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Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD is a pediatric orthopedist in Mount Pleasant, SC specializing in pediatric orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in 2009 and has 17 years of experience. Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD is affiliated with MUSC Health and UNIVERSITY MEDICAL ASSOCIATES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROL.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.
There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.
Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.
Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:
Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.
Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in 2009. He has a state license in South Carolina.
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine (2009)
Residency: (2014)
Licensed In: South Carolina
Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Medicare, Aetna Medicare, Great-West Healthcare, WellCare, Community Care Network (CCN), United Healthcare, TRICARE, Employers Health Network, Medicaid, Humana, Coventry, Cigna, Blue Choice, First Health, MedCost, Molina Healthcare, Group Health Plan (GHP), Medicare A & B (Traditional Medicare), Blue Cross Blue Shield State Health Plan for South Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Blue (PPC), BCBS Blue Essentials (Marketplace), Aetna (Preferred Provider Organization), Blue Cross Blue Shield Planned Administrators, First Choice/Select Health (NEIC), Absolute Total Care (NEIC), Clover Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Aetna (Open Choice), AllWell by Absolute Total Care, Aetna (Managed Choice), Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal (FEP), Ambetter from Absolute Total Care (Marketplace), First Choice Next and Aetna (Exclusive Choice).
According to our sources, Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 164 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Mount Pleasant, SC.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Robert Francis Murphy, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$3,671
MAZOR X SYSTEM $3,125 |
UNID_PASS $482 |
PLASMABLADE(TM) $19 |
$45 |
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|
$2,405
AVS NAVIGATOR $224 |
MESA $158 |
AERO-LL $60 |
EVEREST Spinal System $13 |
$1,950 |
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|
$1,298
MAGEC $1,070 |
Reline $229 |
|||||
|
$747
The Tether $747 |
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|
$609
REFLECT/REFLECT HDE $376 |
ExcelsiusGPS Robotic Navigation System $234 |
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$1,363
EVEREST Spinal System $522 |
Pediguard $375 |
EXPEDIUM $75 |
Other - Miscellaneous $57 |
Vimizim $39 |
Other $296 |
| $5,673 | |
| $2,325 | |
| $2,096 |
Dr. Robert Murphy is a specialist in pediatric orthopedics/orthopedic surgery in Charleston, SC, Mount Pleasant, SC, and North Charleston, SC. The average patient rating for Dr. Murphy is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Areas of expertise for Dr. Murphy include scoliosis, spinal fusion, and herniated disc. He is professionally affiliated with MUSC Health. Dr. Murphy appears to be in-network for Blue California, Coventry, Employers Health Network, and more. MUSC Health reports that he is accepting new patients at his office in Mount Pleasant, SC. He graduated from Emory University School of Medicine.
