THE U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
July 17, 2006

While minimally invasive surgery revolutionized the fields of orthopedics, cardiology, and gastrointestinal medicine over the past two decades, few people would have guessed that !his technology could be applied to spine surgery Pioneering work by specialists like John Peloza, M.D. of the Center for Spine Care, however, is proving that many neck and back operations can be performed with Minimal Access Spine Technology (MAST).

"The benefits to the patients are significant," explains Dr. Peloza, an internationally recognized spine surgeon who has performed more minimally invasive spine procedures than perhaps any other surgeon in the country. "Traditional surgery remains the gold standard of care for many conditions, but it causes damage to the ligaments, muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and blood vessels around the spine. Long scars are common. MAST allows us to perform the same techniques as we do during 'open' surgery for select patients, but through very small openings. MAST causes less disruption to surrounding tissues and allows us to see the surgical field more clearly. Patients enjoy shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and predictably successful outcomes."

Dr. Peloza is on the forefront of this field and has been credited with helping launch many of the most recent minimally invasive advances such as SEXTANT TM, MET-R XTM , and a new technology expected to be approved in 2007 called MAVERICK TM total disc replacement. Peloza is among a few physicians who participated in a national multi-center rollout of INFUSE TM Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP). BMP technology promotes bone regeneration necessary to achieve a successful spinal fusion.

"The future for patients with degenerative diseases of the spine is promising. The new frontier for innovative minimally invasive spine treatment is posterior dynamic stabilization. We are using dynamic stabilization techniques to stabilize the spine without fusion," says Dr. Peloza, who is frequently seen on Fox News Network, ABC News, Good Morning America, SAT- 1 German Television and is featured in Reader's Digest, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and more.

One of the "Best Doctors in America" from 2001 to 2006, Dr. Peloza has also been honored and cited by the Consumers' Research Council of America as a "Top Surgeon in America." He is counted among "Best Doctors in Dallas" in 2003, 2004 and 2005 as well.

Dr. Peloza directs the Center for Spine Care, which has become the destination of choice for patients from all over the country and around the world seeking modern treatment for a wide range of conditions including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and compression fractures. The staff carefully evaluates each patient using state-of-the-art diagnostics before recommending the most appropriate care based on age, activity level and health. An individualized treatment plan may include conservative therapies as well as MAST and traditional surgery.