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Adult Spinal Deformity
Complex scoliosis, kyphosis and sagittal balance correction. Double fellowship-trained in deformity at two of Canada's leading academic spine centers. Accepts referrals from across Arizona.
MD · FRCSC · FAAOS · Dual Board-Certified · Double Fellowship-Trained
Spine Precision Excellence And Research
A renowned dual board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with over 25 years of complex spine experience. Trained by international leaders in spinal surgery, Dr. Ganapathy specializes in minimally invasive techniques, adult spinal deformity, cervical myelopathy and revision procedures. Serving patients across Arizona. Founder and Lead Surgeon, SPEAR Institute — opening Tucson & Greater Phoenix, 2026.
Trained by internationally acclaimed experts in advanced spine reconstruction and complex surgical techniques.
Dr. Venkat Ganapathy is a dual board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with over 25 years of clinical, academic and leadership experience across Canada and the United States. He trained through dual fellowship programmes at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto, two of Canada's leading academic spine centers.
His path to spine surgery was personal. Watching his grandfather overcome a debilitating spine condition, and learning alongside his father, an ENT surgeon, gave him an early understanding of what patients carry into every appointment. That understanding shapes every consultation.
He previously served as Chief of Orthopedic Spine Service at the University of Arizona Banner Health System, was named Educator of the Year by the University of Arizona Orthopedics programme and is an active AOSpine North America teaching faculty member.
"Good surgeons know how to operate. Better ones know when to operate. The best know when not to."
— Dr. Venkat Ganapathy, MD, FRCSC, FAAOSWatch educational videos from Dr. Ganapathy about spine health, common conditions and treatment options.
Spine decisions feel easier when the process is clear. This is the sequence most patients follow before any surgical recommendation is made.
Dr. Ganapathy treats the full spectrum of spinal conditions from routine degenerative disease to the most complex revision and deformity cases in Arizona.
Complex scoliosis, kyphosis and sagittal balance correction. Double fellowship-trained in deformity at two of Canada's leading academic spine centers. Accepts referrals from across Arizona.
MIS and robotic-assisted techniques for lumbar and cervical conditions. Smaller incisions, faster recovery and greater precision. Eligible patients across all of Arizona.
Learn more →Cervical cord compression causing weakness, balance problems and hand dysfunction. Early surgical intervention preserves neurological function and prevents progression.
Learn more →Conservative-first approach to disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis. Surgery only when it aligns with your life and your goals.
Complex revision for failed prior surgery, adjacent-segment disease, hardware failure and recurrent disc herniation. Cases referred by surgeons across Arizona and beyond.
Thoracolumbar and cervical fracture stabilisation, ankylosing spondylitis and spinal tumour reconstruction. Evidence-based surgical planning for the most complex presentations.
Serving patients across Arizona for the following spine conditions. New clinic location coming soon.
Spine precision Excellence And Research. Full-spectrum orthopedic spine surgery coming to Southern Arizona in 2026. SPEAR Institute brings academic-level spine care — complex deformity, minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery — to patients who have historically had to travel for specialist care.
These guides help patients and families understand when spine surgery helps, when it does not and what to ask before making a decision.
Patients often search for the best spine surgeon in Arizona when they need a clear answer about pain, weakness, numbness, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, disc herniation or revision surgery. The right surgeon for you should match your diagnosis, explain non-surgical options first and show deep experience with the procedure being discussed.
All imaging is fully de-identified. Patient identifiers removed in compliance with HIPAA.
Accepting New Patients — Arizona Statewide
Non-surgical options are always considered first. When surgery is the right answer, the plan fits your life. Book a consultation through SPEAR Institute — opening Tucson & Greater Phoenix, 2026.
Venkat Ganapathy MD
