Dr. James D. Bruffey

Dr Bruffey is fantastic! His surgical skill is top tier (which is what really matters) but his personality and communication skills really make him the total package. I am a surgeon myself and did significant research before choosing Dr. Bruffey as my surgeon (including multiple opinions). He under-promised, and over-delivered - my surgery was a complete success, my recovery was easier than expected, and his communication and reassurances throughout the process made everything go very smoothly. If you need spine surgery (and I hope you don't), Dr. Bruffey is your guy.

Dr. Bruffey the surgeon you want while going through back surgery. I had my S1/L5 fusion two days ago. I’m already feeling relief and I know as time goes on I’ll be able to pick my son up. As busy Dr. Bruffey might be he will check up on you everyday while in post op and go into great detail what needs to be done. Thank you again Dr. Bruffey and the whole staff at Scripps Green Hospital. Dr. Bruffey the surgeon you want while going through back surgery. I had my S1/L5 fusion two days ago. I’m already feeling relief and I know as time goes on I’ll be able to pick my son up. As busy Dr. Bruffey might be he will check up on … More

I am a new patient to Dr Bruffey. I have degenerative spine disease throughout my spine and have had 5 plus previous surgeries from lumbar to cervical to sacroiliac procedures performed by a different neurosurgeon. Dr Bruffey gets it- all of it -and fast. My case didn’t phase him one bit. He has such a calming confidence that I knew I was in the right place. Dr Bruffey is extremely intelligent in his craft, meticulous and kind. His bedside manner is straight to the point with a keen eye for noticing everything in minutes while listening intently to your concerns and always smiling. I am grateful and lucky to be under his care and I definitely brag that he is my surgeon. His office staff are all amazing-from his nurse to his entourage of assistants. I am also a nurse so I’m slightly picky and show up with all my anxiety, questions, and concerns. It never phases them and I feel understood and taken care of.

I was in extreme pain when Dr Bruffey diagnosed my condition from an MRI and made room for me in his operation schedule two days later. The operation took 2 hours and was 100% successful. I was beginning to recover when I re-herniated which he identified on another MRI and recommended a conservative Pain Management treatment with epidurals instead of more surgery. It worked perfectly. I'm back to normal activity after 3 months. He was very generous with his time in explaining treatments.

I have been a long time patient with Dr. Bruffey and have unhesitatingly recommended him to my family and friends. He has a welcoming and friendly manner and impeccable surgical skills and has kept me able to live a normal life despite the degenerative disease in my spine.

I was apprehensive before my initial consultation with Dr. Bruffey, however, once I met him and we discussed my problem I knew I was in good hands and decided to proceed with the spine fusion surgery. I followed all the post surgery directions and have had an excellent recovery. Dr. Bruffey explains everything in easy to understand language, is always patient and supportive, and always has a comforting and sincere bedside manner. I highly recommend him, thank you Dr. Bruffey for giving me my active lifestyle back!

Yes, Fused L2-S1. Doc Bruffey is a miracle worker!

I had an amazing experience with Dr. Bruffey, fantastic bedside manner, overall very nice guy. You can tell he stays up to date on the research and science, he always answered my questions and put me at ease. Best experience for a surgery that was needed after a traumatic injury and wasn't elective.

Very good. I like doctors not only for their expertise but personality & sense of humor

Dr. Bruffey, Jaime his nurse, Jesstina in the office... they have all been superstars for me! This has been over the last 7 months, not just a one-time visit. His surgery is impeccable. I had second opinion from a Harvard doc who said, "The surgery appears to be done perfectly." LOVE Dr. B and his team!

Answered all questions with directness. Surgical outcome appears to be successful.

I had Dr Buffy do a fusion on my neck many years ago and have never had any neck issues since. I am now in need of some back spine work done and will be contacting Dr Buffy again as he is the best!!

2 level lumbar fusion (L1-2, L2-3) resolved symptoms very well. Recovery was as Dr. Bruffey predicted. He is also very easy to deal with.

Outstanding diagnosis, surgery expertise and explanation of what was to come. First week recover very tough, but each week has gotten better and after 3 months I no longer have leg pain, but am still suffering significant back flexibility issues which I am working on.

He is very good at listening and answering all questions. Great sense of humor. I had back fusion and neck fusion and had fantastic results.

I have had 2 surgeries by Dr. Bruffy and his very experienced team. I have had quick recoveries and I completely trust that I am in great hands. I recommend Dr. Bruffy very highly.

Outstanding back surgeon! Couldn't be more delighted with the results! A pleasure from beginning to end!

