Surgeons at Dunkirk, N.Y.-based Brooks Hospital have performed the first spine surgery in the facility's 125-year history, according to an April 13 report from Observer Today.
The spinal fusion was performed by orthopedic surgeon Sunil Kukreja, MD, who recently partnered with the system to expand orthopedic care in the region. Dr. Kukreja has over 20 years of experience and is employed at Lake Erie Medical Services through a University at Buffalo Neurosurgery partnership.
The hospital also recently performed its first anterior total hip replacement with the help of Dr. Kukreja and a second orthopedic surgeon.
Brooks is continuing to grow its orthopedic presence and expand care for patients with plans to open a new state-of-the-art building in Fredonia, N.Y., that would replace its Dunkirk facility.
New York state and the Health Department plan to provide $70 million for the project to begin, according to the report.