Edward Santos, M.D.
“I am committed to providing the best care possible for all of my patients with spine disorders. I treat each and every patient as I would treat any member of my family. I believe that patients’ concerns and expectations deserve to be heard. I also believe in the importance of having a thorough discussion of both surgical and nonsurgical options, with the goal of relieving pain and restoring function.”
Specialties
Team
At Summit, each physician works alongside a team of professionals to care for you, our patient. Read more about our team approach to care.
Minimally-invasive surgery: Edward Santos, M.D.
Summit Orthopedics spine surgeon Edward Santos, M.D. shares what minimally-invasive surgery options are available at Summit in this Ask the Expert video. Dr. Santos is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and practices in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area in Minnesota and specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Find out: Can I Request Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Dr. Edward Santos’ Approach to Care
“I am committed to providing the best care possible for all of my patients with spine disorders, treating each and every patient as I would treat any member of my family. Patients’ concerns and expectations deserve to be heard. It’s important to have a thorough discussion of both surgical and nonsurgical options, with the goal of relieving pain and restoring function.”
Get insight on: When to Seek Care for Back Symptoms [Video]
Introducing Dr. Edward Santos
In March of 2016, Dr. Edward R. Santos transitioned from his position as an associate professor at the University of Minnesota to his new quarters with Summit Orthopedics as a part of Summit’s spine team. His move was only the most recent leg of a medical journey that began on the other side of the world.
“I grew up in the Philippines,” explains Dr. Santos. “During my medical training, I saw a lot of individuals who suffered from tuberculosis of the spine and other back disorders. Spinal disorders can be debilitating, and I wanted to help these patients. Most spine surgeons do one year of extra spine training—I did two: one year in Australia and another in the Twin Cities. When patients have low back and neck pain, they are often unable to work and function—and that comes at a cost. I was drawn to this specialty because I saw the potential for surgery to relieve pain and to bring these patients back to their normal activities and productivity.”
Spine Surgery – Expert resources from Dr. Edward Santos:
- Find out: What Is The “Gold Standard” In Spine Surgery?
- Learn: How Do You Evaluate Surgical Options For Degenerative Discs?
A researcher and educator
Dr. Santos’s academic position provided opportunities to conduct research and to teach the procedures that correct degenerative disorders of the neck and lower back. “For me, it was important to achieve surgical expertise, but it was also important to foster a good relationship with the patients. I take pride in making my patients feel that they are really special, and I strive to get good outcomes.”
He considers it an honor that during his university practice, two of his partners and a former resident asked him to handle their own spine surgeries. “My partners could have asked any spine surgeon perform their surgeries—but they came to me,” he smiles. “For me, that’s the biggest thrill. I think it is an indicator of how well you are trusted, and how well you are practicing your craft.”
A practice focused on changing lives
“I love good outcomes,” he continues. “I remember one patient who had severe spinal stenosis. The condition pinched the nerves in her lower back and she could barely stand or walk for more than 10 to 15 seconds before she’d have to sit down. She said she needed my help because her son was getting married in three months. Her dream was to dance with him at his wedding. Surgery for spinal stenosis is a time-tested surgery that is proven to work. We did the surgery and her outcome was excellent.
A few months later, I received a picture of her with her son on the dance floor at the wedding. On the back of the photo she’d written: “I could not have done this without you, so thank you so much!” That’s what makes me want to get up in the morning and go to work: the difference I can make in people’s lives. It was not a difficult surgery, but it made a huge difference for her.”
Most satisfying aspect of being a physician
“I love being able to help people, and I love interacting with my patients. I want to be the doctor with whom patients can share their fears and concerns and dreams. And when they tell me I’ve changed their life and given them back their life? Without a doubt, that’s the best part of my job.”
Discover Summit’s technologically advanced and award-winning spine surgical care
- Learn more: Superior Surgical Safety Recognized by Joint Commission Award
- Understanding technology: How Has Imaging Technology Improved Surgical Precision?
- Get more information on: Surgery Center Adds Advanced Surgical Imaging Technology
More Expert resources from Dr. Edward Santos:
Medical School
College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines — Manila, Philippines
Undergraduate Studies
University of the Philippines — Manila, Philippines
Residency
Philippine General Hospital — Manila, Philippines
Fellowships
- Adult Orthopaedic Reconstruction, University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, MN
- Spine Surgery, Twin Cities Spine Center — Minneapolis, MN
- Revision Joint Surgery and Transplantation, Holy Spirit Hospital — Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Spine Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital — Adelaide, Australia
- Adult Orthopaedic Reconstruction, University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, MN
- Spine Surgery, Twin Cities Spine Center — Minneapolis, MN
- Revision Joint Surgery and Transplantation, Holy Spirit Hospital — Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Spine Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital — Adelaide, Australia
- Voted a “Top Doctor” in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine: 2019-2022
- North American Spine Society
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Minnesota Orthopaedic Society
Basketball, Photography, Social Dancing
Patient Education
Spine Animated Conditions and Treatments Library
Publications
Over 90 publications and presentations at local, national, and international levels.
Click here to view the full list >>
Articles and Videos from Edward Santos, M.D.
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12 Summit Physicians Honored with 2022 Top Doctors Recognition
On behalf of the whole Summit Orthopedics team, we are delighted to announce and celebrate our 12 2022 Top Doctors, as selected by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.
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Jennifer’s Story
Thank you Summit and Dr. Santos for listening to me and taking me seriously when I described my pain!
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Ask Dr. Santos: How Are Spine Bone Spurs Treated?
Learn about the nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for spine bone spurs.
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Ask Dr. Santos: What Causes Bone Spurs on the Spine?
Learn about the causes of bone spurs—and find out when they should be treated.
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Ten Summit Physicians Named Top Doctors in 2019
Meet the 10 Summit physicians honored as Top Doctors this year.
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Superior Surgical Safety Recognized by Joint Commission Award
Summit’s spine fusion certification is the gold standard in surgical safety.