Medical City Fort Worth debuts motion-preserving spine surgery for lower back conditions

Fort Worth — Gary Bayles, a retired audio engineer from Arlington, Texas, spent decades touring the world with music legends like Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson. Later, he contributed to producing halftime shows for the Dallas Cowboys. The physical demands of his career took a toll, leading to chronic spinal pain. After years of discomfort, Bayles found relief through a new advanced spine care procedure at Medical City Fort Worth.

Recently, the hospital expanded its advanced spine care offerings with a new motion-preserving surgical procedure designed to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. This advanced approach provides an alternative to traditional spinal fusion, helping patients maintain mobility while relieving chronic nerve-related pain.

The procedure involves decompression of the affected spinal nerves followed by the placement of a mechanical implant that stabilizes the spine without eliminating movement. Unlike fusion, which permanently locks vertebrae together, this technique allows for controlled flexion, extension, and rotation of the spine.

“This new option reflects our commitment to providing leading-edge care that enhances outcomes and quality of life,” says John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. “Patients suffering from debilitating back and leg pain now have access to a solution that preserves motion and supports faster recovery.”

Medical City Fort Worth’s comprehensive spine program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialists offering personalized treatment plans, including minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted surgery and advanced rehabilitation services.

“To be able get out of bed, stand up, put my feet on the ground and not feel pain is incredible,” says Bayles.

Learn more about motion-preserving spine surgery or other treatment options at Medical City Fort Worth.