Altus Medical Group and Dr. Andrew Cannestra Call for Smarter Surgical Decisions

(Isstories Editorial):- Jacksonville, Florida Nov 9, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – As more Americans face orthopedic injuries and spinal issues than ever before, Altus Medical Group, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Cannestra, is calling for a return to one essential principle: informed, patient-centered decision-making.

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“Not every problem needs a fusion. Not every herniation needs surgery,” says Dr. Cannestra. “We believe the right treatment is the one that fits the patient–not just the MRI.”

With the recent additions of Dr. Kevin Kaplan and Dr. Jon Graham, Altus has deepened its multidisciplinary model. The group now offers coordinated care across spine surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and sports medicine–all under one roof at their Jacksonville location on Crown Point Court.

But the real shift isn’t just clinical. It’s cultural.

“We want to slow the process down just enough to make it smarter,” says Dr. Cannestra. “That starts by teaching patients to ask better questions.”

The Problem: Too Many Surgeries, Not Enough Clarity

Over 1 million spinal procedures are performed each year in the U.S., and ACL injuries alone result in over 100,000 reconstructions annually, many on patients under 30. At the same time, studies show that nearly 30% of patients do not fully understand their surgical risks or options at the time of consent.

That’s where Altus steps in.

“Our mission is not just precision in the operating room–it’s precision in the planning,” says Dr. Cannestra, who pioneered robotic spine surgery programs in Florida before founding Altus Medical Group. “We want patients to understand their condition and what each option means for their recovery and quality of life.”

The Team Behind the Mission

• Dr. Andrew Cannestra – Fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and former Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery Program. Specializes in spinal reconstruction, minimally invasive techniques, and dynamic stabilization.
• Dr. Kevin M. Kaplan – Former Head Team Physician for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Specializes in shoulder, knee, and elbow surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and sports injury recovery.
• Dr. Jon F. Graham – Board-certified neurosurgeon with over 40 years of experience, including military leadership roles at Walter Reed and Tripler Army Medical Center. Focuses on complex spine conditions and cranial surgery.

Together, they’ve built a unified care model where surgical plans are designed through collaboration–not just specialization.

What Patients Can Do Today

Altus encourages individuals facing surgery or long-standing musculoskeletal pain to do three things:

• Pause before agreeing to surgery.
  Ask: What are my non-surgical options? What does recovery look like?
• Seek clarity on every step of the process.
  From diagnosis to physical therapy, know what to expect–and why.
• Get a second opinion if you’re unsure.
  “We’re not here to undo someone else’s plan,” says Dr. Graham. “But we are here to make sure it’s the right one for you.”

Smarter Systems, Not Just Smarter Tools

At its core, Altus isn’t just about advanced surgical technology–it’s about redesigning how injury care is delivered.

In the past, a patient with knee pain, back issues, and a pinched nerve might have seen three different doctors in three different places. Now, they can be evaluated by a coordinated team in one location, often in a single visit.

“Healthcare shouldn’t feel like a maze,” says Dr. Kaplan. “We’re removing the barriers so people can focus on getting better, not getting bounced around.”

About Dr. Andrew Cannestra

Dr. Andrew Cannestra, MD, PhD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon and fellowship-trained specialist in spine surgery and spinal cord injury. He is a founding member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery and formerly led the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery Program. With over two decades of surgical experience and academic training from UCLA and the University of Miami, Dr. Cannestra’s mission is rooted in functional recovery, minimally invasive techniques, and tailored treatment plans.

“My philosophy is simple,” he says. “The best surgery is the least amount necessary to get the patient back to living.”

About Altus Medical Group

Altus Medical Group is a multidisciplinary injury care center with locations in Jacksonville, Jupiter, Loxahatchee, and Savannah. The Jacksonville office, located at 3663 Crown Point Court, is home to a growing team of experts in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spinal surgery, and neurosurgery.

To request an evaluation, second opinion, or surgical consultation, visit www.altusmd.com

This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.