About DISC

About Us

DISC is an orthopedic spine center of excellence practice serving spine patients in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. DISC surgeons treat a wide array of spine conditions such as herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and customized patient care to those suffering in pain.

Our practice offers the most advanced cutting-edge treatment options ranging from nonsurgical to least invasive and minimally invasive spine surgery. DISC surgeons are recognized leaders in endoscopic spine surgery, artificial disc replacement, and minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS). Our expert spine surgeons are board-certified and have collectively 50 years of patient care experience.

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Photo of the doctors from the DISC team
Desert Institute for Spine Care ranked top ten spine specialists 2023

The DISC Mission

Our mission is to provide patients who are suffering in pain with consistent outcomes – long-term pain relief and improved physical function so they can enjoy life again!

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Dr. Chris Young headshot
Dr. Nima Salari headshot

Leaders in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS)

Recognized as MIS innovators amongst their peers, our surgeons often speak on their research and expertise at spine medical conferences worldwide. DISC surgeons are involved in ongoing FDA clinical trials and frequently publish their research in peer-reviewed spine journals. They continually teach their peers advanced endoscopic and MIS techniques for painful debilitating neck, and back ailments.

Why Choose DISC
– Anthony Yeung, MD (Retired)

Founded in Phoenix, AZ in 1998

In 1998, orthopedic specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, Anthony T. Yeung M.D. (retired), founded the first spine-focused out-patient ambulatory surgical center called Squaw Peak Surgical Facility, in the USA. In 2002, Christopher A. Yeung M.D. joined his father Dr. Anthony Yeung in practice. Justin S. Field M.D. later joined them in practice in 2007 to form Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC). Today, DISC has five spine fellowship trained, board-certified spine surgeons, with 4 convenient locations serving patients in the greater Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale, Arizona areas.

Our founder, Dr. Anthony Yeung pioneered, and developed the first true arthroscopic spine surgery instrument system called the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System (YESS). With YESS, he and his partners at DISC further developed and popularized a group of least invasive surgical techniques called endoscopic spine surgery. These endoscopic procedures have revolutionized the future of spine surgery, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Dr. Anthony Yeung

DISC Philosophy – The Least Invasive Spine Care

At the heart of DISC is our philosophy for treating spine patients – To utilize the least invasive yet most effective treatments available to restore, revitalize, and rejuvenate our patients’ active lifestyles.

Our comprehensive least invasive spine care and our innovative endoscopic spine surgery experience has differentiated our spine surgeons from their peers nationwide for over two decades. Patients continue to highly recommend our surgeons because their experience at DISC has restored, revitalized and rejuvenated their active lifestyles.

Our 3 Step Process to Least Invasive Spine Care

STEP 1: Getting to Know Your Pain Journey

WE LISTEN CAREFULLY. We ask targeted questions. We want to understand your pain story, how it affects your daily life, and what your desired outcome is. We are here to instill hope and long-term pain relief for your future.

STEP 2: Personalized Pain Mapping (PPM)

Personalized pain mapping is a proprietary DISC method we developed to accurately define the spine condition and pain generator. Sometimes called diagnostic pain management, PPM identifies the pain generator by correlating, patient pain story, image studies, and then applying diagnostic therapeutic injections that relieve or confirms the patient’s pain.

STEP 3: Surgical Pain Management

Today patients in pain are sent to pain management which treats your symptoms with short-term relief injections, or noninvasive procedures. Often times these pain patients have to come back in six to twelve months to have procedures repeated.

DISC has pioneered and developed a new and emerging subspecialty called Surgical Pain Management. Utilizing PPM, we developed a group of new cutting-edge surgical techniques called endoscopic spine surgery.

Surgical pain management diagnoses and treats the root cause or pain generator with least invasive endoscopic spine surgery, resulting in long-term pain relief results. Our endoscopic surgical techniques have proven to provide significant long-term pain relief when compared to traditional pain management procedures.

 

DISC – IN THE COMMUNITY

Since founding Desert Institute for Spine Care in 2007, our surgeons have worked to serve their patients and the needs of the community in which they work. Our surgeons have continually served the greater medical community of Phoenix, AZ, to promote patient outcomes.

In addition, our surgeons have championed many fundraising causes over the years, including: 

  • Fitzs Supper Club – benefiting breast cancer and various local charities
  • We’ve Got Your Back – DISC’s 5k race fundraiser for Spinal Research Foundation
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Dr Abrams explaining spine x-ray Dr. Abrams laughing

Ready To Enjoy Life Again?

No matter the painful spine condition, a second opinion consultation with one of our expert spine surgeons can help you find the right customized solution that gets you back to enjoying life.

ENJOY LIFE AGAIN!

Our spine health blog features up-to-date spine education and expert spine tips from our spine specialists here at DISC.

