Dr. Scott D. Hodges

Overview of Dr. Scott D. Hodges

Brief Introduction: Dr. Scott D. Hodges

Dr. Scott D. Hodges is a board-certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon with over 40 years of clinical experience and more than 15,000 spine surgeries to his name, practicing at Spine Motion Specialists in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A native of North Carolina, he received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Cum Laude from the University of Health Sciences (Kansas City University) in 1983, completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Ohio University/Doctors Hospital in 1988, served in the US Air Force, and then completed a Spine Fellowship at Loyola University / Hinsdale Spine Fellowship in Chicago, IL. He entered private practice in Chattanooga in 1994.

Dr. Hodges is one of the nation’s most recognized spine biomechanics innovators. He holds more than 50 patents for spinal and orthopedic devices and has contributed to approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications advancing surgical technique, implant design, and patient outcomes. He currently serves as Chairman of the Research Committee for the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics and has served as faculty at numerous national educational programs for over two decades.

His clinical philosophy centers on motion-preserving, non-fusion strategies — specifically disc arthroplasty and lumbar total joint replacement — designed to relieve chronic neck and back pain while maintaining the spine’s natural function rather than immobilizing it with fusion hardware. Spine Motion Specialists operates as a concierge practice and does not participate in insurance networks, allowing Dr. Hodges to provide highly individualized, unhurried care focused entirely on each patient’s specific needs.

Education & Training

Undergraduate: Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN — Biology (Bachelor’s Degree)

Medical School: University of Health Sciences / Kansas City University — Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Cum Laude (1983)

Internship: Tulsa Regional Medical Center — Intern of the Year Award (1993)

Residency: Ohio University / Doctors Hospital, Columbus, OH — Orthopedic Surgery (completed 1988)

Military Service: US Air Force — Medical Officer (following residency)

Fellowship: Loyola University / Hinsdale Spine Fellowship, Chicago, IL — Spine Surgery

Board Certification: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Patents & Research: 50+ spinal/orthopedic device patents; ~100 peer-reviewed publications

Professional Role: Chairman, Research Committee — American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics

Areas of Expertise

• Cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement (disc arthroplasty) — motion-preserving alternative to fusion
• Lumbar total joint replacement — advanced joint-level restoration for degenerative disease
• Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) and micro-decompression
• Surgical decompression for spinal stenosis, sciatica, and nerve compression
• Treatment of degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and chronic back/neck pain
• Non-fusion, motion-preserving techniques and personalized surgical planning
• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) evaluation and revision surgery
• Spondyloarthropathy and complex spinal deformity management
• Clinical research, device innovation, and surgical technique development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many spine surgeries has Dr. Hodges performed?

A: Dr. Hodges has performed over 15,000 spine surgeries across his career.

Q: What makes Dr. Hodges’ approach unique?

A: He focuses on motion-preserving, non-fusion strategies — particularly disc arthroplasty — to restore spinal function while maintaining natural movement, rather than immobilizing the spine with fusion hardware.

Q: Does Spine Motion Specialists accept insurance?

A: No, Spine Motion Specialists operates as a concierge practice and does not participate in insurance networks. This allows Dr. Hodges to deliver highly individualized, time-intensive care.

Q: What are Dr. Hodges’ academic contributions?

A: He holds 50+ patents for spinal devices, has authored approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications, and serves as Chairman of the Research Committee for the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.

Q: Where can I reach Dr. Hodges?

A: Spine Motion Specialists is located at 2415 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404. Phone: (423) 624-2696.