Dr. Neil Nelson Saavedra Saldua

I"ve had neck problems for 20 years now. After developing numbness and trouble with fine movements in my hand, my Dr sent me for an MRI that showed multiple levels of discs and vertebrae in poor condition.I did not want to talk to anyone who was going to push surgery, I just wanted an honest consultation without pressure on which way I should go. Dr. Saldua was exactly the right person. He looked at my MRI and discussed what types of spine surgery could be used and said my situation would need a fusion at 3 levels. He told me its a very intense surgery that is very hard on the patient and has a long recovery. On top of that he explained that at my age a fusion should not be considered except as an absolute last resort because the fusion will cause problems in other places on the spine and would require additional surgeries in the future and each surgery would reduce how much I can move my spine. I was referred to physical therapy and am thankful that I saw Dr. Saldua.

Due to degenerative disc disease I've had 3 different surgeries by Dr. Saldua. Not only have these procedures given me greatly improved quality of life, Dr. Saldua has always presented clear explanations regarding my condition, types of risks regarding outcomes and all my options. During these discussions his demeanor is always respectful, with no hint of condescension, coercion or ego. His PA, Mary Clause-Rakis has consistently shown professionalism and kindness.

Dr. Saldua gave me a whole new life. I had been with back pain for over 7 years, and it seemed like it was just getting worse and worse. I was looking at a wheelchair for the future, but then Dr. Saldua did surgery on my spine, and now I have NO back pain and am living a whole new life. I cannot imagine why I did not seek out help sooner. Thank you Dr. Saldua for my new life.

Very consistent with treatment plan and very knowledgeable.

He actually talk to me and make sure I understand

Dr. Saldua was very clear about what my problem is and what the prognosis is. He encouraged me to continue to manage the pain with the OTC meds I have started using. He told me that he would prefer not to perform surgery unless necessary. I would recommend him any time.

Very straight forward and informative...no long wait to see the dr.

Dr. Saldua didn't have time to explain in detail the procedures for my pinched nerve in my neck. He appeared in a hurry, condescending and didn't have time to address any questions I had. He left the room and it was up to his assistant to answer my questions.

Dr Saldua was considerate and professional; he took the time to explain all the options available to me, and things we could do to prevent needing surgery. The Orca system he used to send over information was spectacular, and when I had follow-up questions after reviewing all the documentation, his team responded to my contact through the TVC app within a day, with more detailed information following as they got it.

Dr. Saldua was very patient with me. He explained everything in a vocabulary I understood. He sent me information, by email, so that I can understand completely why and what the surgery is. He told me very clearly the risks and benefits of the surgery. He told me it was ok to take my time in making the final decision.

Dr Saldua is a warm, patient and knowledgeable doctor. I first met him last year when he operated on my husband who had a fusion and laminectomy. I was very impressed with each visit then and felt confident of his abilities as a surgeon and good follow thru.

Very good , everything was explained very well. Appointment was prompt. Thanks Richard

Awesome!!

Very knowledgeable and listens to concerns , He treats you like a person and not just a number.

Listened to me as a person Very professional. As a retired cardiovascular RN I appreciate your ability to explain the problems that I have.

Dr. Saldua brings in every time his willingness to show you what is going to go on and how things can get better.

Very efficient. Options were offered with and without surgery. I felt his recommendations helped me make the choice to hold off on surgery at this time.

He has been very helpful in understanding my condition and the available treatments

I really think Dr. Saldua is very smart and very experienced. He must have a lot of surgery, especially at Front Line including in Afghanistan where I was born. I am familiar with some war zone in Cambodia, being a photographer. I really believe Dr. Saldua know exactly what has to be done on each people. His experience at the war really advance his knowledge and skills of Orthopedic Surgery. Therefore I certainly like to recommend who really needs surgery. He Can Save You.

Dr.Saldua immediately found my back problem and fixed it with surgery. 8 months out of surgery and I'm 95 percent better then before surgery and expect to be 100 percent in another couple months. I highly recommend him.

All this information has helped in my direction to go further with this surgery.

Dr. Saldua was exceptionally thorough in using MRI images to help me understand the cause of my condition and his proposed treatment. As a result I was very comfortable eventually making the decision to undergo surgery. After a period of recovery, I could not be happier with outcome.

My results have been fantastic! I'm nearly 6 months post-op from C5-7 ACDF, pain free, numbness and tingling gone. Dr. Saldua is a very nice man who will tell it to you straight. He took the necessary time to answer all of my questions and most importantly I consider my surgery a complete success!

My experience with a neck injury has been a nightmare. I was in constant pain, my fingers were numb and I had weird nerve shocks going down my arm. After 2 years of doctors, physical therapy, I met Dr Saldua. He explained exactly what was going on with nerve damage occurring in my cervical spine. It was only going to get worse. Dr Saldua’s team and physician’s assistant helped with this complicated insurance claim, and I was able to successfully get 2nd surgical ACDF repair 3 months ago.

I already have recommended him! Dr. Saldua was very professional, knowledgeable and conveyed information on a level appropriate for us to understand. Plus he listened to what I had to say and included that in my care plan. I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor.

Before visiting Dr. Saldua I had constant pain in my left arm along with tingling and numbness in my left hand. I was told I had 3 herniated discs in my neck and after some physical therapy, it was decided I would undergo discectomy with fusion. My surgery was a complete success and I have never felt better. I didn't realize how limited my movement was, but now I have full movement again and no pain, tingling or numbness! Having this procedure done was definitely the best option for me.

