Michael H. Heggeness MD, PhD

Listed as one of the best doctors in the nation in the field of orthopedic surgery, Michael H. Heggeness, M.D., Ph.D., is a staff physician in the Operative Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. He is professor and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Heggeness is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal disorders and surgery of the spine. His practice focuses on management of all orthopedic disorders of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, particularly cervical spine reconstruction and treatment of inflammatory arthropathies. Heggeness is active in both patient care and research. He has published many papers and articles and speaks regularly at national and international meetings and symposia. He was included by his colleagues in The Best Doctors in America. After completing his Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of California at San Diego, Heggeness conducted research in virology at Rockefeller University in New York. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, followed by residency training in orthopedic surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. Heggeness completed a fellowship in spine surgery at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. His professional memberships include the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Cervical Spine Research Society, The American Academy of Othopedic Surgery, Harris County Medical Society, American Medical Association, National Osteoporosis Foundation, Texas Medical Association, Houston Orthopaedic Association and Houston Academy of Medicine. He serves on the board of directors for the North American Spine Society. Heggeness is active in several areas of spine and orthopedic research. He has written extensively on the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine. Recently, he has investigated the nerves within the bone of the vertebral body. These nerves are thought to be involved in certain kinds of body pain, and in the control of bone density. He is also very active in developing new techniques for the tissue engineering of bone. This work seeks to use molecular genetic techniques to stimulate spinal fusion, and the healing of fractures.