Alex Cruz, MDOrthopedic Surgery in Austin, TX

Alex Cruz, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Ascension Texas Spine and Scoliosis in Austin and Round Rock, Texas. Dr. Cruz specializes in the treatment of complex cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders. He is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care with a conservative approach that prioritizes patient safety, long-term outcomes, and preservation of motion whenever possible.

Dr. Cruz believes successful spine care begins with listening. He takes a holistic approach to treatment, carefully integrating each patient's symptoms, functional goals, physical examination findings, and imaging studies to develop an individualized care plan. He emphasizes shared decision-making and works closely with patients to ensure they understand all treatment options, from nonoperative management to advanced surgical interventions. His goal is to minimize the risk of future procedures while helping patients return to the activities that matter most to them.

His clinical interests include motion preservation surgery, cervical and lumbar disc replacement, minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformity correction, complex revision spine surgery, and the use of emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, navigation systems, and patient-specific implants. He is particularly passionate about advancing the field of spine surgery through innovation, education, and the thoughtful adoption of technologies that improve precision and patient outcomes.

Dr. Cruz was drawn to spine surgery by its unique combination of complexity, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a profound impact on patients' quality of life. He views each case as a unique challenge and is dedicated to changing the perception of spine surgery by delivering compassionate care, clear communication, and consistently excellent outcomes.

Originally trained at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Dr. Cruz completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine and subsequently completed a spine surgery fellowship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He also completed an AO Trauma Fellowship at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Cruz is an active member of the North American Spine Society, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Orthopedic Association Emerging Leaders Program, and AO North America. He has been recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doctors Rising Star since along with Austin Monthly Top Doctor since 2023.