Vertebris International Spine Hospital together with its international brand Spinal Surgery Croatia was founded early in year 2010. Our mission is simple and consists of offering information and education about spinal disorders and minimally-invasive surgical options, providing second neurosurgical opinion and in the end possible surgical treatment in Croatia. Range of our services includes doctor-patient communication and correspondence, translation services, documentation digitalization services and full spectrum of services when you choose to be operated by dr. Robert Saftic and this can include managing visas and other documentation, airport or hotel pickup, accommodation, support line for family and friends back home, etc.

We are successfully applying most advanced most innovative methods in minimally-invasive spinal neurosurgery. During years of our work and existence as one of the world’s top destination and hospitals for treating spinal disorders and diseases with minimally-invasive surgical techniques, we have treated patients from all over the world, including patients from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Egypt, Romania, Slovenia,  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Canada, United States of America…

What makes us unique?

• Low-cost surgery (up to 50% more affordable than anywhere in Europe)
• Our spinal neurosurgeons are trained in world leading spinal centres
• We focus only on most advanced minimally-invasive treatment options
• All inclusive packages – for one price you will get meals, accommodation, surgery and all other services at no extra cost
• Rich experience in managing international patients

Our team

Robert Saftic – MD, MS, Neurosurgeon, Co-founder

Fellowship trained and board certified spinal neurosurgeon. Pioneer of minimally-invasive spinal surgery in Croatia and south-eastern Europe. Special interests include minimally-invasive spinal surgery with philosophy of choosing most effective and least invasive methods. Internationally accepted and known expert in field of laser, endoscopic and micro-endoscopic spine neurosurgery which is proved by invitations to all leading spinal congresses and by publishing results in medical journals. Educated at School of Medicine at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. Additional education and training at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York with Roger Hartl MD, International Society for Minimal Intervention in Spinal Surgery (ISMISS) with Hansjörg F. Leu MD, Laser Spine Center in Italy with Gian Paolo Tassi MD, St. Anna Hospital in Germany with Sebastian Ruetten MD, Orthopedic Clinic Munich with Michael H. Mayer MD, Word Congress of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Techniques (WCMISST) with Anthony Yeung MD… Memberships at all leading spinal societies around the world.

• More information about our neurosurgeon dr. Robert Saftic in HTML
• Robert Saftic’s CV in PDF
• Contact dr. Robert Saftic

Roberto Posavec – Co-founder, International patient coordinator, Spineuniverse approved patient adviser and advocate

Born and living in Vinkovci, Croatia. Educated at the School of Economics in Vinkovci, where he took the degree in year 2006. Final work title „Internet marketing“. Same year he applied for University of Economics, in Osijek, Croatia and achieved title of Bachelor of Economics, course of study Business Informatics, thesis title „Electronic and mobile business in medical tourism“. Founder of several successful projects in field of medicine, medical tourism, economics, information and communications technology (ICT). Under unfortunate circumstances he became spine researcher and enthusiast, patient adviser and advocate, patient rights fighter. In his work, he cooperates with world leading experts in field of orthopedic and neurological spine surgery. Special interests include minimally-invasive approach in treating of spinal diseases. Currently serves as secretary at Informatics Society Vinkovci (Croatia), patient adviser-advocate and international patient coordinator at Vertebris International Spine Hospital (Spinal Surgery Croatia) and president at Society for Spine Diseases (Croatia). He is considered as one of the most successful medical tourism facilitators in Croatia.

• More information about our founder Roberto Posavec in HTML
• Roberto Posavec’s CV in PDF
• Contact Roberto Posavec

Michaela Balej – International patient coordinator for Germany, Slovakia and Czech Republic

Born in Brno, Czech Republic, where I’m currently living. I got my Engineers degree in Economics at the VUT Faculty of Business in Brno. I’m exprofesional volleyball player. I have lived in several different countries and I fluently speak german, english and czech. Currently I am international patient coordinator for Germany, Slovakia and Czech Republic at Vertebris International Spine Hospital

• Contact Michaela Balej

Josip Znidarcic – International patient coordinator for Italy

Born in Split, Croatia, where I’m currently living. I got my Masters degree in Economics at the Faculty of Economics in Split. I’m educated in Information Management. I lived near Zadar for most of my life, but currently live in Split, where I study Forensics at the University of Split. I am fluent in English and Italian.

• Contact Josip Znidarcic

George Ribeiro – International patient coordinator for United Arab Emirates and other Arabic countries

George Mario Ribeiro, Al Shafar Investment Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

• Contact George Ribeiro
• Call George Ribeiro: +971 50 1247478

Joe Veselko - International patient coordinator for Portugal and USA

Our former patient. Had successful two level laser disc decompression (PLDD).

• Contact Joe Veselko

Toni Tvrtkovic – International patient coordinator for Balkans, Russia and Germany

Born in Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina., lives in Osijek from finishing primary school. In Osijek he had several successful projects that lead him into business with companies that deal with medical products and equipment. Toni started working for respected German company Naturea Heidelberg GmbH as a manager of pharmaceutical production and distribution program in 2008 decided to enter the Faculty of Economics in Osijek and gain the title of Bachelor of Economics. After that successfully enrolled in the Master degree program and there he meets with Head of coordination for international patients at the clinic Vertebris and establishing cooperation for the market in the Balkans, Germany and Russia.

• Contact Toni Tvrtkovic