Fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Inventor of the patented curved interbody fusion cage — US 6,648,915 — a foundation of the modern TLIF procedure, and of a worldwide-patented sacroiliac joint fusion implant.
Three decades treating the full spectrum of spinal disease — and the author of one of the field's defining implants.
Dr. John A. Sazy's practice runs from degenerative conditions managed without an incision to high-energy trauma and complex deformity demanding reconstruction. His path: Wayne State University School of Medicine, orthopaedic residency at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia (now Drexel University College of Medicine), and a spine fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago — among the most respected spine programs in the country.
The approach hasn't changed since 1995. Exhaust conservative care first. Operate only when surgery is the correct answer. And when operating, use the least invasive technique that produces a durable result.
In December 1999, Dr. Sazy filed the patent for a curved — "banana-shaped" — intervertebral fusion cage: a single, unitary implant placed between vertebrae in one step, packed with bone graft through an internal recess, insertable from the front of the spine or the back.
The curve is the insight. It lets the implant enter through a posterior corridor and rotate into position across the anterior disc space — anterior-column support without an anterior incision. Cages of this type became a foundation of the modern TLIF procedure performed worldwide.
The patent was assigned to DePuy AcroMed — now part of Johnson & Johnson's DePuy Synthes. The design work continues today, most recently in sacroiliac joint fusion implants and technique.
Dr. Sazy's most recent invention targets the sacroiliac (SI) joint — an often-missed source of chronic low back pain. The implant is a cage formed from an elongated base and two side members, with open fusion passages that let bone grow across the joint and lock it solid.
It was filed as an international PCT application and is protected worldwide, with patents granted in the United States and abroad. As with the curved cage, he is the sole inventor.
Muscle-sparing approaches that reduce blood loss, hospital stay, and recovery time.
Lumbar fusion performed by the surgeon who holds the patent on one of the procedure's defining implants.
Urgent stabilization of fractures and ligamentous injury, cervical through lumbar.
Correction of scoliosis, kyphosis, and multi-level degenerative deformity.
An often-missed source of chronic low back pain, and the focus of his most recent implant design work.
Stenosis, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis — managed conservatively first, surgically when warranted.
School of Medicine · Detroit, Michigan
Philadelphia · now credited under Drexel University College of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
New patients and physician referrals are welcome. Imaging and referral notes may be sent ahead of the first visit. Se habla español.
908 9th Avenue, Suite B
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Monday–Friday, by appointment. Serving Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and the Metroplex.
BCBS · Medicare · Cigna
Workers' Compensation
Coverage varies by plan — please call the office to verify benefits before your visit.
Records and imaging
accepted in advance
Send notes and imaging ahead of the appointment; urgent trauma referrals are prioritized.
