Chester Donnally III, MD

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Addison, TX
Chester Donnally III, MD

As a third generation Texan, Dr. Donnally is compassionate to the needs of his community and the patients he serves in his native city of Dallas. He prides himself on performing the least invasive amount of surgery to alleviate a patient’s spinal pathology while concurrently accelerating their post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, he stresses surgical techniques that minimize post-operative pain and medication use. While Dr. Donnally is passionate about minimally invasive surgery he is also committed to complex corrective procedures for adult spinal deformities. Early in his career Dr. Donnally placed an emphasis on medical research. His contribution of more than 70 peer reviewed publications and a dozen book chapters has allowed him to be invited to many speaking engagements across the country to present his findings. He is dedicated to advancing the spinal community’s knowledge base through research and education. He continues to work with various scientific and product teams to identify modern techniques that will better diagnosis spinal conditions and manage these pathologies. A true local, Dr. Donnally graduated from Highland Park High School in Dallas and then earned Magna Cum Laude honors while at Southern Methodist University. While attending medical school at Texas Tech Health Science Center he graduated top of his class with a Distinction in Research. Dr. Donnally completed his Orthopedic Surgery training at University of Miami Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He continued his Spine Surgery training as a fellow at the world-renowned Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies. Additionally he earned the distinction of Eagle Scout with local Dallas Troop 82.

08/30/2025

🤏Pinched Nerve or Spinal Cord Problem? Here’s the Difference!
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Most people hear “pinched nerve” and think it’s the same as a spinal cord problem — but they’re very different.

A pinched nerve (radiculopathy) usually causes shooting pain, tingling, or weakness down an arm or leg.
A spinal cord problem (myelopathy) is more serious — it can affect balance, coordination, and multiple body regions.

Understanding this difference is key to knowing when it’s just irritating… versus when it’s an emergency 🚨.

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Chester J. Donnally III
Spine Surgeon | Dallas, TX

08/24/2025

🤔 When to Treat Pars Fractures Surgically?

Spondylolysis is one of the most common causes of low back pain in young athletes — but most cases respond well to conservative care. So when does surgery actually make sense?

👉 This post breaks down insights from the 2022 Hsu et al. review:
• MRI is now favored over CT/SPECT due to low radiation and strong sensitivity.
• Surgery is rarely needed — but may be appropriate after 6–12 months of failed conservative treatment.
• Direct pars repair (esp. pedicle screw-based) MIGHT BE preferred over fusion in some cases.
• Chronic defects with persistent pain and no healing potential are key surgical candidates- FUSION IS THE GOLD STANDARD.

⚡ Know the difference between stress reactions, terminal pseudarthrosis, and symptomatic spondylolisthesis — your treatment plan depends on it.

🔗 Save this for your next sports spine case or ortho review.

08/22/2025

How Ultrasonic Tools Prevent Neck Fusion (Compression Case)
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Yes I make ALL of my own videos, no out sourcing! 🌎

In this clip, see how ultrasonic surgical tools—such as the bone scalpel—enable high-precision decompression of spinal compression in the neck, while preserving mobility and avoiding fusion.

These tools selectively cut bone and spare soft tissues, leading to less blood loss, fewer implants, and faster recovery.

While every case is unique, this technique offers a promising alternative to traditional neck fusion for certain patients.

08/17/2025

www.spondyTREATMENT.com 🤓Hey! Dr. Chester J. Donnally III, a board-certified spine surgeon here in my hometown of Dallas, Texas. Yes, still part of our six-surgeon team at Texas Spine Consultants, with offices in Addison and Plano. BUT, I’m sharing exciting news — I’ve partnered with the Spondylolisthesis Treatment Institute to analyze national patient data and use AI modeling to better guide care for patients with spondylolisthesis. By looking at short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes, we can find the best approach for each age group and medical situation.

While there’s no absolute “cure” for spondylolisthesis, some techniques — including optimized surgical approaches — can get us closer than ever to restoring function and relieving pain.

💻 Learn more at: https://spondytreatment.com
📍 In-person visits in Addison & Plano, TX
🌐 Telemedicine appointments available nationwide (where permitted)

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08/10/2025

🤠Spine Surgeon on Stafford’s Slipped Disc 🏈
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NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford is reportedly dealing with a “slipped disc” in his back — an injury that can sideline athletes, but isn’t always career-ending. As a spine surgeon in Dallas, I break down what that term means, how it affects performance, and examples of pro athletes who have come back strong after disc herniations.
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08/09/2025

🗼 “𝐄𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫” 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 | 𝟒𝐖𝐞𝐛 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝
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Sometimes spinal fusion is the right solution — and with the right technology, it can be safer and more effective.
Here’s the 4Web fusion cage with TRUSS technology, inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s perfect load distribution.
It supports healing, lets bone grow through, and fits seamlessly during surgery.

🤗As a native Dallas spine surgeon, I’m proud to use Dallas-made technology — supporting local families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 and strengthening our local economy while caring for my patients.

