Dr. Richard Cyrus Ostrup, MD

When I took an Uber to the Sharp Memorial ER on Friday 2/20/26 for acute sciatic nerve pain all along my right leg, along with numbness in both that leg and the left groin , I thought they'd just send me home to rest with some pain medication. After the MRI, the hospitalist, Dr. Heisel, came in and let me know that I was being admitted, a good candidate for surgery and that it was my lucky day, because the most experienced Doctor in all of the Sharp network was on call: Dr. Ostrup. Since I had never been in this position, I didn't know the impact having Dr. Ostrup as a surgeon would have on my outcome. I have had very little pain since the surgery- and any pain experienced has paled in comparison to the chronic pain I was feeling in my lower back for the 10+ years leading up to the surgery. Now, on to Dr. Ostrup: He's fascinating! Just what you want in a surgeon: he has read every study, he has decades of experience and he teaches while he explains. He was very straight forward about… the risks associated with surgery, yet I trusted his confidence that I would experience relief with the particular procedures (Right L4-L5 hemilaminectomy with mesial facetectomy and foraminotomy with resection of herniated disk using microscopic technique with the use of C-arm fluoroscopy (real-time X-Ray video)). He is LASER focused and our conversations both pre-op and post-op in the hospital setting were all about the procedure and facts (There's an 8% chance of re-injury/failed surgery- it's either going to work or it isn't. No BLTs- Bending, Lifting and Twisting). I really appreciated his objectivity (he did tell me I need to lose some weight and I'm grateful he did it in a way that felt encouraging toward taking care of my newly-fixed back and ultimately gaining quality of life- rather than the "Have you tried eating fewer carbs?" that I may or may not have heard from a doctor in the past. All in all, as I've shared about my experiences with Dr. Ostrup with people in my life who are close to the Healthcare profession, they've all echoed the same sentiment: "You are so lucky! He is the MICHAEL JORDAN of neurosurgeons!" and I couldn't agree more. At the 2-week post-op appointment at his office on Convoy, he was very personable- sharing anecdotes about his family, that he clearly admires and adores- he rattled off some facts about French wines and took a genuine interest in my recovery and well-being. Grateful doesn't even to begin to describe how I feel. I truly feel as if I have a new lease on life and hope I haven't experienced in a long time (like the kind that comes with the confidence that I won't be injured for two months, if I take a Pilates or a group-exercise class...in 3-6 months, obviously). Thank you so much Dr. Ostrup and thank you to his assistant Erica- who is 100% the most efficient person working in Healthcare today!

During the first visit I was confident that Dr. Ostrup was the best choice - he used a high resolution display to show me the extent of my stenosis and clearly defined the risks/rewards of the recommended procedure - the results were outstanding. Erica, his Practice Manager, provided exceptional follow-up and expedited arrangements to prepare for surgery - as a neuro orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Ostrup has a unique combination of skills and extensive experience giving me the confidence to work with him to perform this complicated surgery.

I contacted Dr. Ostrup because of lower back issues and he ended up performing a 4-level ALIF surgery on my spine. I appreciated his approach and his care in ensuring that I understood exactly what the surgery would entail. He was very straightforward about what the surgery would/wouldn't accomplish and that helped me make my decisions. Dr. Ostrup changed my life in a very positive way through his skill and expertise. The surgery greatly improved my function and quality of life in addition to tremendously reducing pain. Dr. Ostrup is my hero and I cannot thank or praise him enough! Also, his assistant Erica's overall support was a major help to me throughout the many months that I was under Dr. Ostrup's care. She is so proactive and attends to all administrative details impeccably. (Total length of consultation/care = approximately 8 months.)

Dr. Ostrup and his staff have been very help and kind throughout my surgery process. I had been dealing with lower back and leg pain for years and the pain injections I was receiving were working less and less. When I finally decided to have surgery to eliminate the spinal stenosis in vertebrae L2-L5, the process was made very smooth by Dr. Ostrup and his office manager Erica. I am very pleased with the communication Dr. Ostrup and his office kept with me after surgery to ensure I was healing as intended. Dr. Ostrup is a no nonsense type of doctor and super easy to communicate with. I am happy to tell everyone I am pain free and almost back to normal activities 11 weeks after surgery.

I ruptured my disc between L3-L4 and after about two months of visiting my chiropractor and coming home in greater pain than I went in with, I decided one day to go to the ED. I am so thankful I did since I received a referral to Dr. Ostrup and my life changed for the better at that moment. When my wife and I went in for our first visit we were immediately impressed with Dr. Ostrup's manner. He was confident, explained what had happened, and showed us what had happened on the CT Scan. He recommended surgery which we agreed to. Here I am, two months later almost back to normal. We greatly admire Dr. Ostrup and would recommend him to anyone. The office staff was great too, especially Erica. She was a delight and helped us navigate the process.

I rarely take the time to write a review. However my excellent experience with Dr. Ostrup and his staff have compelled me to share my thoughts. I suffered from Spinal Stenosis for 2 years. I experienced daily leg pain that would not relent. I was referred to a Neurologist who referred me to Dr. Ostrup and suggested that I should get an MRI before seeing Dr. Ostrup, which I did. The MRI showed clearly that I needed a Spinal Decompression (L4/L5). Dr. Ostrup's staff was professional, caring and supportive throughout the process. The surgery went well, and I only needed to stay at the hospital overnight for observation. Right away my leg pain was GONE and it felt amazing to walk without having to bend over, which is what I did to avoid the pain. Within just a few days after the surgery I was pain free and on the mend. I am writing this review six weeks post surgery and I believe I am 100%. Dr. Ostrup is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon with impeccable credentials. He is also… a very kind and respectful person, and explained everything clearly to me. I feel so fortunate to have had him as my Neurosurgeon. He made me feel comfortable from our very first meeting. Please consider Dr. Ostrup and his staff if you need services they provide. I could not be happier with my experience. They are a truly amazing team of medical professionals!

I had a very rare infection called Spinal Epidural Abscess which caused nerve compression. Thanks to Dr. Ostrup who performed an emergency surgery, I barely felt pain after the surgery and I had a speedy recovery! Had it not gone been so prompt and successful, I could have end up paralyzed. I am so grateful for his professionalism and expertise in his work. Additionally, his practice manager, Erica Ebert, was very helpful, friendly and efficient in providing all paperwork and necessary information. I would highly recommend Dr. Ostrup and his team!

Dr. Ostrup fixed my back issue and I am walking without any discomfort or pain or cramping. I have been suffering for 5 years and not until I spoke with Dr. Ostrup did I feel confident to have a back procedure. I wish I met him 5 years ago. I can't tell you how satisfied I am with the results and the entire experience with his staff and Sharp hospital.

My experience with Dr. Ostrup and his staff has been nothing but positive. I was apprehensive about having surgery and I also worried about the possibility of apathetic staff handling my scheduling and basically my future health. I have been pleasantly surprised at every stage of my evaluation, scheduling, surgery and follow up. Dr. Ostrup and staff do NOT forget about you once you have had surgery. Erica Ebert, practice manager for Dr. Ostrup is nothing short of phenomenal, professional and patient. I have had two surgeries now (neck and lumbar) and I owe my current improved health to not only the good doctor but his entire staff and Sharp Hospital. Jim Weir

Dr. Ostrup met me at the door with a relaxed, upbeat friendly style. He put me at ease from the get go. His confidence and professionalism gave me the support I needed to go through spinal surgery. I inquired with other doctors and nurses about Dr. Ostrup and always received a glowing report. I cannot say enough about his team. They work together beautifully and always made me feel cared for. I would not hesitate to call Dr. Ostrup with any future needs. And yes, my surgery was a success.