Dr. Joshua Marcus, MD

Experienced Efficient Friendly Supporttive

After having 2 injections to my lower back with little relief, I was referred to Doctor Marcus. When I had my first appointment, I could not sit down. By the time I saw him, the pain in my right leg was excruciating and I had been dealing with increasing pain since April. He examined me and showed me what the problem was and explained the need for surgery. He showed me the MRI and explained what he needed to do surgically. He spent a lot of time with me nd allowed me to ask questions. He listened to me and my concerns. They did give me an early date for surgery but I felt I needed to do some work for one of my coworkers. So, I delayed the surgery which caused me increased pin but was my ow!!n doing. I had the surgery and I can say that I am feeling 100% better. The NP, Lauren was also very nice and was a good listener. They get a 5/5 review. I have already recommended a friend to see him. If I have any future issues, I would pick up the phone immediately and get an appointment!!

Dr. Marcus successfully removed a disc fragment at the L3 spine location using minimally invasive surgery. The next day at the hospital I noticed immediate pain- free relief. For the prior 30day period I had endured so much discomfort that I could only get relief by lying flat on my back. Now 3 months since surgery I am back to all normal activities. Dr. Markus and his staff are excellent and compassionate.

I can't say enough good things about Dr.Marcus. He's a brilliant, extremely talented, dedicated, compassionate, approachable, patient centered doctor/surgeon. Prior to my surgery, Dr. Marcus thoroughly explained the procedure, gave me all the time I needed to ask questions, provide answers, and address all my concerns. I was immediately so much better after the TOPS surgery that I would have been pleased if that was the end result. Now that I am six months post surgery, I find that I continue to improve. Although I may have some stiffness and soreness at the end of the day (particularly because I am doing more and more) I find that I am able to do things I haven't done in years - and I wake up every morning pain free (although sometimes stiff) and ready to be active. Finally, like Dr. Marcus, his team is first rate (his team in the hospital was awesome). PA, Lauren Gronbeck, who I saw in the office for post surgery visits was exceptional. The phrase, great bedside manner, doesn't capture their demeanor - I was treated like a close friend of the family. Tops in every way!

Very exact and professional he reviewed my mri and tests to then called me back asking if I wanted to proceed with the tops procedure.i recovered from the L4 -L5 procedure with in a week and all the pain is now gone ...5 weeks and I'm walking the dog again. Having had a neck fusion in rhe past l am very pleased with the procedure and can only thank Dr Marcus for his professional skill..

Went to Dr. Marcus with an L4/L5 impingement, with pain in my left leg affecting my quality of life. Discussed fusion and the alternate TOPS implant procedure with him. He was honest about this relatively new TOPS procedure, but I was happy that there was an alternative to fusion. We decided on the TOPS. Surgery was well tolerated, and I was in the hospital only one day after the procedure. The Danbury Hospital experience was great. Pain in the leg was immediately relieved, with only a moderate level of short-term post-procedure pain. There is a minimum of scarring. I fully recommend Dr. Marcus and this procedure.

Dr.Marcus diagnosed me with Meningioma. His team showed compassion and explained the situation, to my family in terms we could understand. Hats off to the whole team. Top notch Dr.

A little over three years ago, Dr. Joshua Marcus diagnosed me with Spinal Stenosis between L4 and L5. I had been having significant symptoms for months, that ultimately led to a MRI and Dr. Marcus diagnosis. I had constant lower back pain and couldn't walk 100 yards without my right leg going completely numb. Initially Dr. Marcus didn't recommend surgery and suggested epidural injections every three months to manage the pain. The injections gave me enough relief that I could live a relatively normal life. Fast forward to October 2023. I went back to see Dr. Marcus for evaluation, a MRI and CT Scan. After his review he suggested a new procedure called TOPS. TOPS is an alternative to spinal fusion, that allows full range of motion. Dr. Marcus was the first surgeon in CT to perform the procedure, which was FDA approved in July 2023. I put all my faith in Dr. Marcus and said "let's do this". The surgery was January 10th of this year. I was walking normally without a cane in two weeks. I was in 45 minute PT sessions within three weeks. Today I can swing a golf club with no pain. I can return to fly fishing the local rivers without fear of falling. I credit Dr. Marcus with all of this. I've had multiple joint replacements over the last 10 years, so I have a lot of experience with local surgeons. I would put Dr. Marcus along with his assistants, at the top of my list. Google "TOPS spinal surgery" and see if it's right for you. Then put your trust in Dr. Joshua Marcus.

Without hesitation, I would 100% recommend Dr. Marcus to anyone needing spine surgery. He probably spent more time with me than most of his patients because I had never had any major surgery and asked lots and lots of questions. He patiently explained, in detail, all I needed to understand so I could feel comfortable with the decision to operate. I cannot say enough about his caring, professional manner and his exceptional surgical skills. And his polite and helpful staff was a pleasure to work with as well.

Could not have had a better experience and outcome! From the initial appointment all the way through to the surgical procedure, all was well coordinated and executed. Dr. Marcus came highly recommended and he did NOT disappoint! Thank you Dr. Marcus and your expert Team in getting my neck back to where it was supposed to be!! And did I mention, say goodbye to pain! Keep up the great work and patient care! Blessings all....

