Best in Class NJ Spine Surgeon: Dr. Peter Frelinghuysen

Dr. Peter Frelinghuysen is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon bringing a rare combination of technical mastery and genuine patient-centered care to complex spine conditions. A graduate of Princeton University, Dr. Frelinghuysen completed both his orthopedic residency and spine fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the nation’s top-ranked orthopedic hospital, where he trained under and learned from some of the most respected leaders in the field of spine surgery. Since then, as an attending surgeon, he has performed thousands of spine surgeries.

He serves as a Clinical Instructor of Orthopedics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading orthopedic and spine journals. With advanced subspecialty training, academic experience, and a commitment to individualized patient care, Dr. Frelinghuysen brings exceptional expertise to the treatment of complex spinal disorders.

Dr. Frelinghuysen is known among patients and colleagues alike for his conservative, thoughtful approach to spine care — recommending surgery only when it is truly the best path forward, and always taking the time to explain options honestly and clearly. His practice reflects a simple philosophy: treat every patient the way he would treat a member of his own family.
His expertise spans minimally invasive spine surgery, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal fusion, and complex spine care, with a particular commitment to helping patients avoid unnecessary intervention whenever possible.

I contacted Dr. Frelinghuysen after being told by a top Orthopedic surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital that I needed to have a back fusion. After the Yale physician had MRIs, X-rays and multiple tests done he concluded the only option was the fusion. Not wanting to take the advice, yet suffering to the point of only being able to walk a block, I decided to get a second opinion. After extensive research, I selected Dr Frelinghuysen office, setup and scheduled an appointment, brought in my X-rays and also scheduled an additional set to be taken at Lenox Hill in New York. My meeting with Dr Frelinghuysen went well and after he reviewed all the X-rays he told me that nothing on the images indicated a back issue. He recommended that I get an additional X-ray of my hip. When I returned, he showed me the X-rays and even to my untrained eye it was obvious my hip needed to be operated on ! What an amazing moment! He then quickly assured me that after hip surgery, if I still had any issues, he would then very methodically numb each nerve in my spine and locate the one that was giving me trouble. I left his office with the name and recommendation of a hip specialist and a major sense of relief. What a tremendous Doctor! I have since gone with his recommendation, the surgeon and the surgery and I am thrilled to report I have NO back, leg or nerve issues!! I owe my incredible condition to Dr Frelinghuysen! A real physician who puts the patient first. Thank you! ~ Google

Dr. Frelinghuysen is a highly respected surgical partner in this practice. He approaches patients carefully and individualizes his treatment plan to match their unique conditions. He evaluates each patient’s history thoroughly, establishing a detailed account of that patient’s condition. This is followed by a complete physical exam of the spine and neurological system.

Dr. Frelinghuysen makes certain that there is ample time for all questions and concerns. If family members are present (which Dr. Frelinghuysen strongly encourages) their contributions are welcome

When tests are ordered (often X-rays and MRI or CT scans) Dr. Frelinghuysen makes certain to specify the highest-fidelity imaging available.

He always schedules an office visit to review the images with his patient, often using a model and explaining the anatomy in clear and simple language–free of jargon. If there is an abnormal finding on the images, he clearly points it out and compares it to a normal area. In that way, the confusing terminology and diagnoses are made clear. Dr. Frelinghuysen encourages family members to participate in this part of the treatment as well and always sets aside plenty of time to answer all questions.

After a diagnosis arrives, Dr. Frelinghuysen makes specific treatment proposals. Non-operative care is always considered first. This may consist of oral medications or physical therapy, as well as less traditional options such as yoga and meditation. If those approaches are not effective, a patient is then referred for pain management evaluation and perhaps localized injections.

If a patient does not respond to conservative therapy or has a specific condition that requires surgery, Dr. Frelinghuysen will describe the surgical treatment options in great detail. Again, models and pictures are used to explain the surgery in a straightforward manner. Family members and loved ones are encouraged to take part in the decision-making process, as well, where the risks and benefits of surgery are clearly presented.

If you decide that surgery is the best course of treatment for you, Dr. Frelinghuysen will perform all of your surgery himself, including positioning and set-up in the operating room and the final closure and dressing. His surgeries are always assisted by a highly skilled Physician Assistant. During your post-operative stay in the hospital, Dr. Frelinghuysen will visit you every day and manage your care very closely.

Follow-up care is important for all of his patients. Surgical patients are followed for at least a year after surgery sometimes even longer.

Dr. Frelinghuysen is in constant contact with his office staff at all times, so he is always easy to reach and available to promptly answer any and all questions you may have.

Dr. Frelinghuysen wants his patients to recover and he works tirelessly to make that happen.

Education & Medical Schools

• MD, Georgetown University School of Medicine
• General Surgery Residency, New York Presbyterian-Weill Medical Center
• Orthopedics Residency, Hospital for Special Surgery
• Fellowship, Spine Surgery Hospital for Special Surgery
• B.A., Princeton University

Awards & Distinctions

Publications