Fantastic Knowledgeable Doctor

Dr. Bruffey is the ultimate surgeon for lumbar spine fusions! I had extreme sciatica for years and lived on a heating pad. Doctor Bruffey fused my spine from my L3 through Sacral1 -- 7 hour surgery, 3 days in the hospital, I was driven home, walked up my stairs, rested, did everything I was told to do and immediately began my road to recovery. At two weeks, I, along with my family, was amazed at my progress. I felt so good I almost forgot I had surgery. I consider myself very lucky, however I owe it all to Dr. Bruffey's professionalism. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Jaime, Dr. Bruffey's right hand; she walked me through everything, answered all my questions and was my rock throughout my procedure and recovery.

Dr. Bruffey and staff are top tier professionals. Also they treat you like part of their family which was very reassuring. My very heartfelt thanks for the best care and surgical expertise on the planet! Regards, Mark T. McAdams

I got hurt working out and although I had to go through several months of insurance steps. Once I got to Dr. Bruffey, he knew exactly what to do to handle my situation. He saw the pain/suffering I had endured the past two months (I was walker/wheelchair bound at that point). He got me in for surgery as soon as possible. This surgery changed my life for the better. I literally feel like I got a new back! Thank you to Dr. Bruffey and his team for the professionalism, care, and attentiveness they provided me throughout my consult, surgery, and recovery.

I was in so much pain and went to Dr.Bruffey to figure out why. His professionalism and ability to explain what was going on with me was so incredible. When I had my surgery his team were wonderful and willing to answer all my questions. Dr. Bruffey and his staff are still available for all my after surgery questions and have followed up with me on a regular basis. By far the best surgeon I have been to.

Dr Bruffey was very professional from the first visit. He never pressured me like other surgeons into surgery. His staff is very responsive and will respond within one day. I had work and EDD paperwork that they were willing to fill our quickly. I cannot say more great things about this staff. I had ad L5-S1 fusion and was able to return back to work in 3½ weeks.

Needed urgent back surgery and Dr. Bruffey not only fit me in to his busy schedule, but did an amazing job that provided immediate relief. Less than three months later and I am out hiking and working out. So happy I had Dr. Bruffey on my team! Just a great doc and caring person. Highly recommend!

I Highly recommend Dr Bruffey. He and his surgery team have done 4 spine surgeries for me, I have been a Scripps patient for over 40 yrs.

Dr Bruffey and his staff were all very professional and communicated very well with phone calls or messages in a timely manner. Excellent surgeon and team. Highly recommended.

Most definitely! Dr Bruffey and his staff were all top notch. They always returned my phone calls or messages in a timely manner. I know they care about me and are there for me.

Had a microdiscectomy from Dr. Bruffey after he diagnosed me with one ruptured disc in which afterwards only increased pain. After additional diagnosis, a radiologist pointed out that I had two ruptured discs not one and spinal stenosis. Dr Bruffey's advice post surgery was, "guess ur going to have to learn to live with pain, cya". What a hack!! Went to Barcelona Spine center and Dr. Clavel performed ADR replacing two discs and cleaned out the stenosis. Now live life pain free. Thanks to Dr Bruffey however, I suffered in pain for 8 more years and developed addiction to pain killers. Easy for Dr to say don't take PKs but until you have lived that life where you live with agonizing pain and can't function, don't judge. A competent surgeon would have directed one suffering in pain to another specialist after his rush to a given procedure failed. Get a second opinion before you allow Dr. Bruffey to cut you up. I wish I never saw him. Incorrect diagnosis, wrong procedure and then rejection for further help. Had a microdiscectomy from Dr. Bruffey after he diagnosed me with one ruptured disc in which afterwards only increased pain. After additional diagnosis, a radiologist pointed out that I had two ruptured discs not one and spinal stenosis. Dr … More

Very affable guy. Seems to be very competent and I had a good result from my Decompression Surgery. Male Aged 72.

I highly recommend Dr. Bruffey who has a high level of technical skill along with a great personality and patience. His core team, the vascular surgeon, the anesthesiologist, along with the surgery team and hospital staff took excellent care of me. They all provided quality pre- and post- op information. Dr. Bruffey and his staff are truly appreciated and I'm so grateful I selected him to for my fusion surgery.

Great surgeon! Nice guy. First surgeon to ever call me to let me know what was going on with the process!

I would highly recommend Dr. Bruffey as a spinal surgeon. He and his staff explain everything well, pre- and post-op. He is personable, has a sense of humor, and is technically gifted. My back is noticeably improved after the surgery.

