Texas Neurosurgeon Dr. Avery L. Buchholz Named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Dr. Avery L. Buchholz, MD, FAANS, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the third year he has received the prestigious designation. Only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are selected annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties within their regions, making this recognition a significant indicator of clinical excellence.

Dr. Buchholz is a board-certified neurosurgeon and spine specialist with Capital Spine and Pain Institute, a leading interdisciplinary practice known for providing comprehensive, minimally invasive spine care and targeted pain management solutions. The practice's focus on advanced techniques and patient-centered care positions it as a key player in Texas's healthcare landscape, where an aging population and active lifestyles drive demand for effective spine treatments.

He evaluates and treats a range of complex spine disorders, including adult spinal deformities, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal trauma. Utilizing an evidence-based approach, Dr. Buchholz prioritizes conservative, non-surgical treatment protocols whenever appropriate. When surgery is necessary, care plans are tailored to minimize tissue disruption, reduce recovery times, and optimize clinical outcomes. Key procedures he performs include minimally invasive lumbar discectomy and laminectomy, robotic-assisted spinal fusion and instrumentation, complex adult spinal deformity and scoliosis reconstruction, cervical artificial disc replacement, motion-preservation spinal surgery, and image-guided spinal decompression.

Dr. Buchholz completed his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, followed by a neurological surgery residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and a specialized clinical fellowship in complex spinal deformity and pediatric scoliosis surgery at the University of Virginia. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS) and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on spinal surgery outcomes, biomechanics, and surgical safety.

The Castle Connolly Top Doctor selection process is rigorous: physicians are nominated by their peers and then evaluated by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. Honorees are chosen based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Importantly, doctors cannot pay to be selected, ensuring the integrity of the recognition. This accolade not only affirms Dr. Buchholz's expertise but also signals to patients and referring physicians that they can trust in his high standards of care.

For Texas businesses and the broader economy, the availability of top-tier medical specialists like Dr. Buchholz is crucial. A robust healthcare infrastructure attracts and retains talent, supports local employers by keeping workers healthy, and fosters innovation in medical technology. Capital Spine and Pain Institute's commitment to minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgery, aligns with Texas's growing reputation as a hub for advanced healthcare and life sciences. This recognition further elevates the state's profile in specialized medicine.

Top Doctors are listed on castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications. Patients seeking appointments with Dr. Buchholz can find contact information at capitalspineinstitute.com/contact-us.