Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion
A front-of-neck approach to remove a damaged disc and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, stabilising the segment with a fusion.
Private Spinal Surgery · Auckland, New Zealand
Nothing matters more than your care and comfort.
Led by Dr John Ferguson, FRACS, The Private Clinic specialises in minimally invasive spinal surgery — so the treatment is gentler, recovery is quicker, and the experience feels as considered as the medicine behind it.
- FRACS Orthopaedic surgeon
- 2,000+ spine surgeries
- Mercy Ascot visiting rights
Our Approach
The doctor's office you actually want to visit.
Established by pioneering surgeons, The Private Clinic delivers minimally invasive procedures using the latest technology and techniques. The best medical experts know that treating the physical is only one part of the healing process.
That's why, at The Private Clinic, we care for the mind and spirit, too. Our exceptional medical experts are at the top of their respective fields and are all dedicated to ensuring you get the best care and attention through your healing journey.
Our beautifully designed clinic combines the best of both modernity and functionality — exceptional private health care, delivered with warmth.
15+
Years dedicated to spinal care across New Zealand
2,000+
Successful spine surgeries performed
3
Areas of focus: cervical, lumbar & scoliosis
1st
Prone Transpsoas (PTP) surgery outside the US
The Spinal Clinic
Spinal surgery, made as gentle as the science allows.
With the right mix of professional and personal care, spinal surgery can be non-invasive, and recovery can be quick and easily manageable. Dr Ferguson's practice covers three areas of the spine — each with a range of minimally invasive and non-fusion options.
Cervical disc arthroplasty
Replacing a worn cervical disc with an artificial one — a motion-preserving alternative to fusion that maintains natural neck movement.
Conditions We Treat
Understanding what's behind the pain.
A clear diagnosis is the first step toward the right treatment. These are the conditions Dr Ferguson most commonly assesses and treats.
01
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related wear of the spinal discs that can cause chronic back or neck pain and reduced flexibility.
02
Herniated Discs
When disc material pushes against a nerve, causing radiating pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
03
Osteoporosis
A loss of bone density that weakens the vertebrae and raises the risk of painful spinal fractures.
04
Spondylolisthesis
When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often producing lower back pain and nerve compression.
05
Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, often causing leg pain when walking.
06
Spinal Fractures
Breaks in the vertebrae — from trauma or weakened bone — that may need stabilising to protect the spinal cord.
For Patients
Walk in informed, recover with confidence.
From your first enquiry through to full recovery, we make sure you understand every step. These guides answer the questions patients ask most.
Preparing for Surgery
Understand the three goals of spinal surgery — decompression, removing abnormal motion, and realignment — and the steps that prepare you for the day.
Read the guideSpinal Services
A full overview of every cervical, lumbar and scoliosis procedure Dr Ferguson performs, and the minimally invasive techniques behind them.
View proceduresAnatomy & Glossary
A plain-language guide to spinal anatomy and the terms you'll hear during your consultation — so nothing feels unfamiliar.
Learn the termsRecovery Information
Post-operative guidance to help you heal well — what to expect after your procedure and how to optimise your recovery.
After your surgeryMeet the Team
The people who guide your journey.
From your first enquiry through to your complete recovery, a small, dedicated team is with you at every step.
Spinal Surgeon · Founder
Dr John Ferguson
For over 15 years, Dr Ferguson has dedicated himself to delivering the highest standard of spinal care to patients throughout New Zealand. He has completed over 2,000 successful spine surgeries, specialising in minimally invasive spinal surgery and non-fusion techniques. He introduced the direct lateral approach (DLIF/XLIF) and the MAGEC rod to Australasia, performed the first anterior thoracoscopic tethers (AVT) for idiopathic scoliosis in Australasia, and recently completed the first Prone Transpsoas (PTP) surgery outside of the United States.
Qualifications
MBChB (Auckland, 1995) · FRACS Orthopaedic (2004) · ECFMG (2004)
Registration
New Zealand Medical Council · Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Fellowship Training
Dr Oheneba Boachie-Adjei (Hospital for Special Surgery, New York) · Dr John Smith (University of Utah) · Dr Thomas Lowe (The Woodridge Spine Center, Denver) · Dr Lawrence Lenke (Washington University, St. Louis)
Memberships & Rights
Scoliosis Research Society · Spinal Arthroplasty Society · Visiting rights, Mercy Ascot
Bridget
Practice Manager
Bridget ensures all patients receive the highest quality of care with clear-cut communication, offering exceptional support from the first appointment enquiry right through to complete recovery. She is especially passionate about helping Dr Ferguson support his patients in their successful recovery from surgery.
Anna
Surgery Coordinator
Anna works alongside Dr Ferguson to plan and schedule upcoming surgeries, aiming to create a seamless plan throughout a patient's journey from consultation to recovery.
Coming Soon
The Skin Clinic
A new chapter for The Private Clinic is on its way. Details of our Skin Clinic services will be shared here soon.
Request an Appointment
How to become a patient.
We see patients by referral. This makes sure your care is coordinated with the practitioner who knows your history, and that your appointment time is spent on the right treatment from the start.
Before you book
New patients need a referral from a GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor before an appointment can be confirmed. Ask your practitioner to send a referral, then request your appointment below.
-
1
Get a referral
Ask your GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor to refer you to Dr John Ferguson at The Private Clinic.
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2
Request your appointment
Send us your details and we'll be in touch to arrange a time. We'll coordinate with your referrer and confirm what to bring.
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3
Meet Dr Ferguson
At your consultation we'll assess your condition, explain your options clearly, and plan the next steps together.
Ready when you are. Request an appointment online, or call the clinic and our team will help you through the referral process.
Contact
Get in touch.
Have a question? Our team is ready to help, and to guide you through the referral and appointment process.
- Phone
- 09 475 6333
- [email protected]
- Office Hours
- Monday – Friday · 8:30am – 5:30pm
- Location
- Auckland, New Zealand
For referring clinicians
Send referrals to Dr John Ferguson via Healthlink EDI.
EDI: johnferg