Dr. Jason Potocki, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the spine, will begin seeing patients at Marshfield Clinic Woodruff Center in early May.
Potocki, who also will see patients in the Wausau area, treats patients with a wide variety of back and neck problems. He helps with herniated discs, bone fractures and deformities of the spine. Potocki focuses on adult disorders such as spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the channels through which nerves pass – and scoliosis.
The spine serves two major functions. The spine is the central support for the entire skeleton, so injuries and disorders can lead to many types of difficulties, Potocki said. It’s also a tunnel through which all nerves travel on their way from the brain to the rest of the body, he said.
"Whenever there is a narrowing or problem that affects nerves, you have issues with function or pain in areas served by that nerve. Getting the care you need – sometimes a simple spinal fusion -- can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life," Potocki said.
Potocki said his practice is about much more than surgically treating people with sore backs.
"I follow a conservative approach before surgery, because most back issues actually get better over time with therapy and medication," he said.
Potocki and his wife have three school-aged children. In his personal time, he enjoys building and making things.
"I’m a tinkerer and I like working with wood and metal. I’m also currently working on becoming more knowledgeable about automotive mechanics," he said.
Potocki is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. He also completed a spine surgery fellowship at Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Ky.
For more information call Marshfield Clinic at 715-847-3542 or 1-888-782-8581 ext. 7-3542
The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education in more than 50 locations in northern, central and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.
