Jacksonville, Florida Nov 9, 2025  – As a growing number of Americans contend with orthopedic injuries and spinal conditions, Altus Medical Group, under the leadership of neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Cannestra, is championing a return to a fundamental principle: informed, patient-centered decision-making.

“Not every problem necessitates a fusion. Not every herniation requires surgery,” states Dr. Cannestra. “We believe the optimal treatment is tailored to the individual patient, not merely dictated by an MRI scan.”

Through the recent additions of Dr. Kevin M. Kaplan and Dr. Jon F. Graham, Altus has substantially reinforced its multidisciplinary model. The group now offers integrated care across spine surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and sports medicine, all consolidated at their Jacksonville location on Crown Point Court.

However, the underlying shift extends beyond clinical practice; it is fundamentally cultural.

“Our aim is to sufficiently slow down the process to enable smarter choices,” Dr. Cannestra explains. “This begins by empowering patients to pose more effective questions.”

The Challenge: Excessive Surgeries, Insufficient Clarity

Each year, over 1 million spinal procedures are performed in the U.S., alongside more than 100,000 ACL reconstructions annually, many on individuals under 30. Concurrently, research indicates that nearly 30% of patients do not fully comprehend their surgical risks or available options at the point of consent.

This is precisely where Altus intervenes.

“Our mission encompasses not only precision in the operating room but also meticulous planning,” asserts Dr. Cannestra, who pioneered robotic spine surgery programs in Florida before establishing Altus Medical Group. “We strive for patients to thoroughly understand their condition and the implications of each treatment option for their recovery and overall quality of life.”

The Dedicated Team Driving the Mission

• Dr. Andrew Cannestra – A fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and former Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery Program, specializing in spinal reconstruction, minimally invasive techniques, and dynamic stabilization.
• Dr. Kevin M. Kaplan – Formerly the Head Team Physician for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Dr. Kaplan focuses on shoulder, knee, and elbow surgery, employing minimally invasive techniques and specializing in sports injury recovery.
• Dr. Jon F. Graham – A board-certified neurosurgeon with over four decades of experience, including prominent military leadership roles at Walter Reed and Tripler Army Medical Center. His practice emphasizes complex spine conditions and cranial surgery.

Together, this team has forged a unified care model where surgical strategies are formulated through collaborative insight, transcending mere specialization.

Immediate Steps Patients Can Take

Altus advises individuals confronting potential surgery or persistent musculoskeletal pain to undertake three key actions:

• Pause before consenting to surgery.
  Inquire: What are my viable non-surgical alternatives? What does the recovery period entail?
• Seek absolute clarity on every phase of the process.
  From initial diagnosis to post-operative physical therapy, comprehend what to anticipate and the rationale behind each step.
• Obtain a second opinion if any uncertainty persists.
  “We are not here to dismantle another professional’s plan,” states Dr. Graham. “However, we are committed to ensuring it represents the optimal choice for you.”

Intelligent Systems, Beyond Advanced Tools

Fundamentally, Altus’s approach extends beyond advanced surgical technology; it involves a comprehensive re-envisioning of how injury care is delivered.

Historically, a patient experiencing knee pain, back issues, and a pinched nerve might have consulted three distinct physicians at separate facilities. Now, they can receive evaluation from a coordinated team in a single location, often within one visit.

“Healthcare should not resemble a labyrinth,” Dr. Kaplan remarks. “We are eliminating barriers so individuals can concentrate on healing, rather than being redirected repeatedly.”

About Dr. Andrew Cannestra

Dr. Andrew Cannestra, MD, PhD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a fellowship-trained specialist in spine surgery and spinal cord injury. He is a founding member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery and previously directed the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery Program. With over two decades of surgical practice and academic credentials from UCLA and the University of Miami, Dr. Cannestra’s philosophy centers on functional recovery, minimally invasive techniques, and customized treatment regimens.

“My core philosophy is straightforward,” he asserts. “The most effective surgery is the minimal intervention required to restore the patient’s quality of life.”

About Altus Medical Group

Altus Medical Group operates as a multidisciplinary injury care center with locations in Jacksonville, Jupiter, Loxahatchee, and Savannah. The Jacksonville office, situated at 3663 Crown Point Court, houses a growing ensemble of specialists in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spinal surgery, and neurosurgery.

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