HSS at NCH welcomes Nicholas J. Clark, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Clark joins the team in Naples, Florida, where he will provide spine care for patients across Southwest Florida.

Dr. Clark completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic and a spine surgery fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. His training focused on minimally invasive techniques that treat spine conditions through smaller incisions, often resulting in less tissue disruption and faster recovery compared with traditional open approaches.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is used to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and synovial cysts. Dr. Clark performs anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc replacement, tubular microdiscectomy, laminectomy for stenosis, and minimally invasive lumbar fusions including TLIF, ALIF, and lateral interbody fusion. He also offers robotic-guided surgery for precise hardware placement in appropriate cases, as well as revision surgery for patients with prior spine operations.

The approach behind minimally invasive surgery is to address the spine problem while preserving as much normal anatomy as possible. Smaller working corridors mean less muscle disruption. For many patients, this leads to shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative pain, and a quicker return to work and daily activities. Not every condition suits a minimally invasive approach, and Dr. Clark discusses all options, including nonoperative care, before recommending surgery.

Dr. Clark is assisted by Jorge Monje, APRN, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Jorge Monje sees patients in both English and Spanish, helping ensure clear communication throughout the treatment process. The team provides thorough evaluation, careful surgical planning, and attentive postoperative follow-up.

Patients experiencing persistent neck or back pain, radiating arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness may benefit from a spine evaluation. Many symptoms improve with conservative measures such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. When those measures do not provide lasting relief, or when nerve compression threatens function, surgery may be discussed.

At the first visit, Dr. Clark reviews the patient's history, prior imaging, and symptoms. He performs a physical examination and, if needed, orders additional studies to identify the source of pain or nerve compression. The visit includes a discussion of diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes, so patients can make an informed decision about their care.

HSS at NCH brings together Hospital for Special Surgery and NCH Healthcare System, offering nationally recognized musculoskeletal expertise in the Naples community. Dr. Clark's arrival strengthens the program's ability to provide contemporary spine solutions locally, so patients do not need to travel far from home for specialized care.

Those seeking a second opinion for a recommended spine operation are welcome. A second review can confirm the diagnosis, clarify whether surgery is needed, and explore whether a less invasive alternative exists.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Clark, call (239) 624-0306. The office is located at 11190 Health Park Blvd, Building 2-2102, Naples, FL.