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Don Kovalsky, M.D.
Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois
Orthopedics: Spine Surgery
Mt. Vernon
4.9
310 Ratings
124 Comments
Dr. Kovalsky is a certified fellow of the Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a fellowship trained spine surgeon who specializes in acute and chronic conditions involving the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine as well as SI Joint Fusion, adult reconstructive surgery, and total joint replacement.
4.9
310 Ratings
124 Comments
Dr. Kovalsky is a certified fellow of the Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a fellowship trained spine surgeon who specializes in acute and chronic conditions involving the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine as well as SI Joint Fusion, adult reconstructive surgery, and total joint replacement.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
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Dr. Don Kovalsky has been an associate of the Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois since 2001 and fellowship trained in Advanced Spine Surgery. He has special interest in acute and chronic conditions involving the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine as well as SI Joint Fusion, adult reconstructive surgery, and total joint replacement. Dr. Kovalsky is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the North American Spine Society (NASS) and AO Spine International. His accomplishments include participating in a national study for SI Joint Fusion - iFuse Implant System [SI-Bone]; refining a surgical procedure - Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion utilizing allograft bone dowels, and an investigator for Synthes Spine in the use of anterior tension band plates to stabilize anterior lumbar fusions. Dr. Kovalsky has successfully performed hundreds of SI joint fusions and was instrumental in getting exclusive coverage by Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the procedure. Dr. Kovalsky assisted in pioneering the implementation of Synthes ProDisc™-L Total Disc Replacement and ProDisk™–C Total Disk Replacement procedures. He in association with Synthes Spine, Inc. partnered to bring the latest technology in the treatment of back pain associated with disc degeneration. The researchers and engineers at Synthes Spine have developed the latest technology in disc replacement. Patients who suffer from Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and have tried all forms of conservative (non-surgical) treatments for the condition and are now better, now have a choice. The traditional treatment has been spinal fusion where the unhealthy disc is removed and the bones are fixed in position and fused via bone grafts. Total disc replacement is designed to replace your unhealthy disc, resolve back/neck pain and maintain movement. Total disc replacement is a ball and socket implant consisting of two metal endplates and one plastic inlay spacer. The plastic inlay provides the ball that rides in the socket of the upper endplate that is intended to allow motion. The Pro-Disc™-L and Pro-Disc™-C Total Disc Replacement is a new and exciting option for patients who want a choice. Since December 2007, the Pro-Disc™-C total disc replacement has been approved for use in the United States by the FDA after an IDE clinical study. Please visit www.synthesprodisc.com for more information on Total Disc Replacement. SI Joint Fusion With The iFuse Implant System® The procedure used by Dr. Kovalsky is the most common: the iFuse Implant System, developed by SI-Bone, Inc., of San Jose, California. In October 2016, he and the president of SI-Bone, as well as a few other surgeons went in front of HCSC/Blue Cross/Blue Shield Administration and medical doctors and presented data on iFuse and the outcomes they had seen over the past eight years. They fought for their patients to get covered - and now it's exclusively covered. The iFuse is a minimally invasive surgical option, designed to be easier and less invasive than traditional open surgical SI joint fusion. The iFuse Implant System is indicated for sacroiliac joint fusion for conditions including sacroiliac joint disruptions and degenerative sacroiliitis. The procedure typically involves three small titanium implants surgically inserted across the SI joint. It is designed to create a durable construct to stabilize the SI joint. The procedure is done through a small incision and takes about an hour. The surgeon determines the release time based upon post-surgical progress and occupation. Post-operative pain is usually isolated to the incision area. With the iFuse Implant System, there is no need for BMP in conjunction with autologous bone graft, additional pedicle screws, and rods, hollow modular anchorage screws, cannulated compression screws, threaded cages within the joint, or fracture fixation screws. In a randomized controlled trial, 80 percent of the patients that had the iFuse procedure med the strict success criteria, and 90 percent of the patients were satisfied and would have the procedure again. Long-term pain relief and improved function have been demonstrated in three publications, sharing results up to five years. Dr. Kovalsky is participating in a national study for SI Joint Fusion.
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Like him
Listens Ask if you have questions Explains well Has a plan
He is a Great Doctor
Very kind and considerate, and listens to what you have to say
Dr.k has been there for 20 yrs and I tell him everything... Yet, when something that just didn't happen... He has turned on me. When I would tell him the trurh and ask for his forgiveness... But, he is convinced that I did something... and we don't talk about my medical condition on appointments... it's all about taking from me what he did to fix me... I am hurt that he is convinced that I did something that I didn't and I rgink his nurse Kathy... isn't helping... I didn't know she was a lab scientist... I thought she was a nurse.... and there is no discussion about what could have caused the incident... I'm just guilty... am I can't even talk about... I'm just a t going to have all he done for me taken away... and crucified... and put back in the bed I spent 15 yrs in... when there is no way what he is thinking.... without looking for a reasonto why it could be wrong ... I'm just being hung out to dry.... Dr.k is a great Dr. that just don't see that there is definitely something wro
Very good. Took time and never seem to be in a hurry. Will continue as a patience.
Dr Kovalsky took the time to explain what he thought was my problem and what course of action should be taken. Hopefully by taking his advice I will be out of pain soon.
Dr. Kovalsky is amazing! He is always in a positive mood, really listens to his patients and works hard to figure out the problem/injury.
This is my doctor and he has done wonders keeping me walking there not enough stars for him and has taken car of my mom and daughter we just appreciate him
Very thorough physician. Very pleased with his treatment to avoid surgery on my back.