is very small so I knew the doctor had heard everything. He sent a big nurse back in that said no the doctor won't see you. And no we only do one section at a time. That was it for me. Not only rude but very unprofessional and I compassionate. I was in shock. Tried to ask again and explain my situation. I was refused. I took off my bow. And got dressed. By now I was mad. I am a stage four melanoma cancer survivor and past President if the American Cancer Society for five years. I have never heard of this with the three time visit (for cash I am sure) and a doctor being so rude as to not even come in to see me. I told the front desk to erase my bill immediately. I wouldn't recommend him for anyone. Most unprofessional rude and biggest rip off and con for extra money I had ever in my 64 years seen or heard of. Beware. I noticed on the few reviews he does have he recommended PT for all. Waste of time and money. BEWARE!!!!!! read more

Dr. Athanassious and his PA were excellent, but the staff were extremely rude to the point I will not return. Phone calls not returned, calls continuously dropped, having to drive to the office in order to leave a message, waiting weeks to get return calls, getting no return calls, rude behavior, excuses for the behavior. I usually only write reviews for exceptionally good service or exceptionally bad; but don't take my word for it, because as I was told by their director ((after complaining about trying to get a call back for over a month- I did not swear, I did not yell (in fact, she hung up on me when I was trying to interject as she ranted at me), just calling her on the terrible service)), I'm "a deplorable, miserable human being," so my opinion is clearly not relevant. If you are able to get past the abusive office staff, I think you might be in good hands with the medical professionals, but I could never recommend to a friend or family member. Cruelty and verbal assault is never a good policy, least of all in a care facility. I hope hers and her coworkers onslaught of unprofessional behavior towards me gave them the strength to be more professional with others. read more

I had Dr Athanassious for my back surgery. He was very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions that we had and tell us much more. He was courteous and kind. My back surgery was a complete success. I had a L5/S1 lumbar discectomy and microdecrompression (bulging disk removal). Immediately after the surgery my sciatica pain down my leg was gone. Now a month after surgery (of 6 month estimated recovery), I am in significantly less pain than before. I highly recommend Dr Athanassious for your surgery needs. read more

I actually would like to update this review. It seems Dr. Athenassious is great going into his surgery, and the procedure itself, but afterwards he could care less. I started to have neck problems again a couple years later, and the only thing he kept repeating to me went I went in to see him was that there was nothing wrong with the fusion or any part of the surgery he did on me. When I asked about the vertebra above and below the fusion, he dismissed it, but I've since found out those joints frequently have problems a few years down the line. He then asked in an unfriendly tone, "What do you want me to do? "I said, "I don't know, maybe refer me to physical therapy?" In my appointments prior to surgery he seemed like my best friend and could take all the time in the world with me, but after the surgery he was very obviously wanting to make the appointment as fast as possible. When the PT didn't help much, I went back in again. This time he aid I could get injections, and that they would call me. They never called me. I left a message which was never answered, so I decided to never go back to him again. Now I have just been doing cold packs and stretches and getting along OK but my hands frequently get numb. My dad and daughter are doctors so I know there are still physicians out there that are in it because they care about people. He is not one of them. read more

My surgical procedure was successful and I am recovering perfectly so far. I am so pleased with Dr. Athanassious' professionalism and expertise. Because of him I can return to a normal, active and pain free life! read more

Dr. Athanassious has been beyond compassionate. In addition to fixing my severe pain issues and truly saving my life. He listens to me and continues to support me in being the healthiest and pain-free version of me as possible. I have seen a lot of surgeons for 4th and 5th opinions, and can absolutely highly recommend Dr. Athanassious. He saved my life. read more

Successful back surgery. Can't hope for much more. Expect a complete recovery. Great staff.

Had an appointment scheduled to have Dr Athanassious review my records. Needed a consult on my lumbar disk and nerve pain issue. A colleague of his referred me to him as epidurals did not work. I arrived for a 1:15pm appt. At 2:30pm I was finally brought into an exam room by a staff person. She asked me a few questions, left the room and 25 minutes later, the PA shows up, did some strength tests, asked questions and decided I needed x-rays. The tech showed up and took me for X-rays that took about 15 minutes. I was brought back to the exam room and waited another 20 minutes. The PA comes in and walks me through the x-ray findings, hands me a booklet and tells me this is what the doctor will do. I said I have been here 3 hours and when is Dr Athanassious coming in. She said he is not. Fast BURN on my part. Although the staff were nice, his not showing up and no explanation given is just plain BS. I walked out and called UCSF and will be going there. If my toilet gets a leak, maybe Athanassious can be called!!! read more

I had high hopes to figure out what was going on with my spine. After 5 minutes, a few motion tests and hardly any questions as to my S&S I was released with advice to go to PT and if it didn't help to come back in 6 weeks and we'd do more X-rays. Not much of a help, primary care could have done that. However the SRO staff was very friendly! read more

Always friendly and professional. The wait can be long at times, but Dr.Athanassious is always very thorough and that is important.

To date I have seen three doctors at SRO. I saw Dr. Mintalucci for issues with both of my hands. I saw Dr. Pourtaheri for a surgery on my right shoulder under workers comp. I am currently seeing Dr. Athanassious for a back injury covered by workers comp. I have found each of them to be exceptionally good doctors in all respects. read more

Staff in Petaluma rude and unprofessional. Could not find my medical information, medical assistant then was asking me for information on the wrong patient. Was placed in a utility closet rather than a waiting room. I had an appointment with the Dr, and was not informed it was with the female PA. When I questioned the whole circus-type atmosphere, she stormed out of the utility closet and refused to see me. Beware, and go elsewhere! The office "manager" never returned calls to apologize for the treatment. They just don't care.... read more

Dr. Athanassious was kind, knowledgeable and thorough during my appointment. I'm very impressed with Santa Rosa Orthopaedics.

The dr said I'll need back surgery if my therapy doesn't relieve my extreme back pain, which it hasn't. Now my follow-up appt was pushed out seven additional weeks. My follow-up appt was scheduled for tomorrow at 8:30 AM here in town which is two miles away, now it's 22 miles away at noon on an extremely hot day. The receptionist couldn't care less about my condition, or the inconvenience, she didn't try to see if she could rearrange appointments. I'm a senior citizen and it's a shame to be treated in this manner. This office lacks people skills, she made me feel like a loser and a sucker. This isn't the behavior one would expect from a professional doctor or a medical office. read more

Back surgery went very well. I was apprehensive because I had heard some horror stories . Dr. A was highly recommended; and I was in severe pain not only in my back but also down both legs and could hardly walk without pain. So I decided to have a laminectomy .On my first trip out of bed I couldn't believe how good I felt . The worst and most painful part of my procedure was when my staples were taken out. Dr. A is a miracle worker.! read more

My first visit and he was very patient and thurough and listens to me. You may have a little wait but it's worth it. You will have your time with him and won't be rushed. I highly recommend him. read more

Excellent surgeon.Very honest.Would recommend him highly if you need spinal surgery.Staff very friendly,but their office is so busy it takes awhile for them to get back to you...understandable.Their physical therapy dept is excellent. read more