Dr. Bruffey and his staff are AMAZING!! Don't hesitate to choose them for your health needs. Believe me, he and his staff are truly the BEST.

Excellent technically with the "gift" of good bedside skills and a great support team. Patient with answering general questions. Enthusiastic answering the technical questions.

Immediately after my surgery, I knew the surgery was going to be successful. After years of pain, I can now say I am pain free in my lumbar spine (as long as I follow instructions in bending and lifting). THANK YOU DR. BRUFFY.

THE MAN IS THE BEST, PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY.

excellent doing well Dr. Bruffey and his staff are the best.

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Dr. Bruffey has treated my mother, father, sister as well as myself. I've also recommended him to a couple of friends who are also very happy with Dr.B and their results. Dr. Bruffey and his staff are the best, they do everything in their power to make his patients comfortable and confident in the treatment that he recommends. I wish all doctors could be more like Dr.B and his team.

Awesome orthopedic surgeon..... Touchdown

Dr. Bruffey provides superior care and professionalism. I saw Dr. Bruffey for a degenerative disk, he recommended spinal fusion surgery. Dr. Bruffey did an amazing job on the surgery and the scaring is minimal. Dr. Bruffey and his staff are personable, professional and the best at what they do. Being from out of town I was concerned, but the staff put all my worries at ease and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to have Dr. Bruffey as my surgeon.

HE IS SO CONFIDENT AND SO VERY CARING. YOU FEEL YOU HAVE PUT YOURSELF IN THE BEST POSSIBLE HANDS.

Great surgical outcome!

This one star rating is NOT directed towards Dr Bruffey but towards the Scripps receptionist who answers his office phone. Because of the doctor's excellent reviews I recently contacted his office to schedule a surgery consultation. The first time I called I was told I needed to have an MRI done first and then I could call back and make an appointment. This sounded perfectly reasonable, and I went to my family doctor who ordered an MRI. I got the MRI done and called his office back that day. The receptionist informed me that I did not need an MRI but needed a CAT scan and proof that I had done physical therapy for six months before scheduling the appointment. When I explained that I had been told something different and had already got the MRI the receptionist became rude and argued with me. She spoke very rapidly and interrupted me repeatedly. I could not get a word in edgewise. I got so turned off by her behavior and the misinformation that I decided not to pursue care with Scripps. Although Dr. Bruffey seems like an excellent surgeon his office is poorly managed. I can only assume that the office manager knows who this person is and how she speaks to patients. My family doctor warned me about the lower standards and disorganization of Scripps and strongly encouraged me to go to UCSD. I then called UCSD and had a very pleasant experience. I now have an appointment with a surgeon there. Just thought Dr. Bruffey should know how he is being represented. This one star rating is NOT directed towards Dr Bruffey but towards the Scripps receptionist who answers his office phone. Because of the doctor's excellent reviews I recently contacted his office to schedule a surgery consultation. The … More

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Wonderful experience, very professional form the beginning till the end and I couldn’t be in better hands. Always grateful!!

Great treatment and service from beginning to end. I have had lower back pain for years. The last 5-6 months before the surgery was excruciating and the pain would not go away. MRI revealed three herniated disks. I had the Microdiscectomy procedure done by Dr. Bruffey. He was very confident with the procedure and assured me the results would be good. After the surgery, the pain was gone immediately and I returned to my desk job one week after the procedure. I was back at the gym about two months later and back to no restrictions after three months. Dr. Bruffey and the Scripps team gave my life back! I could not be more satisfied and high recommend them to anyone. Great treatment and service from beginning to end. I have had lower back pain for years. The last 5-6 months before the surgery was excruciating and the pain would not go away. MRI revealed three herniated disks. I had the Microdiscectomy … More

After years of living with pain I decided to look into a spinal fusion. I spoke with two other people I knew that had been to Dr. Bruffey and they highly recommended him. I did my research and decided to meet with him and one other surgeon. After the consultation I decided to go with Dr. Bruffey. I liked him, his explanations, and experience as well as his staff. He performed a L4, L5, S1 fusion. 3 months later I'm very happy with the results, little to no pain for the first time in 10 years. A special shout out to his nurse Jaime who was very helpful through the whole experience.

Dr Bruffey is kind, knowledgeable & an EXCELLENT surgeon. I knew I was in good hands. After meeting him, I had no doubts that he was the surgeon for me. I can’t say enough positive words about him!

