Spine Surgeon

Fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in spine surgery and spinal cord injury, Dr. Cannestra brings decades of experience, surgical precision, and a deeply personalized approach to treating spinal conditions. He has served as Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery Program, and is one of the founding members of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery.

Board-certified and widely respected in his field, Dr. Cannestra has helped thousands of patients regain strength, reduce pain, and return to full, active lives — all through thoughtful, carefully tailored care.

Conditions Treated & Procedures Performed:

  • Spinal fusion & dynamic stabilization – Restoring spinal integrity and reducing pain
  • Minimally invasive spinal surgery – Smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, faster recovery
  • Robotic-assisted spinal surgery – Enhanced precision and patient-specific planning
  • Artificial disc replacement – Motion-preserving alternatives to spinal fusion
  • Neuroendoscopy – Minimally invasive treatment of intracranial and spinal conditions
  • Spinal deformity & reconstructive surgery – Advanced solutions for alignment and stability

Why Patients Trust Dr. Cannestra:

  • Fellowship-trained in both spine surgery and spinal cord injury
  • Diplomate of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery
  • Founding member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
  • Former Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery Program
  • Member of leading national organizations including:
    • American Association of Neurologic Surgeons (AANS)
    • Congress of Neurologic Surgeons (CNS)
    • North American Spine Society (NASS)
  • Committed to tailored, responsible surgical care based on each patient’s unique needs

Residency

Neurosurgical Resident at the UCLA Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. Affiliate Hospitals: UCLA Westwood Medical Center, LA County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Wadsworth/West LA VA Medical Center, Santa Monica – UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center

Licences and Certifications

2001-Present Medical Licensure, California A77 446

2004-2006 Medical Registration for Licensure, Florida TRN 7938

2006-Present Medical Licensure, Florida ME95573

2005-Present Fluoroscopy X-Ray Supervisor and Operator, California RHC 163488

2009-Present Diplomate of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery

2015-Present Medical Licensure, Hawaii MD 18411

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