Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion
Removing a damaged cervical disc through the front of the neck and fusing the adjacent vertebrae to restore stability and relieve nerve compression.
Private Spinal Surgery · Auckland, New Zealand
Nothing matters
more than your
care and comfort.
Minimally invasive spinal surgery, delivered with rare precision and genuine warmth. Led by Dr John Ferguson — 2,000+ spine surgeries across more than 15 years — The Private Clinic treats the body, mind and spirit through every step of your recovery.
New patients need a referral from a GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor before booking.
2,000+
spine surgeries performed
Trusted credentials
/
FRACS (Orthopaedic)
·
NZMC registered
·
ECFMG certified
·
Scoliosis Research Society
·
Visiting rights, Mercy Ascot
Our philosophy
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 — it's the doctor's office you actually want to visit.
15+
years dedicated to spinal care across New Zealand
2k+
successful spine surgeries performed
1st
Prone Transpsoas (PTP) surgery outside the United States
1st
anterior thoracoscopic tethers (AVT) for scoliosis in Australasia
Cervical · Lumbar · Scoliosis
The Spinal Clinic
Spinal surgery, made non-invasive.
With the right mix of professional and personal care, spinal surgery can be non-invasive, and recovery can be quick and easily manageable. Our services cover the full spine — cervical (neck), lumbar (lower back), and scoliosis (spinal deformity).
Dr Ferguson specialises in minimally invasive techniques and non-fusion procedures, introducing several world-leading approaches to Australasia for the first time.
See every procedureSpinal services
World-class technology, across the whole spine.
Every procedure Dr Ferguson performs is grouped below by region of the spine. Select a region to explore the techniques available.
Cervical disc arthroplasty
A motion-preserving alternative to fusion — the worn disc is replaced with an artificial disc that maintains natural movement in the neck.
Procedures shown reflect the services published by the clinic. Your surgeon will advise which approach is appropriate for your individual condition.
Conditions we treat
Understanding what's behind the pain.
Patient education matters. These are the spinal conditions Dr Ferguson most commonly assesses and treats.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) +
The natural wear of spinal discs over time, which can reduce cushioning between the vertebrae and cause back or neck pain, stiffness and nerve irritation.
Herniated Discs +
When the soft inner core of a disc pushes through its outer wall, it can press on nearby nerves and produce pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs.
Osteoporosis +
A reduction in bone density that weakens the vertebrae, increasing the risk of spinal fractures and deformity over time.
Spondylolisthesis +
When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially narrowing the spinal canal and compressing nerves.
Stenosis +
A narrowing of the spinal canal that places pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, often causing pain, numbness or weakness.
Spinal Fractures +
Breaks in the vertebrae — from injury or underlying bone weakness — that may require stabilisation to protect the spinal cord and restore function.
Founder & Spinal Surgeon
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, and performed the first anterior thoracoscopic tethers (AVT) for idiopathic scoliosis in Australasia. He recently completed the first Prone Transpsoas (PTP) surgery outside of the United States.
Qualifications
- MBChB — Auckland, 1995
- FRACS (Orthopaedic) — 2004
- ECFMG certified — 2004
Memberships
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Scoliosis Research Society
- Spinal Arthroplasty Society
Fellowship training & registrations +
Fellowship training with Dr Oheneba Boachie-Adjei (Hospital for Special Surgery, New York), Dr John Smith (University of Utah), Dr Thomas Lowe (The Woodridge Spine Center, Denver) and Dr Lawrence Lenke (Washington University, St. Louis).
Registered: New Zealand Medical Council (NZMC), Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Visiting rights: Mercy Ascot.
Meet the team
The people beside you, start to finish.
From your first enquiry through to a complete recovery, the same small team supports you at every step.
Bridget
Practice Manager
As the 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 the complete recovery process.
Anna
Surgery Coordinator
As the Surgery Coordinator, Anna works alongside Dr Ferguson to plan and schedule upcoming surgeries, creating a seamless plan throughout a patient's journey from consultation to recovery.
Dr John Ferguson
Spinal Surgeon / Founder
15+ years and 2,000+ spine surgeries, specialising in minimally invasive and non-fusion techniques.
Read full profileFor patients
Everything you need, before and after.
01
Preparing for surgery
Understand the three goals of spinal surgery — decompression, removing abnormal motion, and realignment — plus the steps to prepare, and answers to common questions.
- — Decompression
- — Removing abnormal motion
- — Realignment
02
Spinal anatomy & glossary
A comprehensive guide to the anatomy of the spine and the common spinal terms you'll encounter — written to make your diagnosis easier to understand.
03
Recovery information
Post-operative guidance to optimise your healing process and help you get back to the activities you love, as safely and quickly as possible.
Also coming to The Private Clinic
The Skin Clinic Coming soon
A new chapter for the clinic. Details will be announced here in due course.
Request an appointment
Begin your recovery.
A referral is required before booking
New patients need a referral from a GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor before an appointment can be scheduled. Once your referral is received, our team will be in touch to arrange your consultation.
Referring clinicians
Send electronic referrals to Dr John Ferguson via our EDI reference:
johnferg