I had with a lumbar disc that was worked on by OHSU prior to my introduction with Dr. Saldua… I told Dr. Saldua that experiencing this disc issue again, I would like to get surgery for it as soon as possible... I did not believe that pain management or physical therapy was going to help, unless I got my prior surgery re-done. He made that happen and agreed after getting my MRI! At the six week checkup after surgery, I currently have NO pain! Need I say more... Thank you Dr. Saldua

I liked how Dr DSaldua explained things with visuals on his i pad. It really helped me understand the procedure and make a better decision. He also said take your time think the options over and lets talk This summer.

Dr. Saldua was honest and straight to the point. He communicates regularly along with his staff to make sure all my questions and concerns are answered.

Dr Saldua was kind, informative and processional. He explained my conditions and provided all alternatives, risks and rewards. Follow-up was fast and informative. Thanks, Kurt

I’m sure he is an excellent surgeon, but he is very rude. He showed little to no compassion or kindness and was condescending in answering a question. He responded to one of my as “How would I know?” and it was a question on the success rate of a procedure he was recommending before surgery. It was clear he had done the surgery many times, but I haven’t; I was more upset when I left then when I arrived. He was clear on the risks, which I appreciated but again, no compassion. Very irrogant

Very informative, easy to talk to and cares about his patients,

My experience with Dr. Saldua was most unplesant. He lacks punctuality and good manner. His demeanor was sarcastic and condescending, I found him to be simply obtuse.

Great Took time to explain what is needed.

Dr. Saldua gave me a clear explanation of where the problem areas in my spine were. He used an interactive video to describe the process of the surgery and what would be done and related that to the MRI's that were taken. He was very informative and insured that I understood what was going to take place during the procedure. I am confident he will do a great job.

I was referred to Dr Saldua after 6 months of neck/arm/shoulder pain. I had done physical therapy, Accupunctur and muscle relaxants without much relief. Dr Saldua recommended surgery and though that seemed like a last resort, after much consideration I agreed that I needed to follow through. Dr Saldua was fantastic, I had full confidence in him. It has been 3 months since my ACDF surgery, I’m 95% pain free and so appreciative to Dr Saldua for my excellent care.

Extremely instructive. Clear and concise.

Very much appreciated the time he took to listen and understand my situation and I felt he had heard my needs that few had taken time to hear. He fully included me in care plan making sure I was fully informed. No arbitrary decisions on my behalf.

Very friendly, professional, patient, knowledgeable, and caring physician who reviews all the benefits, as well as the risk associated with the proposed treatment modality.

I didn't give five stars because I haven't had surgery yet. However, I was very impressed by his knowledge and ability to share it with me so I could fully understand the procedure. My questions were welcomed, and I didn't feel rushed. I feel confident that Dr. Saldua is a good choice for this procedure. His actions show he truly cares for his patients. I was very impressed.

Dr.Saluda is the best surgeon I have ever seen, he has a easy going explainable way about him, he also uses visual programs to enhance the learning experience of the ailment , I would highly recommend him to everyone I know! Cathie Beseda

Dr. Saldua is an excellent physician and skilled surgeon. The results from my spine surgery have far exceeded the outcome I expected, and I fully believe that this is solely attributable to Dr. Saldua's excellent care.

I had a mircodiscectomy of the L5-S1 performed by Dr. Saldua and I am incredibly happy with the results. My recovery has been a breeze and without complications. I previously had the same procedure at a different level by another surgeon and while it went well, my experience was not as sterling. I am no longer in pain and have been able to return to my regular, active self. Dr. Saldua was always very professional and listened to what you had to say and was genuinely interested in my well-being.

I saw Dr. Saldua for a herniated disk at L3-L4--there was pressure on my spinal cord and nerve roots causing excruciating pain down my left leg--I couldn't walk or do anything really. After talking with Dr. Saldua, it was decided that surgery was the best option. He did an amazing job and was very clear with me on what to expect in surgery and recovery. I was able to walk right away and resume my regular activities within two weeks. I highly recommend him!!

I saw Dr. Saldua for an acute back injury that resulted in severe sciatic nerve pain. I found him to be professional, knowledgeable, thorough and easy to talk to. He did an excellent job of explaining what my injury was and what my treatment options were. I felt I was able to make an informed decision that was best for me. I had an immediate and excellent result from surgery. His assistant Dave was awesome.

I am now 5 months post op from a diskectomy L4 L5. I am glad I had the surgery. My experience with Dr Saldua was out of this world! He was extremely professional and compassionate. I listen to his advice and walked as much as I could every day. It sure made a difference, as I did not have to do physical therapy. I went from not being able to move (due to the pain) to run on a treadmill 7 weeks after surgery. Although I am not 100% back to my normal activities, I have no pain or tingling.

I was injured my back in February. Up until then I had been very active. The injury reduced me to using crutches to move any distance, and no ability to do any activity . I was avoiding going anywhere where I needed to walk or sit. Sleep was difficult and I was using a lot of pain medicine. I was referred to Dr. Saldua and we cam to the consensus I needed surgery between my L4-L5. The surgery was in the end of April. I am 7 weeks out and starting to forget it ever happened. I have no pain !

Dr Saldua is professional and incredibly respectful. He has class and always has a great pair of shoes on =) I never felt pressured into the surgery, he gave me 3 different options. This man actually cares about me/you! I felt like I was his one and only patient. Dr. Saldua clearly is very talented but in more than just his surgeries. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Saldua doesn't talk down to you, he takes the time to explain your diagnosis & lets you ask questions. He explains everything in language you can understand. He is very caring & attentive.

Dr,Saldua made situation clear with understandable solutions.

Dr Saldua was very thorough in his explanation of what my condition was. He took all the time I needed to get a full understanding prior to the surgery. The surgery was very successful. He did a meticulous job on a complicated operation. My back is now pain free and I am very thankful for his expertise and skill.