Mr Orpen is a fellowship trained spinal surgeon wholly specialising in conditions of the spine. He received specialist training as an orthopedic and then spinal surgeon in Oxford and Bristol, with further training in specific complex procedures in both the UK and Europe. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive spinal surgery and microsurgical techniques to treat spinal problems, as well as a special interest in spinal tumours and fractures, back and neck pain and disc replacement surgery. 

As spinal surgery has advanced, techniques have developed that are specifically aimed at minimizing unnecessary trauma which may be caused by the surgery itself. Minimally invasive surgical and micro-surgical techniques are a major principle behind the approach offered by Mr Orpen. These techniques can shorten the time spent in hospital, enhance recovery, and decrease surgical risk. 

Mr Orpen is able to offer both operative and non-surgical options in the diagnosis, management and treatment of back, neck and sciatic pain. A full complement of nonsurgical procedures such as nerve blocks in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine can be offered as well as other treatments aimed at managing back pain such as facet joint injections and facet joint rhizolysis procedures. 

Mr Orpen has been involved in the development of specialist surgical procedures and spinal instrumentation to improve the options available to patients. He remains actively involved in the training of junior and other consultant spinal surgeons and theatre operating teams in the development of advanced spinal surgical techniques. As a result, he has extensive experience in the use of cement augmentation techniques such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. He is involved in the development of these techniques, as well as those associated with micro-decompression of the lumbar spine for the treatment of spinal stenosis.

Clinical Interests

• Complex conditions of the spine and particularly minimally invasive procedures to treat spinal conditions.
• Disc replacement surgery and treatment of spinal tumours.

Useful Links

• www.fracturescout.com 

Professional Memberships

• British Orthopaedic Association
• Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• British Scoliosis Society
• British Association of Spinal Surgeons
• General Medical Council