Dr. Chester Donnally III
Board-Certified Spine Surgeon | Dallas, TX

08/06/2025

🎯 Ever heard of Bertolotti’s Syndrome?😣
It’s a ‘rare’ but real cause of lower back pain — especially in younger patients. This condition occurs when part of the lowest lumbar vertebra (L5) fuses or connects abnormally with the sacrum or pelvis.

🧠 Key facts:
– It can mimic disc herniations and sciatica
– Often misdiagnosed for years
– Diagnosed with X-rays or CT
– Sometimes treated surgically when conservative care fails

👨‍⚕️ As a spine surgeon, I see patients misdiagnosed with “typical back pain” who actually have this unique spinal anomaly. Knowing what to look for is key!

📍Based in Dallas, TX | Dr. Chester Donnally III

08/02/2025

Did you know many spine experts can tell you which nerve is pinched just based on hearing YOUR story?

07/30/2025

𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 🤖 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲
👨‍⚕️ Safer. Smarter. More precise.

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📄 Robotic guidance in spine surgery isn’t sci-fi — it’s real, and I use it to give my patients safer, more accurate outcomes.
From disc replacements to spinal fusions, robotic systems help us operate with incredible precision.
📍 I’m Dr. Chester Donnally III, a spine surgeon in Dallas.

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07/27/2025

🧠 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲?

In 2023, 20 spine surgeons from top institutions used the Delphi method to reach agreement on how to manage anticoagulation (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) meds before and after elective spine surgery.

Here’s the quick summary:
✔️ DOACs: Stop 2 days pre-op
✔️ Warfarin: Stop 5 days pre-op
✔️ Aspirin & others: Stop 7 days pre-op
✔️ Enoxaparin preferred post-op (start based on risk level)

This isn’t just opinion—it’s consensus-driven and cross-specialty informed by hematology and internal medicine input. This is where evidence meets practicality.

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🔗 Reference: Zuckerman SL, et al. Spine. 2023;48(5):301–309. DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004540
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07/24/2025

Kyphosis vs Lordosis — Big Difference 😳
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Ever heard of kyphosis and lordosis?
One curves your spine forward, the other backward.
⚖️ But both matter a LOT when it comes to pain and long-term posture.

As a spine surgeon here in Dallas, I see this misunderstanding all the time — and correcting posture early can save patients from years of discomfort (or worse… surgery).

Watch how I break it down in seconds 👉
Full clip on YouTube Shorts!
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𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗭: 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗥 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲?
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🎥 Dr. Chester Donnally III
🩺 Board-Certified Spine Surgeon | Dallas, TX

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07/06/2025

"Why You Should Choose Me as Your Dallas Spine Surgeon" - Top Rated Dallas Spine Surgeon Explains

When it comes to spine surgery, continuity of care matters just as much as surgical skill. Nearly 50% of spine surgeons relocate at least once in their careers—and when your surgeon moves, the follow‑up care and relationship you built can vanish. Here’s why I’m uniquely positioned to be your lifelong Dallas spine surgeon and why that matters.

My Deep Dallas Roots Guarantee Continuity
I’m a third‑generation Texan—born and raised right here in Dallas. My parents, my wife’s parents, and my sisters all live in North Texas. This community is my home, and I have no plans to leave.
• Continuity you can count on: You’ll see the same surgeon for your initial consult, your operation, and every check‑up afterward—no surprises, no new faces.
• Reputation on the line: In Dallas, my name isn’t just mine—it’s my parents’, my children’s, and my extended family’s. That accountability means I treat your care like I’m caring for my own loved ones.

Surgery Only When I’m Confident It Will Help
Spine surgery is complex and sometimes unpredictable. I believe in offering surgery only when I truly believe it will improve your life.
• Patient‑first philosophy: If a procedure won’t clearly benefit you—or if a non‑surgical path makes more sense—I’ll recommend that instead.
• Emotional investment: In the rare case of a complication, I’m right there with you. I won’t abandon you; I’ll work tirelessly until we resolve the issue.

A Unique Advantage for Dallas Patients
Because I’m part of this community, I understand your lifestyle, your support network, and what “getting back to normal” means in Dallas.
• Better outcomes through continuity: Having the same surgeon manage your care from start to finish drives higher satisfaction and fewer surprises.
• Neighbor‑to‑neighbor trust: My patients aren’t just names on a chart—they’re neighbors, friends, and fellow Dallasites who refer their family and co‑workers.

My Promise: Ethical, Safe, Lifelong Care
• Safety above all: I adhere to the highest ethical standards—if something isn’t right for you, I’ll say so.
• Lifelong partnership: Years after your surgery, if you call my office, you’ll speak to someone who knows your story and cares about your ongoing health.

Call Now for a Consult: (214) 370‑3535
In‑office & telemedicine appointments available for North Texas residents.

Address

17051 Dallas Pkwy #400
Addison, TX
75001

Telephone

+12143703535

Website

https://www.donnallyspine.com/contact-us-spine-surgeon-dallas-tx.html

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