Spine Surgeon Joins Coastal Orthopedics Physician Group

SARASOTA, Fla., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine | Pain Management is pleased to announce the addition of orthopedic spine surgeon, William L. Tontz, JR., MD to their medical team.  Dr. Tontz is the only spine specialist in Manatee County who completed a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery, and is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Tontz specializes in kyphoplasty, minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgery, non-operative spinal care, and outpatient spinal decompression surgery.  While his expertise lies in adult spine trauma and reconstruction, Dr. Tontz says 90% of his patients do not require surgery.  "I approach each patient's treatment, individually, as if I were in their shoes. For me, surgery is a last resort. There are minimally invasive, non-operative procedures that are available for the treatment of spinal disorders and pain that can be just as effective as surgery," said Dr. Tontz.

Dr. Tontz was recently elected to a 3-year term on the North American Spine Society's Evidence Based Guideline Committee. The committee reviews and reports on current industry guidelines and protocols to provide evidence-based analysis and recommendations.  The clinical guidelines are used industry-wide to assist physicians in the treatment and management of back pain.

Prior to joining Coastal, Dr. Tontz worked at Crystal Lake Orthopedics in Illinois, and San Diego Orthopaedic Associates - the oldest orthopedic medical practice in San Diego County, California.  He completed his spine fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, and took part in surgical and research residency programs at the University of California, San Diego.  He received his medical degree from University of Southern California School of Medicine.

"Dr. Tontz is at the forefront of his field.  We're extremely fortunate to have someone with his experience, credentials, and dedication to patients, join our practice," said Coastal Orthopedics chief executive officer, Paul M. Duck. "We firmly believe that Dr. Tontz will lead the way in creating a spine center of excellence that will allow our region to enjoy national prominence in cutting-edge medical treatment."

About Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine/Pain Management

Coastal Orthopedics has been serving the Sarasota-Bradenton area for over thirty years. In addition to 3 offices and two surgery centers each servicing Florida's West Coast, Coastal Orthopedics' staff of 17 board certified and fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons provide patients with the very latest in pain and orthopedic treatment technology.  The company strives to repair and heal injuries relating to the entire musculoskeletal system. With a world-renowned staff of physicians and surgeons ranging in specialty care in sports medicine, joint replacement, pain management and rehabilitation, patients can be treated for athletic injuries as well as restoration of function and activity through non-surgical, physician-guided strengthening, therapy, medications, injections, and stretching. For more information visit www.coastalorthopedics.com.

SOURCE Coastal Orthopedics & Sports Medicine/Pain Management