Dr. Marcus and his team are professional, knowledgeable and kind. The care they have provided my husband has been phenomenal. We were able to get a quick diagnosis and treatment plan and they have been very responsive when questions have arisen. Being in the medical community, I can't recommend Dr. Marcus and Elite Brain & Spine enough!

Dr Marcus and his team did a great job determining my lower back issue and the recommended treatment. After successful spinal fusion with them, seven weeks later I am completely pain free for the first time in many years. They were very professional and caring and I would recommend them in a heartbeat.

Dr.Marcus is great. I went to him because of severe pain. He worked with me as we tried a few different therapies but ultimately surgery was the answer. He is easy to talk to and provides the information in a manner you can understand. I had complete faith in his ability and the procedure went very well.

If you are researching neurosurgeons, please take the time to read this. To fully understand the scope and sincerity of my referral I will need to share with you a little of my orthopedic history. In 1988, I was treated for a 60 degree thoracic/30 degree lumbar Scoliosis with extreme thoracic rotation. Treatment at the time was implementation of a stainless steel rod at the site of thoracic curve, with fusion (in my case) from the T2 vertebrae through and including L2. 5 ribs were resected, and I was put into a fiberglass cast from clavicle to hip bones for 6 months. Again, this was the state of the art back in 1988, performed by 1 of New York’s “go to” surgeons, Dr. Stanley Hoppenfeld. After the cast came off I thought I was done with Scoliosis. Wrong! Fast forward 34 years and I’m in the ER of Danbury Hospital feeling as if I’m going to lose the little remaining feeling I have in my right foot. I can no longer stand erect. I am utilizing both a walker and a cane. I have started to slope to the left. I’ve had 3 additional spine surgeries within the last 10 years because the disks and vertebrae both above and below the stainless steel rod have be compensating for all this time and had pretty much worn themselves out. I went to the ER that day because I couldn’t take the pain anymore—and I’m a person with incredible tolerance. I was fully prepared for the ER MD to send me home as they had before. I had already been told by the surgeon who performed my 3 additional spine surgeries that there was nothing more he could do and that I would just have to deal with it. Well, an MD came in and said that I was being admitted due to intractable pain, to rule out a dangerous condition called Cauda Equina, that my blood pressure was extremely high due to pain (200’s /100’s), and that he would be calling a neurosurgeon. I agreed, thinking that perhaps the neurosurgeon the ER MD would be calling would take the time to listen and not just dismiss me. Enter, Dr. Joshua Marcus: He was the epitome of professional and considerate from the moment he entered my room. He was not in a rush and clearly wanted to understand not only my orthopedic history, but my thoughts regarding this. He shook my hand and made eye contact. He listened to hear, not just to respond. Dr. Marcus is very real. I know I’m a complex patient, and he doesn’t sugar coat anything. He does, however, speak to you in a way that is not condescending. He doesn’t dictate care, and knows if something is beyond his scope. He does not push surgery unless it is clearly indicated and best practice for the patient in front of him. The outcome of our first bedside meeting was that new imaging would occur and then a trial of epidural steroids which ultimately failed. We again reviewed options and agreed to wait a little longer just to see if there would be any improvement at all. We did, and there was none. There’d be a 5th spine surgery for me…with Dr. Marcus. On the day of surgery, Dr. Marcus again reviewed from the beginning what he was going to do. He also made certain the person with me understood everything. Exactly how a provider of care should conduct themselves. There was never any rush of my bedside follow up visits. He and his team listened to me, respecting the fact that the was my 5th spine surgery. Together, we were able to get me home to my family. I saw Dr. Marcus for a post-operative visit yesterday. He was impressed with my recovery thus far. I am almost 7 weeks post op and I can feel my right foot again. I can drive. My L4-L5 area doesn’t feel like cement blocks are resting on them. No more walker. Please let me sum this up for you: If you require the services of a neurosurgeon, look no further than Dr. Joshua Marcus. He and his team are exemplary as it relates to patient centered care. He recognizes that treatment includes a team approach but is unique per patiient. He does not present with a god-like attitude—quite the contrary! I would also argue that his delivery of information and care is nothing less than stellar. I would argue that Dr. Joshua Marcus is the “go to” neurosurgeon if you find yourself in need. He is for me--as a patient with a complex spine, and as a nurse of 21 years.

Dr.Marcus and his team were amazing and saved my husbands life when he had a life threatening injury due to a motor vehicle accident. His expertise, knowledge and swiftness was impeccable. Everything was explained and questions answered thoroughly. The aftercare my husband is receiving is on point and the office is easy to contact and helpful in all aspects. I would absolutely recommend Dr Marcus and his team to anyone needing a neurosurgeon. Thank you from an extremely grateful family!

Excellent follow up, listened to my concerns and responded quickly, highly recommend.

I could not be more impressed and satisfied with Dr. Marcus and his staff. Katherine Swan was so responsive and made sure Dr. Marcus fit me in his schedule for an emergency Discectomy. They didn’t waste any time after seeing the severity of my injury and the severe pain I was in. I feel this practice level of care for their patients is outstanding- they returned my phone calls, filled out my disability paper work, and got me in Physical therapy in a timely manner. My surgery went well and thanks to Dr Marcus I am now able to walk and on my way to a full recovery. Thank you Dr. Marcus for taking such good care of your patients and for being the best at what you do.