6 Exercises to Improve Your Posture
November 13, 2023

6 Exercises to Improve Your Posture

Kinesics is the expression of your body language. It’s the shrug of your shoulders, the quick wink to a friend, the unconscious puzzlement of your eyebrows when you can’t quite place a face. Your body evolves as you take on characteristics that define who you are. Your work and exercise routine will also have an […]

All About C5 and C6 Treatments
November 8, 2023

All About C5 and C6 Treatments

Each vertebra plays a role in supporting the body’s structure and facilitating movement. In this article, we will look at the cervical vertebrae, which comprise the upper portion of the spine. Specifically, the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) vertebrae, as they hold special significance.  C5, the fifth cervical vertebra, finds its position just below C4 […]

treatment options for annular tears
November 7, 2023

Treatment Options for Annular Tears

An annular tear is a discogenic condition that impacts the spine, causing lower back pain. Natural wear and tear, sports injuries, improper lifting and repetitive motions are the most common causes of annular tears, as the injury results from the fibers that make up the intervertebral disc breaking or separating.  While these tears can occur […]

What Is Foraminal Disc Protrusion?
November 3, 2023

What Is Foraminal Disc Protrusion?

Foraminal disc protrusion, which is one way that contributes to foraminal stenosis, is a spinal condition that occurs when a disc in the spine extends beyond its normal boundaries and presses on the nerve roots within the foraminal canal. This canal is a passageway through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord and travel to […]

Everything You Need To Know About Restless Leg Syndrome
October 18, 2023

Everything You Need To Know About Restless Leg Syndrome

Do you ever have trouble sleeping because your legs and feet feel itchy, tingly or cramped? You may be experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition that affects up to 10% of people in the United States. RLS usually happens at night or when a person has to sit still for a long time.  Depending on its […]

tiny cameras are now taking center stage in spinal surgery
September 18, 2023

How Tiny Cameras are Now Taking Center Stage in Spinal Surgery

Dealing with back pain caused by disc degeneration and herniation has long been a challenge. For years, surgeons have been using various techniques to address these issues, with the operating microscope being a crucial tool. However, a game-changing evolution is happening in spinal surgery thanks to a device that’s been around for a while — […]

M6-C Artificial Cervical DISC Two-Level IDE Clinical Study
September 15, 2023

M6™-C Artificial Cervical Disc Two-Level IDE Clinical Study

A Guide to Awake Spine Surgery
September 7, 2023

A Guide to Awake Spine Surgery

Having surgery while awake can sound a little odd, but in the field of spine surgery, it’s been happening for a few decades now. This unique method of surgery offers some exceptional benefits, helping people enjoy less recovery time and supporting surgeons in more accurate, safer procedures. Let’s explore awake spine surgery and how to […]

Myelopathy: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
August 19, 2023

Myelopathy: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Spinal injuries can wreak havoc on your life, impacting your organs, motor functions or senses. They must be handled with prompt medical attention to prevent lasting damage. Speak with your doctor if you notice any peculiar symptoms, such as those caused by myelopathy. Myelopathy is a common spinal cord condition that can limit a person’s […]

March 6, 2023

DISC Surgeons Named 2023 Top Docs

Congratulations to DISC’s surgeons, Christopher Yeung, Justin Field, and Nima Salari, for being chosen as Phoenix Magazine’s TOP DOCTOR in 2023.

January 16, 2023

Join Dr. Nima Salari at Amplify Surgical’s 2nd Annual Endoscopic Spine Symposium

Register today for Amplify Surgical’s 2nd Annual Endoscopic Spine Symposium, featuring dualPortal™ and dualX® System on March 4, 2023. 

December 22, 2022

Dr. Chris Yeung Featured on AZ Physicians

Congratulations to Dr. Yeung for being featured on the front cover of Maricopa County Medical Society’s “Arizona Physician” Winter 2022 magazine!

September 2, 2022

Spine Care for Baseball Players Podcast with Dr. Chris Yeung

Dr. Chris Yeung was interviewed by Arizona Physician Magazine – a publication that provides information for physicians across Arizona.

April 11, 2022

DISC Surgeons take Phoenix – Top Doc Award in 2022

Dr. Salari received the most votes in the Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine category. Dr. Yeung received the award for the 10th consecutive year.

January 7, 2022

Dr. Chris Yeung Panelist at UCI Health Webinar

DISC surgeon Dr. Chris Yeung participates as a panelist in UCI Health Comprehensive Spine Center Webinar Series on January 14th, 2022.

November 22, 2021

DISC surgeons participate in M.O.R.E. Spine Learning Center

DISC surgeons Dr. Salari and Dr. Wang participated as instructors in a recent M.O.R.E. Education Spine Program in Phoenix, Arizona on November 19-20, 2021. The M.O.R.E. Spine Learning Center offers surgeons the opportunity to attend cadaver labs, meet experienced surgeons and discuss the clinical, technical and economic aspects of new spine treatment technologies.

September 22, 2021

Join Dr. Chris Yeung at an Endoscopic Workshop at NASS

Begin or advance your Endoscopic skills at NASS on September 29th, 2021. Elliquence is dedicated to ensuring the best education for doctors and physicians on the Endoscopic Spine and MIS procedures using didactic and cadaveric hands-on instruction.

Spine Surgeon Spotlight - Dr. Nima Salari
September 14, 2021

Dr. Nima Salari Listed On Becker’s “50 Spine Surgeons To Know”

We are proud to announce that Dr. Nima Salari has been named to Becker’s Spine Review “50 Spine Surgeons To Know.” Written by Carly Behm | August 26th, 2021 Nima Salari, MD. Desert Institute for Spine Care (Phoenix). Dr. Salari was reportedly the first spine surgeon to implant Amplify Surgical’s 12-degree hyperlordotic DualX interbody cage. His specialties include pathologic conditions of the spine and minimally invasive surgery.