I have had Dr. Bruffey as my back surgeon and specialist for 20 years. Not only has he been excellent in the area of medical care, but he and his staff have been concentious and kind. They have responsive and professional, always going way beyond in care and expertise.

Dr. Bruffey was awesome. I had stenosis mainly at the L4-5 area that caused sciatica. I could not stand for more than a few minutes or walk even a mile. 2 weeks after surgery I walked 5 miles. No sciatica whatsoever. People comment that I am standing up straight and that I have a happier countenance. He nailed it! It's so important to me as I am back to my favorite recreational activity hiking. I had looked at UCLA but they wanted to do a fusion. So thankful for Dr Bruffey no metal or fusion

Dr. Bruffey did Laminotomies and Foraminotomies at L4-5, S1 in 2016. Other surgeons wanted to perform more radical surgeries, including fusions. His explanation and confident manner convinced me that he was the surgeon for me. The outcome was a 10 on a scale of 10. I wake up in the morning and can't believe that I've been completely pain free for two years

Explains things well and helps you to make the right decision .

RUSHED US THROUGH, DIDN'T LISTEN. GUESS HE KNOWS MORE ABOUT A VERY RARE DISEASE, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS PUZZLED BY THE NAME OF IT. WE HAD CRITICAL PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS AND WERE REFERRED TO HIM BY A DIFFERENT DOCTOR. VERY DISSAPOINTED!!

He did a surgery on my 19 year old son for two herniated disc, and it went perfectly. He walked out the same day and has had no complications since the day of surgery almost three years ago! Pain free! He is an athlete and is able to continue playing sports.

Dr Bruffey did a Spinal Fusion on me in June 2013. He did an excellent job, made me feel comfortable, was easy to understand and very sure of his ability to help me. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking spinal surgery.

Dr. Bruffey has been a true patient advocate in helping me correct an underlying back problem that the insurance companies denied me surgery. For over a year and a half- he and I persisted in getting an approval. I was finally approved and the whole scheduling and procedure went very well. Had an excellent experience with Scripps. Thank you so much for everything you did to help me! Highly recommend! Dr. Bruffey has been a true patient advocate in helping me correct an underlying back problem that the insurance companies denied me surgery. For over a year and a half- he and I persisted in getting an approval. I was finally approved and … More

Prior to seeing Dr. B, I had major spinal surgery, resulting in debilitating pain. During next 12 yrs, (300mg Morphine per day) I saw 8 surgeons & got 4 different diagnoses for the cause of pain. Doc's claimed no surgery could reduce pain. Dr. Bruffey reviewed MRI, ordered & reviewed CT Scan & found the cause of pain, (1st DR to ever mention CT Scan) he did surgery, No more Morphine or Pain Pills! Dr. B's a brilliant surgeon, medical problem solver & he's honest. His priority is patients health.

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Dr Bruffey is the best orthopaedic surgeon I know and I’ve seen a few. He fused my l4 and l5 7 years ago and I’ve never had any pain since the fusion. I highly recommend him and I am an OR nurse. I also had the pleasure of working with him!!!

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I herniated a disc on my L5 S1. I tried PT, meds, chiropractor (bad idea), accupuncture, epidural steroid injection, but nothing helped. Tip: My Sharp doctor would not give me a referral for an MRI, so I went to a local urgent care for one. Dr. Bruffey performed my microdiscectomy surgery January 2016 and I'm back running half marathons. I was told I would still have the 'other' back pain that I had for 20 years due to degerentive disc disease. I'm pain free for the past 1.5 years! Great doctor!

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My results from the lumbar fusion surgery by Dr. Bruffey was very successful! I am quite pleased at the results. I highly recommend him.

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IN the last 15 years I had 3 lumbar surgeries,first two outcome very poor,#1 was on me, 2nd one was a bad luck of the draw with rehab people,i walked bent over in pain FOR 13 YEARS.then i read Dr.Bruffey internet Bio, he is a builder,artist and a perfectionist.surgery 8/8/16 3 months ago i have almost no back pain which i can only describe as post surgery elation.i am so very thankful that Dr.buffey and team are real pro's.Edward Swenton ps. happy to be walking Tall and Straight

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I had the most incredibly good experience on a significant neck surgery with Dr. Bruffey and his entire team. Four level Laminoplasty. His attention to detail and problem solving for the specific issue is unparalleled. I can not say enough positive things and would unequivocally recommend a consult and if deemed necessary surgery with him!!

We had an have the utmost confidence in Dr. Bruffey's skills. His follow thru and bedside manner are excellent as well.

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