DeTar Brings Advanced Spine Surgery Closer to Home

4/3/2026

First Cervical Disc Replacement Procedures Mark New Era for the Crossroads

For years, patients across Victoria and the Crossroads facing severe neck pain often shared the same concern: when surgery became necessary, it meant leaving home. Traveling to larger cities like Houston or San Antonio added stress, cost and time away from family during an already difficult moment.

That reality has changed.

DeTar Healthcare System has introduced cervical disc replacement to the region—bringing a highly advanced, motion-preserving spine procedure to its operating rooms and making it accessible close to home for the first time.

“This is an important step forward for healthcare in our region,” said Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. “Our commitment is to continuously elevate the level of care available here, so patients don’t have to travel to receive advanced surgical treatment. Being able to offer procedures like cervical disc replacement right here in Victoria means better access, greater convenience and stronger outcomes for the communities we serve.”

In February 2026, Dr. Derek Moody, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and independent member of the DeTar medical staff, performed the first cervical disc replacement surgeries in Victoria—marking a milestone not just for his practice, but for DeTar’s surgical capabilities and the region as a whole.

Elevating the Operating Room

The addition of cervical disc replacement reflects ongoing investment in DeTar’s operating room technology, surgical knowledge and patient-centered care.

“These procedures require a high level of precision, coordination and advanced technology,” said Margaret Schaar, R.N., director of the operating room at DeTar Healthcare System. “Our surgical teams are equipped and trained to support complex spine procedures safely and effectively. What we’re offering now is the kind of care patients used to believe was only available in larger metropolitan hospitals.”

She added, “This marks a major advancement for the Crossroads. Patients no longer have to choose between staying close to home and accessing modern care—they can have both.”

Using a high-powered operating microscope and advanced neuromonitoring, DeTar’s surgical teams support procedures where millimeters matter—enhancing both safety and outcomes.

A Different Approach to Spine Surgery

Cervical disc replacement offers an alternative to traditional spinal fusion. Instead of permanently joining two bones together, the procedure replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one—preserving natural movement in the neck.

“The discs in your neck act like cushions between the bones,” Dr. Moody explained. “When one wears out or presses on a nerve, it can cause significant pain, numbness or weakness. With disc replacement, we remove the damaged disc, relieve that pressure and restore movement.”

For the right patients, this approach can improve long-term function and reduce strain on other areas of the spine.

“Not everyone is a candidate,” Dr. Moody noted, “but for many patients, it’s a superior option that allows us to treat the problem while maintaining motion.”

Many of these procedures can also be performed on a same-day basis, allowing patients to return home shortly after surgery and recover in familiar surroundings.

Care That Stays Close

Beyond the technology and technique, the greatest impact may be what this advancement means for patients and their families.

Receiving care locally allows patients to stay connected to their support systems—from pre-surgical consultations through recovery and follow-up. It reduces travel burdens, shortens time away from work and family, and makes the entire care journey more manageable.

“I’ve seen patients delay surgery because of the stress of traveling,” Dr. Moody said. “Now, they can receive the same level of care right here, without leaving their community.”

That continuity of care—before, during and after surgery—is something DeTar continues to prioritize.

A Milestone for the Crossroads

The introduction of cervical disc replacement is more than a single procedure—it represents a broader commitment by DeTar Healthcare System to expand access to advanced, specialized care in the region.

As new technologies and surgical techniques continue to evolve, DeTar’s focus remains clear: bringing high-quality, patient-centered care closer to home.

“This is just the beginning,” Maxfield said. “We’re proud to continue growing our capabilities and investing in the future of healthcare for the Crossroads.”

For patients across Victoria and surrounding communities, that future now includes access to advanced spine care—without ever leaving home.

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