Our Practice

Fabien D. Bitan, MD is a distinguished Orthopedic Spine Surgeon with a global reputation, serving as the Director of the Spine Surgery Department at Northwell’s prestigious Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Dr. Bitan has long been at the forefront of pioneering advancements in spinal surgery. Notably, he assumed the role of Principal Investigator in the FDA SB Charité clinical trial focused on artificial disc replacement technology, earning the distinction of being the sole surgeon in the Northeastern United States authorized to utilize this technology before its official approval. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded numerous research initiatives in scoliosis, minimally invasive spine surgery, and kyphoplasty.

Dr. Bitan is an eminent authority in the field of spinal instrumentation, possessing extensive experience in the treatment of spinal deformities, particularly scoliosis and kyphosis. His areas of expertise encompass the comprehensive management of spinal deformities, the execution of artificial disc replacement procedures, and the performance of minimally invasive spinal interventions.

Dr. Bitan commenced his medical journey in Paris, France, culminating in the attainment of his medical degree. He furthered his knowledge and skills through postgraduate training in orthopedic and spine surgery at the Institute of Calot in Berck-sur-Mer, renowned as one of Europe’s foremost centers for the treatment of spinal deformities. It was here that Dr. Bitan honed his proficiency in the innovative Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation technique, now esteemed worldwide as a pivotal milestone in spinal surgery. His surgical experience in this domain has exceeded 1,000 procedures.

In his capacity as a globally recognized surgeon and researcher, Dr. Bitan has dedicated substantial efforts to the mentorship and guidance of young physicians as the Director of the Orthopedic Spine Surgery Department at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. His prominence in artificial disc replacement is evident through his frequent provision of surgical training across the United States. Furthermore, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring fellow surgeons in the adoption and mastery of minimally invasive spine surgical techniques.

Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Bitan treasures quality time spent with his family, enjoys travel, indulges in motorcycle adventures, and demonstrates his passion for classical guitar.

MEDICAL TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL HONORS

After a decade of academic and clinical endeavors in France, Dr. Bitan relocated to New York, embarking on two fellowships — one at the illustrious Hospital for Special Surgery and the other at the Beth Israel Medical Center. He achieved Board Certification from the American Association of Physician Specialists. A highlight of his career was his collaboration with Dr. Fred Epstein, a celebrated neurosurgeon renowned for groundbreaking approaches to neurological diseases such as spinal cord tumors. Dr. Bitan contributed his expertise to Dr. Epstein’s neurosurgical team, focusing on pediatric spinal deformities stemming from these conditions. Dr. Bitan has also been named one of New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” for 15 consecutive years, as well as one of the New York Times Magazine’s “Super Doctors” for 14 consecutive years. 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Endoscopic Spinal Surgery
• Sacroiliac Fusions
• XLIF Procedure (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion)
• Scoliosis and Other Spinal Deformities
• Total Disc Replacement
• Motion Preservation Technologies
• Degenerative Spine Conditions
• Vertebral Compression Fractures