Private Spine Surgery Practice · Budapest

Dr. Zsolt Szövérfi PhD

Most spine problems do not require surgery.

Around 90% of my patients recover with non-surgical treatment — targeted CT-guided injections, infusion therapy, and personalised physiotherapy. When surgery is needed, I prefer minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Zsolt Szövérfi spine surgeon portrait
~90%
Of patients recover without surgery
1,200+
Spine surgeries
50%+
Minimally invasive procedures
14+
Years of experience

Precise diagnosis, non-surgical first

Over the years I have performed more than 1,200 spine surgeries and spent more than 10,000 hours in the operating theatre — both as primary surgeon and as assistant. Along the way I have also learned when it is better NOT to operate: for most patients, lasting results can be achieved with non-surgical treatment.

01

The precise diagnosis comes first

Finding the source of the pain matters more than treating it quickly. Detailed MRI analysis, physical examination, and additional imaging if needed — the treatment decision comes only after.

02

Non-surgical treatment first

CT-guided injections, infusion therapy, targeted physiotherapy. Most spine problems can be managed without surgery, in an outpatient setting — and for around 90% of patients, this is sufficient.

03

Surgery only when justified

When surgery is needed, I choose minimally invasive techniques — smaller incisions, faster recovery. If you have received a surgical recommendation elsewhere, it is worth hearing an independent opinion.

What I do

Spine pain treatment is not one-size-fits-all — every patient is different, and every diagnosis requires its own treatment path. The areas below form the core of my practice.

Primary: non-surgical treatment

Pain relief without surgery

Medication, CT-guided nerve root and facet joint blocks, infusion therapy, targeted physiotherapy. Most spine pain can be managed durably with these methods — and requires no more.

More on non-surgical treatment
~90%
of my patients recover without surgery
Degenerative

Disc herniation

About 70% of cases resolve with non-surgical treatment. When surgery is needed, both lumbar and cervical disc herniation can be managed with minimally invasive techniques.

Details
Stenosis

Spinal stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal places pressure on the nerves. Different symptoms and different surgical techniques in the cervical and lumbar regions.

Details
Minimally invasive

Minimally invasive stabilization

For instability between vertebrae, stabilization surgery and screw fixation are indicated. MI-TLIF — the minimally invasive approach to posterior stabilization — is the technique in which I have built the deepest experience over the years.

Details

Spine tumour surgery

Spine tumour surgery is one of the most complex areas in orthopaedics. I dedicated my PhD to this field, and as an active member of the world-class tumour surgery team at the National Center for Spinal Disorders, I participate in the management of complex cases.

My work covers the surgical treatment of primary spine tumours, radical resection of sacral tumours, multidisciplinary management of spinal metastases, and en bloc resections. I was a co-investigator of the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumors international research group.

En bloc vertebrectomy

Complete, single-piece removal of the tumour-bearing vertebra — the most radical surgical solution for primary spine tumours, minimising the risk of recurrence. A complex procedure performed at very few centres in Hungary.

Benign spine tumours

Not every spine tumour is life-threatening, but benign tumours (such as bone tumours, giant cell tumour, vascular tumours) can also cause pain and instability. Targeted surgical removal can provide a lasting solution.

Sacral tumours

One of the highest case volumes in Hungary for radical surgical treatment of sacral tumours.

Important: Surgical treatment of spine tumours requires complex institutional care and is mostly outside the scope of my private practice — exceptions include smaller, non-urgent procedures and the management of international patients. This field forms a fundamental part of my clinical background and professional profile — the experience gained here informs every decision I make.
More on spine tumour surgery

Where I come from

I was born in Târgu Mureș (Transylvania), where I obtained my medical degree at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Since 2011, I have been working in Budapest at the National Center for Spinal Disorders — Hungary's leading spine center, the only institution in the country exclusively dedicated to spine pathology.

I earned my PhD in spine tumour surgery under the supervision of Dr. Péter Pál Varga, the founding director of the institute. I also obtained a degree in healthcare economics at Corvinus University of Budapest — this dual perspective helps me understand clinical decisions at a systemic level as well.

Full professional profile

Education · Board certification

PhD — Semmelweis University, Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, 2017
Board certification, Orthopaedics and Traumatology — Semmelweis University, 2020
Healthcare Economics — Corvinus University of Budapest, 2015
MD — University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Târgu Mureș, 2010
Member, IJF Medical Commission, 2024–

Inform yourself before you decide

Before booking an appointment, it is worth reviewing typical clinical cases, the most common questions, and the full spine surgery patient journey. The better-informed the patient, the more focused the consultation.

Patient cases

Patient cases — typical clinical journeys

14 detailed cases in 3 groups: non-surgical successes, surgical solutions and tumour surgery. Designed to help you recognise your own situation.

Open Patient Cases
Patient journey

Patient journey — the spine surgery process

Step by step from booking to full recovery — what to bring to the consultation, what to expect on the day of surgery, how long recovery takes, when you can return to work.

Open Patient Journey
Answers

Frequently asked questions

Does the surgery hurt? How much does it cost? When can I drive again? What should I bring with me? Medically accurate answers to the most common questions.

Open FAQ

How to get in touch

Two options — depending on whether you prefer to book online or by phone. The consultation is always the first step.

Booking

Online booking

If you are ready for a consultation, book directly through the Budai Egészségközpont online system.

Book my appointment
Phone · Telemedicine

Direct call

The Budai Egészségközpont central line is available for booking and information on weekdays 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. In addition to in-person consultations, phone (telemedicine) consultations can also be arranged.

+36-1-489-5200
Practice location: Budai Egészségközpont · Váci út · Csalogány utca