Philip J. Chandler, MD, FAAOS

03/31/2026

Orthopaedic surgery can be done on a variety of different patient populations… I try to make sure to address both the patient and their families the best I can.

On a serious note, I use the same techniques on stuffed unicorns that sustain boo boos at home as I do on real life patients. They don’t get endoscopic surgery though.

03/24/2026

Augmented reality navigation in spine surgery is like operating with X-ray vision. It allows the surgeon to see the bones in multiple dimensions in real time.

I recently used Augmedics xvision while performing a posterior cervical fusion and decompression. The technology enhances precision, improves confidence with instrumentation placement, and helps optimize patient safety.

I’m excited to incorporate this innovation into my practice as we continue to advance the way spine surgery is performed.

03/18/2026

Endoscopic spine surgery is an ultra-minimally invasive approach for treating herniated discs and other spine problems that cause pinched nerves, back pain, and leg pain. This type of “scope” surgery has commonly been done in shoulders and knees to minimize soft tissue damage and preserve bone with fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay, but can also be done in spines! I’m grateful to be able to offer endoscopic spine surgery to my patients.

03/12/2026

The procedure is a ultra-minimally invasive same-day procedure that treats the causes chronic lower back pain that begin from the discs and endplates by interrupting the pain signals to the brain.

02/03/2026

With such a high golf population out here in New England, this article from discusses return to golf rates after elective orthopaedic surgeries. In particular, of golfers who had a lumbar spinal fusion, 77.8% returned to play within 6-12 months.

Are you a golfer and concerned about getting back in the game? Come by for your consultation!

01/22/2026

Baby it’s cold outside.
Lift inside!

01/20/2026

Cervical disc arthroplasty is an excellent motion-preserving treatment for cervical disc herniations causing neck and arm pain.

Unlike fusion, disc replacement maintains natural motion at the operated level while providing pain relief and strong clinical outcomes.

The procedure consists of:
-Small incision on the front of the neck
-Minimally invasive approach
-Typically a same-day procedure
-Preserves motion on flexion and extension

When appropriate, cervical disc arthroplasty can be a powerful option for getting patients back to moving comfortably.

01/10/2026

A good day of learning and networking with other spine surgeons in New England.

01/09/2026

Dr. Philip Chandler is excited to offer the Intracept® Procedure for the relief of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain. Intracept® is a minimally invasive,
implant-free outpatient procedure that’s proven to be safe and to provide long-term back pain relief after a single procudure. Schedule a consultation to learn if you may be a candidate!
Call (413) 785-4666

12/31/2025

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine ( ) Longevity Fest in Las Vegas—a great meeting focused on longevity, performance, and optimizing how we move and function over time.
From an orthopaedic perspective, the focus on musculoskeletal health, injury prevention, recovery optimization, and biologic strategies strongly aligns with keeping patients healthy, feeling great, mobile, durable, and doing what they love longer. The goal is to live better, longer. 🦴💪

12/21/2025

12/08/2025

The Day That Lives in Infamy

84 years ago, the devastating surprise attack on Naval Base Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy claimed the lives of 2,403 American service members, wounded 1,178, and resulted in significant damage or loss of 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, and more than 180 aircraft. On this fateful day in 1941, 353 aircraft descended upon the base, unleashing destruction in under 90 minutes. Despite the unpreparedness, courageous Marines and U.S. Navy Sailors mounted a defense, engaging the enemy with anti-aircraft fire and mounting rescue efforts.

A key factor in America's eventual recovery was the fortunate absence of all U.S. aircraft carriers from Pearl Harbor during the assault. The attack served as a pivotal event, compelling the United States to formally enter World War II. Just six months later, the U.S. would secure a crucial victory at the Battle of Midway, where the newly created 3rd and 6th Marine Defense Battalions played a crucial role in defending the island and stopping the Japanese advance across the Pacific.

✍️ (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Cpl. Ellen Guo)