Scott McCarty, MD

Dr. Scott McCarty is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical and lumbar spine conditions. He sees patients in Livonia, Southfield and Sterling Heights and treats both common and complex spine problems using nonoperative care when appropriate and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is necessary.

Dr. McCarty is fellowship-trained in spine surgery and has performed more than 1,000 spine procedures. His areas of expertise include minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal decompression, cervical and lumbar fusion, disc replacement and advanced approaches for degenerative conditions of the neck and lower back.

ABOS Board Certified | University of Maryland Spine Fellowship | 1,000+ Spine Procedures | Hour Detroit Top Doc — Orthopedic Surgery, 2025

About Dr. Scott McCarty

Scott McCarty, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon and Medical Director of Spine, Back & Neck at Synergy Health Partners. His practice focuses on helping patients with neck pain, back pain and nerve-related symptoms understand the cause of their condition and choose the least invasive treatment capable of providing durable relief.

Dr. McCarty completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, where he served as Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. McCarty has been involved in resident education and spine research through Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University. He then completed dedicated fellowship training in spine surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center, including training in advanced minimally invasive spine techniques.

He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Before medical school, Dr. McCarty earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with distinction from Purdue University.

He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed research involving minimally invasive spine surgery, lumbar fusion, neuroforaminal stenosis, spinal trauma and emerging technologies in spine surgery.

Dr. McCarty was recognized as an Hour Detroit Top Doc in Orthopedic Surgery in 2025.

Spine Conditions Dr. McCarty Treats

Dr. McCarty evaluates and treats a broad range of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders. Common conditions include spinal stenosis, herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, cervical radiculopathy, lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica, spondylolisthesis, spinal arthritis, nerve compression and other degenerative conditions of the neck and lower back.

Treatment begins with an individualized evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, imaging, functional limitations and goals. Surgery is recommended only when appropriate based on the patient’s condition and response to nonsurgical treatment.

Spine Surgery and Procedures

When surgery is needed, Dr. McCarty uses contemporary spine techniques intended to decompress affected nerves, restore stability and preserve function whenever possible.

His surgical practice includes minimally invasive spine surgery, lumbar and cervical decompression, laminectomy, microdiscectomy, cervical and lumbar fusion, disc replacement and other procedures for degenerative spine conditions.

Dr. McCarty also has experience with OptiLIF, an ultra-minimally invasive approach used in selected patients requiring lumbar fusion. The appropriate surgical technique depends on each patient’s anatomy, diagnosis and treatment goals.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques can allow surgeons to address certain spine conditions through smaller surgical corridors while limiting disruption of surrounding muscle and soft tissue.

Dr. McCarty received advanced training in minimally invasive spine surgery during his fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center and has continued to incorporate modern spine technologies and techniques into his practice.

Not every patient or condition is appropriate for a minimally invasive procedure. Dr. McCarty evaluates each case individually and discusses both operative and nonoperative options so patients can make an informed decision about their care.

Research and Academic Work

Dr. McCarty has contributed to peer-reviewed research involving spine surgery and emerging surgical technologies. His publications have addressed minimally invasive treatment of spinal fractures, lumbar fusion biologics, neuroforaminal stenosis, lumbar disc replacement, augmented and virtual reality in spine surgery and spinal biomechanics.

Selected publications include work published in Global Spine Journal, Spine Deformity, Cureus, and the Spartan Medical Research Journal.

Why Patients Choose Dr. McCarty

Patients frequently describe Dr. McCarty as thorough, approachable and willing to take time to explain imaging findings, treatment options and expectations for recovery. His approach emphasizes understanding the patient’s goals, considering nonsurgical treatment when appropriate and using surgical treatment selectively when it offers a meaningful opportunity to improve function and quality of life.

Spine Surgeon in Livonia and Metro Detroit

Dr. McCarty sees spine patients at Synergy Health Partners locations in Livonia, Southfield and Sterling Heights, Michigan, caring for patients throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and the greater Metro Detroit area.