Complex Spine Surgery

Trusted Expertise. Proven Outcomes.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is nationally recognized for excellence in spine surgery. We’ve earned a “High Performing” rating from U.S. News & World Report for back surgery (spinal fusion) – placing us among the top hospitals in the country for this complex procedure.

At our Spine Center, we specialize in advanced surgical care for the most challenging spine conditions – including revision surgeries and cases involving multiple spinal regions. Every procedure is performed by a multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized experts, using the latest technology and personalized treatment plans.

Spine Center

Comprehensive Spine Care to Reclaim Quality of Life

The specialized spine doctors at UT Southwestern Spine Center are dedicated to helping patients overcome spine problems, providing comprehensive care and access to the latest and most effective treatments.

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What Is Complex Spine Surgery?

Complex spine surgery involves procedures that:

Span multiple spinal levels
Require correction of previous failed surgeries
Involve instability, deformities, or tumors

Examples include:

Realigning vertebrae
Decompressing nerves or the spinal cord
Stabilizing prior fusions
Removing spinal tumors

Surgery may be recommended when nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective or when the condition is too advanced for conservative management.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Complex Spine Surgery?

We offer patients a level of care unmatched in North Texas, combining:

Nationally recognized surgeons in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery
Team-based care with specialists in pain management, imaging, and rehabilitation
State-of-the-art imaging and surgical navigation
Spine-dedicated operating teams at the No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth (William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital)
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for faster, safer recovery
Access to clinical trials for eligible patients

Our goal: Help patients return to a more active, pain-free life – even after years of spinal issues.

What Are the Benefits of Complex Spine Surgery?

For the right candidates, complex spine surgery can be life changing. Potential benefits include:

Significant reduction in pain
Improved movement, balance, and posture
Correction of deformities and failed prior surgeries
Reduced risk of future spinal complications
Increased independence and quality of life

What Conditions Does Complex Spine Surgery Treat?

Complex spine surgery is used to address conditions such as:

Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)
Spinal instability or deformity after trauma
Failed back surgery syndrome or pseudoarthrosis (non-union)
Multilevel spinal stenosis
Advanced degenerative disc disease
Spinal tumors
Hardware failure or complications from prior implants

What Should Patients Expect with Complex Spine Surgery?

Before Complex Spine Surgery

Patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, or X-rays
Nerve testing (EMG)
Bone density scans and lab work

We’ll also optimize health before surgery, addressing conditions like osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use. Patients may be referred for presurgical physical therapy, nutrition support, or conditioning programs.

During Complex Spine Surgery

Procedures are tailored to patients’ needs and may involve:

Decompression: Relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
Fusion: Joining vertebrae using biologics, rods, or cages
Osteotomy: Realigning bones to correct spinal alignment
Revision surgery: Correcting or removing prior surgical hardware

Some procedures are staged over multiple days. Intraoperative neuromonitoring ensures safety during surgery.

After Complex Spine Surgery

Most patients stay 3–5 days in the hospital, with fewer than 10% requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care. Recovery includes physical therapy, mobility training, and discharge planning.

Recovery timeline: