DIRECTOR OF THE
INSTITUTE FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY
Dr. Frederik Pennings is the only spine-fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in Western Massachusetts and has more than 25 years of training and experience. As a renowned leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Pennings has an innovative clinical practice that focuses on employing the latest surgical techniques to maximize patient outcomes.
Prior to leading The Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Holyoke Medical Center, Dr. Pennings established the Minimally Invasive Spine Center of New England and the MIS spine program at UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Prior to leading The Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Holyoke Medical Center, Dr. Pennings established the Minimally Invasive Spine Center of New England and the MIS spine program at UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Business Rate Top 3 AwardRanked 1 of the Top 3 Neurosurgeons in Massachusetts (2025) by Business Rate. This award is uniquely meaningful as it is determined by our 2025 Google reviews and patient testimonials. It serves as a testament to our commitment to providing world-class surgical care with a patient-first approach.
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Advanced Certification
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Three Best RatedWe are honored to be named one of the Top 3 Neurosurgeons around Springfield, MA by Three Best Rated®. This distinction is awarded only after a rigorous 50-Point Inspection that evaluates our clinical experience, patient satisfaction, and professional reputation. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing the highest standard of neurosurgical care to our community.
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PROOF IS IN THE SPINE STATS
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0%
0% Infection Rate
National average can be as high as 6.7% |
1 DAY
1 Day average length of stay for lumbar fusion
Elsewhere can be as high as 3.6 days |
69.5%
69.5% Same day surgery
Most patients can go home the same day |
The Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery has an established track record of providing access to high-quality care and treatments, with outstanding results in our first year.
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Dr. Frederik PenningsDr. Pennings uses the latest techniques and technology to treat a wide range of spinal conditions tailored to the patient to minimize recovery. Dr. Pennings went to the University of Leiden Medical School and completed his Residency at Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Dr. Pennings completed two fellowship programs: Spine fellowship at the University of California at Davis and Neurosurgery at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Pennings is member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. |
Every patient is different and my mission is to deliver the best possible solution tailored to the patient. With an ever expanding armamentarium of possible procedures we can tailor the surgery to the patient for the best and fastest recovery, no matter the pathology, age or size.
- Frederik Pennings, MD
River Walk Talk with Dr. Frederik Pennings
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ConditionsIn most cases, the human body can heal neck and back conditions or symptoms on its own or with conservative treatments such as physical therapy.
Conservative treatment is generally always the first step to make you feel better. However, when surgery is needed, you can be sure Dr. Pennings will tailor surgery to your specific symptoms. |
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Degenerative Disc Disease Low Back Pain Herniated Disc Radiculopathy Sciatica Spinal Instability Spinal Tumor Spine Fractures Spinal Stenosis Scoliosis |
Cervical Stenosis Cervical Myelopathy Cervical Disc Herniation Thoracic Myelopathy Thoracic Disc Herniation Lumbar Disc Herniation Lumbar Stenosis Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Lumbar Fusion SI Joint Pain |
Innovative Options
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Endoscopic Spine Surgery SI Joint Fusion |
Cervical Artificial Disc Lumbar Artificial Disc |
Most Comprehensive
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Dr. Frederik Pennings is the only spine surgeon in Western Massachusetts who routinely performs more than 30 different procedures. His extensive training enables him to truly custom-tailor the best surgical approach for you.
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The Latest Techniques and Technologies
Minimally Invasive Spine SurgeryDr. Pennings directed the MIS program at UMASS Memorial. Dr. Pennings is now leading The Institute for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. His commitment to MIS surgery for over 20 years has helped many patients get back on their feet faster.
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Artificial DiscsDr. Pennings is the only surgeon in the area to offer both cervical and lumbar artificial discs, along with other motion preservation technologies.
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Complex SpineDr. Pennings has extensive experience with complex spinal cases. The completion of both Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery fellowships allows him to have the unique expertise to treat the most complex spinal cases.
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Meet Dr. Pennings |
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"Dr. Pennings & his team were excellent, everyone was personable, and everything was orchestrated smoothly & professionally"...