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Headshot of Dr. McNally, top rated Orthopedic spine surgeon in Chicago, Elk Grove and River Forest IL

Listening to Your Needs

No two spine conditions — or patients — are exactly alike. Dr. McNally begins with a careful evaluation to understand the source of the problem, how it is affecting the patient's life, and what they want to be able to get back to doing.

Treatment is tailored to the individual. For some patients, that means physical therapy, medication or injections. For others, surgery may be appropriate. When it is, Dr. McNally considers the full range of surgical options, from advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques to traditional spine surgery, based on what will best address the underlying condition.

The goal is not to recommend the newest or most aggressive treatment. It is to recommend the right treatment for the right patient at the right time

Dr. McNally takes the time to understand how a spine condition is affecting each patient’s life, explain the diagnosis and treatment options, and answer questions. With offices in the Chicago area, patients have convenient options for evaluation and follow-up care.

Thomas A. McNally, MD, is a board-certified, dual fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

His practice combines comprehensive spine care with advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques, including ultra-minimally invasive procedures. Dr. McNally was the first orthopaedic spine surgeon in Illinois to perform an endoscopic ultra-minimally invasive pars stress fracture (spondylolysis) repair using advanced Arthrex techniques.

His approach begins with an accurate diagnosis and a clear understanding of each patient's goals. Treatment may include physical therapy, injections, endoscopic or minimally invasive procedures, or traditional spine surgery when appropriate.

Common Conditions Treated

Dr. McNally evaluates and treats a wide range of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

  • Back pain                                                                                      Cervical radiculopathy                                                

  • Spondylolisthesis                                                                     Neck pain

  • Spondylolysis (pars stress fractures)                            Herniated discs

  • Compression fractures                                                        Sciatica

  • Scoliosis & kyphosis                                                               Spinal stenosis​​​

 

Education and Training

Dr. McNally earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College before receiving his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic surgery training at the University of Chicago and advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at both the University of Chicago and Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center.

He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is an active member of the North American Spine Society and the Scoliosis Research Society.

He practices at Midwest Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Specialists, with offices in Elk Grove Village and Chicago, and is affiliated with Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.

Meet Dr. McNally:

Patient First Philosophy

Personalized , Comprehensive Care

Care Tailored to You

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Focus on Endoscopic  Ultra Minimally Invasive Techniques

State of the Art Treatment

Dr. McNally's commitment to his patients is reflected in his use of the latest medical advances, including endoscopic spine treatments, also known as ultra minimally invasive techniques.

 

Dr. McNally is dedicated to helping his patients lead active and productive lives. With his expertise and compassionate approach, he works to provide the best possible care for each individual. 

 

For example, one potential source of lower back pain is the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which has been identified as a common pain generator in many patients with chronic lower back pain. It can also be a source of pain for those who have had a lumbar fusion. If the SI joint is confirmed as the cause of your symptoms, Dr. McNally will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include physical therapy, medications, or injections. For patients who do not achieve long-term relief from these non-surgical options, advanced minimally invasive procedures may be considered to alleviate pain and improve function.

No two spine conditions — or patients — are exactly alike. Dr. McNally begins with a careful evaluation to understand the source of the problem, how it is affecting the patient's life, and what they want to be able to get back to doing.Treatment is tailored to the individual. For some patients, that means physical therapy, medication or injections. For others, surgery may be appropriate. When it is, Dr. McNally considers the full range of surgical options, from advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques to traditional spine surgery, based on what will best address the underlying condition.The goal is not to recommend the newest or most aggressive treatment. It is to recommend the right treatment for the right patient at the right timeDr. McNally takes the time to understand how a spine condition is affecting each patient’s life, explain the diagnosis and treatment options, and answer questions. With offices in the Chicago area, patients have convenient options for evaluation and follow-up care.

Listening to Your Needs

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Dr. McNally explaining spinal care plan to a spine patient

As a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon, Dr. McNally provides both non-operative and operative care for a broad range of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions in adults and pediatric patients.

Seeing a spine surgeon does not necessarily mean having surgery. Dr. McNally takes a patient-first approach, considering each patient’s diagnosis, goals and the full range of appropriate treatment options. He works with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support throughout each patient’s spine care.

When surgery is appropriate, Dr. McNally’s expertise includes ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic, minimally invasive, robotic and traditional spine surgery. His goal is to select the approach best suited to the individual patient and condition, with a focus on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients return to the activities that matter to them.

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I have been a patient of Dr McNally since 2014. Since then he has performed 3 spinal fusions and carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. He is very professional, attentive and will spend as much time as needed to make sure you understand everything. He also is up on the latest technologies and he takes pride in his work as a surgeon and it shows. I wouldn't let anyone else operate on my back or my neck. I face more surgeries and he will be my 1st choice, hands down. His staff is amazing and his nurse, Kim is an asset to him as well. They make a great team! I feel grateful to have met them.

Incredible staff and doctor! Wonderful care, everybody was very attentive after I expressed frustrations about not being cared for properly by other doctors. They all took the time to listen, to understand and to (finally!) get a plan going for me. Would recommend him in a heartbeat.

Our visit was a great experience. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. As a physician I was impressed with Dr. McNally's attention for detail and his expertise in his specialty. He also broke down his prognosis into digestable bites so that his patient, my 15 year old daughter, could easily understand. Appreciate everything he did for us.

Affiliations and Awards

The logo for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.  Dr. McNally is ABOS certified.

Logo for North American Spine Society of which Dr. McNally is a member
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