Scott Raffa, MD: Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Serving West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and the South Florida Community
In the West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida communities, few names are as well-known in the fields of neurosurgery and spine care as that of Dr. Scott Raffa, a board-certified neurosurgeon. A combination of extensive training, a dedication to patient well-being, and a deep connection to his local community makes him a preferred choice for many seeking spine-related care.
A native intent on serving his community, Dr. Raffa returned to his roots after completing his rigorous medical school and residency in Neurological Surgery at the renowned University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. In his pursuit of holistic knowledge, he further enhanced his credentials by securing a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. Culminating his academic journey, Dr. Raffa completed his postgraduate fellowship at the esteemed Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Raffa’s expertise encompasses an expansive array of spinal conditions. From common complaints like neck and back pain, sciatica, and herniated discs to more complex conditions like spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease, his proficiency ensures patients receive optimal care. Furthermore, he is well-versed in addressing spondylolysis, pars defects, spine trauma, spinal deformity, and more, making him a top neurosurgeon in South Florida.
What sets Dr. Scott Raffa apart is his exceptional skill in minimally invasive spinal surgery. He champions cutting-edge techniques, including lateral and endoscopic approaches, bolstered by the latest in intraoperative neuronavigation imaging and neuromonitoring. His commitment to advancements in the field is evident in his specialization in outpatient and ambulatory spine surgeries, which offer patients quicker recoveries with minimal discomfort.
Dr. Raffa’s philosophy, as a board-certified neurosurgeon, revolves around the safety and quality of life of his patients. Before suggesting surgical interventions, he meticulously evaluates all potential treatment options, ensuring a comprehensive plan that prioritizes the patient’s well-being. He believes in transparent, candid conversations that foster trust, enabling patients and their families to make informed decisions regarding their health.
In addition to his practice, Dr. Raffa is an esteemed member of several prestigious organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, North American Spine Society, and Florida Medical Association, solidifying his position as a luminary in the field.
For those seeking top-tier neurosurgical care, Dr. Scott Raffa is accessible at two locations. In West Palm Beach, his office is located at 927 45th Street, Suite 204, and in Fort Lauderdale, it’s at 3000 Bayview Drive. Both locations are equipped to provide unparalleled care, ensuring patients in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and the broader South Florida region have access to the best in spine care.
For patient appointments or second opinions, patients are encouraged to call (561) 935-1188 or utilize our online patient contact form to request an appointment.
Board Certifications
Board Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Areas of Interest
- Minimally Invasive and Complex Spine Surgery
- Ultrasonic Surgery
- Vascular Malformations of the Spine
- Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- Ambulatory Spine Surgery
- Spinal deformity
- Cervical Arthritis
- Cervical Laminectomy
- Myelopathy
- Neck and back pain
- Sciatica, pinched nerves and lumbar radiculopathy
- Cervical, thoracic and lumbar stenosis
- Bulging, slipped and herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spondylolysis
- Pars defects of the lumbar spine
- Spine trauma and compression fractures
- Spondylosis
- Cervical myelopathy
- Cervical kyphosis
- Spinal reconstruction
- Adult degenerative scoliosis
- Tumors of the spine and spinal cord
- Chin-on-chest deformity
- Spinal instability
- Spinal cord compression
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Neurosciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Medical School
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
Internship
University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
Department of Neurological Surgery
Residency
University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
Department of Neurological Surgery
Fellowship
University of Miami/Jackson Health System
Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
- St. Mary’s Hospital
- Palm Beach International Surgery Center
Professional Affiliations
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- Florida Medical Association
- North American Spine Society
- International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
- Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Broward County Medical Association
- Palm Beach County Medical Association
Publications
- Lichtblau C, Raffa SJ, Asadi K, Warburton C, Meli G, and Gorman A. Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury in the Developing Brain. Int. J. of Phy Med and Rehab. Vol11. Iss 7. 2023
- Lichtblau C, Raffa SJ, Asadi K, Warburton C, Meli G, and Gorman A. Long Term Health Consequences of a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Int. J. of Phy Med and Rehab. Vol. 11 Iss 9. 2023
- Lichtblau C, Raffa SJ, Asadi K, Warburton C, Meli G, and Gorman A. Hydrocephalus and the Need for Continuous Personalized Care. Int. J. of Phy Med and Rehab. Vol11. Iss 8. 2023.
- Lichtblau C, Raffa SJ, Asadi K, Warburton C, Meli G, and Gorman A. Coma , Vegetative State, and Minimally Conscious State. Int. J. of Phy Med and Rehab. Vol11. Iss 4. May 2023.
- Lichtblau C, Raffa SJ, Asadi K, Warburton C, Meli G, and Gorman A. Cranioplasty: Optimizing Clinical and Cosmetic Outcomes for Cranial Defects. Int. J. of Phy Med and Rehab. Vol11. Iss 1. Jan 2023
- Raffa SJ, Boddu J, and Wang M. Spinal Osteotomies. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery 8th ed. (release date Feb 2022)
- Raffa SJ, Burks S, and Wang M. Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Release: Pros, Cons, and Technical Considerations. Contemporary Spine Surgery. Vol 21 Issue 9, Sept 2020
- Raffa SJ and Wang M. Quality Spine Care. Invited Book Review. Neurosurgery. Vol 85. Issue 4, Oct 2019
- Raffa SJ, Luther E, and Levi AD. Repair of isthmic pars interarticularis fractures: a literature review of conventional and minimally invasive techniques. J. Neurosurgical Sciences. Vol 63, May 2019.
- Raffa SJ and Uribe J. Occipital Condylar Screw Fixation. Cervical Spine Surgery: Standard and Advanced Techniques. Springer Publications. Pg 207-212. 2019.
- Tuite GF, Carey CM, Nelson WW, Raffa SJ, Winsett SP. Use of a contoured bioreabsorbable plate with a hemostatic plug to control life threatening bleeding from the superior sagittal sinus during hemispherotomy: technical note. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2016. PMID: 27391919 – Cover Article
- Waseem H, Raffa SJ, Benbadis SR, Vale FL. Lead revision surgery for vagus nerve stimulation in Epilepsy: outcomes and efficacy. Epilepsy 2014. PMID: 24389021
- Hill CE, Guller Y, Raffa SJ, Hurtado A, Bunge MB. A calpain inhibitor enhances the survival of Schwann cells in vitro after transplantation into the adult rat spinal cord. The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Miami, FL. Journal of Neurotrauma 2010. PMID: 20568964
- Raffa SJ, Chi YY, Bova FJ, Friedman WA. Validation of the radiosurgery-based arteriovenous malformation score in a large linear accelerator radiosurgery experience. J Neurosurgery 2009. PMID: 19445567
- Raffa SJ, Benglis DM, Levi AD. Treatment of a persistent iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid-pleural fistula with a cadaveric dural-pleural graft. Spine J. 2009. PMID: 18838342