Professional Affiliations

About Dr. Courtney Toombs

Dr. Courtney Toombs is a Yale-trained, board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon recognized for her leadership in advanced, minimally invasive, and motion-preserving spine surgery. She specializes in precision-driven techniques including robotic and endoscopic spine surgery, computer-guided navigation, fusionless implants, disc replacement, and SI joint fusion, allowing patients to maintain mobility while reducing pain and recovery time. At Restorative Spine Center of NY, Dr. Toombs delivers highly personalized care focused on long-term relief and faster return to active living. An award-winning researcher and North American Spine Society “20 Under 40” honoree, she continues to advance modern spinal care and expand access to leading-edge treatments that help patients move freely again.

Educational Background

Dr. Toombs earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Princeton University. She went on to attend the NYU School of Medicine, one of the nation’s top medical institutions, where she developed a passion for spine surgery and minimally invasive techniques. After medical school, Dr. Toombs completed her Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in complex spine and musculoskeletal disorders. She then achieved a historic milestone as the first woman from Yale to complete an Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Fellowship, which she pursued at NYU Langone Hospital. This elite fellowship allowed her to master the latest surgical innovations in motion-preserving spine procedures and robotic and endoscopic surgery.

Patient Education & Procedure Videos

Get a closer look at spine procedures, expert explanations, key tips, and patient case stories to help you understand your options and feel confident in your care journey.

Credentials

Board Certification

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Bachelor’s Degree

  • Princeton University
  • Bachelor of Arts with Honors

Medical Degree

  • New York University (NYU) School of Medicine

Residency

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Yale New Haven Hospital

Fellowship

  • Orthopaedic Spine Surgery
  • NYU Langone Hospital

Honors & Awards

  • NYU President’s Service Award
  • EOA Resident Travel Award
  • Yale O. Donald Chrisman Award for Best Chief Resident Research Thesis
  • Doximity “Top 5%” in Research Productivity

Professional Recognition

  • North American Spine Society “20 Under 40” Honoree

Academic & Research Roles

  • Editorial Reviewer: Spine Journal
  • Editorial Reviewer: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR) Journal

Surgical Specialty

Robotic Spine Surgery

Robotic-assisted spine surgery allows for exceptional precision in complex spinal procedures. Using computer-guided navigation and robotic systems, Dr. Toombs can plan and execute each movement with pinpoint accuracy while minimizing trauma. This advanced technology enhances surgical control, reduces blood loss, and enables faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Disc Replacement

Disc replacement is a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion that helps relieve pain caused by damaged or degenerated spinal discs. Dr. Toombs removes the diseased disc and replaces it with an artificial implant that can mimic natural movement. As a specialist in cervical and lumbar disc replacement, Dr. Toombs helps patients restore normal spine mechanics and maintain flexibility.

SI Joint Fusion

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion addresses chronic lower back and pelvic pain caused by SI joint instability. Using a minimally invasive technique, Dr. Toombs inserts small titanium implants to stabilize the joint for durable pain relief. The procedure is performed through tiny incisions, resulting in less blood loss and faster recovery. Many patients experience significant improvement in function within weeks.

Fusionless Surgery

Fusionless surgery is an innovative approach to treating lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative instability without permanently fusing the vertebrae. Instead, Dr. Toombs uses motion-preserving implants like Coflex or TOPS devices to stabilize the spine while maintaining flexibility. This allows patients to regain mobility, reduce stiffness, and recover more quickly than with traditional fusion surgery.

Clinical Research & Recognition

Dr. Toombs has an extensive background in clinical research, focusing on spinal deformity, biomechanics, and adult spine surgery outcomes. She has contributed to 30+ peer-reviewed publications and has won multiple honors, including the EOA Resident Travel Award, the Yale O. Donald Chrisman Award for Best Chief Resident Research Thesis, and recognition in the top 5% of research productivity nationwide. Beyond her published work, Dr. Toombs remains an active contributor to the scientific community. She regularly presents at prestigious national and international conferences, including AAOS, NASS, SRS, ISASS, IMAST, and AO Spine meetings. As an editorial reviewer for Spine Journal and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR), and with a pending patent in digital health innovation, she continues to shape the future of spine care.

Why Choose RSCNY?

At Restorative Spine Center of NY, Dr. Courtney Toombs delivers advanced, minimally invasive spine care to relieve pain, restore motion, and enhance quality of life. From robotic-assisted procedures to motion-preserving disc replacement, she tailors every treatment to your unique needs. Schedule your consultation today in Ronkonkoma, Garden City, or Paramus to begin your path to active living.

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