Our Medical Team

Dennis Crandall, MD

Title

Spine Surgeon

Location

Tempe

Physician Assistant:

Gina Arnold, PA-C

Medical Assistant:

Summyr

(623) 683-8130(480) 962-0590

Surgery Scheduler:

Mayra

(623) 683-8165

Medical Legal Coordinator:

Wendy

(623) 683-8232
Schedule Appointment
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I and my children were more than impressed with Dr. Crandall. His evaluation and plan for surgery was confident, direct and hopeful.

J. W.

Present Positions

  • Medical Director, Sonoran Spine

  • Chairman, Sonoran Spine Research and Education Foundation

  • Spine Surgeon, Arizona State University Department of Athletics

  • Co-Chair, Public Relations Committee, Scoliosis Research Society

  • Member, Awards-Scholarships Committee, Scoliosis Research Society

  • Member, the Spinal Deformity Study Group

  • Clinical Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

  • Head of Spine Education: Mayo Clinic - Arizona Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

Education

  • UNDERGRADUATE - Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

  • GRADUATE - Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

  • MEDICAL SCHOOL - St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO

  • GENERAL SURGERY INTERNSHIP - St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO

  • ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY RESIDENCY - St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO

  • SPINE SURGERY FELLOWSHIP - University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (Board Certified)

  • National Board of Medical Examiners

Teaching Appointments

  • Spine Attending, Scoliosis Clinic, Children's Rehabilitative Services

  • Instructor in Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Maryland

  • Clinical Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

  • Head of Spine Education: Mayo Clinic - Arizona Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program

Professional Associations

  • Scoliosis Research Society

  • North American Spine Society

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

  • American College of Surgeons (FACS)

  • Western Orthopedic Association

  • American Medical Association

  • Arizona Medical Association

  • Arizona Orthopedic Society

  • Maricopa Medical Association

Hospital Affiliations

  • HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center

Success stories

Dr. Crandall and staff,

Thanks so much for getting me back to normal. I have yet to have any kind of pain related to my surgery or after. My year x-ray was taken in October and I have one year to go for another. I have highly recommended you to a few people who need your services. Again, thanks to you (your special) and your staff, always so warm and caring. I have been working out in the pool two times a week and exercising and stretching at home. All is well!

K.B.

Hello there Dr. Crandall!

I wanted to tell you something. I know at times I have probably appeared to be a lost cause. I have had some weird problems and complications in my spine. Thank you so much for not giving up on me. I feel like I want you to know something. In the recovery from the worst of the … tendon ruptures, my church, family, and friends and of course myself… we were praying for a miracle. None of my surgeons or doctors could figure out how to stop the damage. In 2012, my son was 8 years old and had a dream where God spoke to him and told him that "I am going to heal your mom, but it's going to take a long time and we will have to be patient." From that point on I have had no new spontaneous ruptures. I am just still navigating the damage that had already been done.

I wrote a book about it and I am in the process of getting it published. It's about God's help during this time. I realize you never get to see the good side of what you do. You don't get to see the success of your work very often. Yesterday I hiked to the bottom gate of North Mountain. I haven't done that in 7 years. I had been told by my knee surgeon that I'd never be able to do that again. I will keep fighting until such time that God deems fit to restore me. I want you to see the faces of my children and husband. What you have done for my spine has allowed me to be a better mom, wife, and friend. This is a huge blessing and testimony. I have prayed for you many times and I believe God has given you wisdom and used you to help me. I can't thank you enough for helping me keep fighting through this trial. May God continue to guide you in your work.

Thank you!

From a card Dr. Crandall received…  
In certain parts of the world, I’d have to give you a dozen goats to express my gratitude for what you did. But, as I’m a little short on goats this week, please accept this card, instead.

Dr. Crandall,

Thank you so much for taking your time and looking over everything on my last visit. I am just very thankful to have you and Claire watching over my care. Nothing is more comforting than to know you have praying doctors. A physician who consults the ultimate physician, is a blessing to all of their patients. God Bless you.

A.M.

This could still be the pain and or meds talking but, one week post-surgery, I am man crushing on Dr Crandall. He is a confident Surgeon, and rightly so! Every medical professional he surrounds himself with have been nothing short of absolute professionals! Oasis hospital included! I firmly believe my meeting with Dr Crandall may have been divinely inspired. Either way, thank you Dr C for taking me on! I had all but forgotten how it felt to have hope!

I and my children were more than impressed with Dr. Crandall. His evaluation and plan for surgery was confident, direct and hopeful.

J.W.

Dear Dr. Crandall, Dr. Young, Claire, Melissa, Lenora, Melanie, Maria, Rachel, Sarah (everybody!)

I would like to give you and everyone in your office a BIG HUG of GRATITUDE!

Your excellent care helped me thru a bumpy road to see the sunshine! I’m so happy to be able to enjoy again some of my favorite activities, walking J, cooking, and sewing crafts.

The kindness and help from ALL of you made me feel you truly care!

With many thanks,

C.M.

Dr. Crandall,

Just a note to express my appreciation for your wonderful surgical abilities that you have worked so hard to perfect. My surgery has given me a whole new life and no pain! May God continue to guide you in your profession.

Most Sincerely,

G.G.

Dr. Crandall, Melissa, and the entire staff,

Thank you so much for the concern, compassion, and care that I have received. Everyone has been so kind.

I am so glad I was referred to Dr. Crandall. My back is starting to feel strong with less pain. I look forward to the day I can return to all the activities I enjoy. Thank you Dr. Crandall.

With sincere appreciation and thanks,

D.F.

Before surgery, I had difficulty walking more than several hundred feet some days and others, more like 50 feet. Now, I am half way through my new year’s goal of walking 1,000 miles in 2015. As of July 11, I have walked 547 miles and will be doing my 5.1 mile walk to Starbucks and back later this morning! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Melissa Gebhardt Tsai and Dennis Crandall. You have given me back my life.

S.R.

Dear Dr. Crandall and Melissa,

Earlier this month, Alex and I went to Show Low for a few days to cool off. Three years ago, we visited the same town and lake for a reprieve before my 2012 back surgery. At that time, I could only walk around the lake (flat paved surface) for fifteen minutes because of the stenosis and pains shooting down my leg.

However, this month, I walked around the entire lake (about a mile) and had no trouble other than shortness of breath due to higher altitude. After completing the walk, I felt ecstatic! I wanted to call you right then with a Big Thank You! For me, it was like running a 5k, only on a smaller scale!

You and your team have certainly changed my life. As I enter the sixth decade of my life, I am fairly active (walk, swim, work out at gym, substitute teach, etc.). I do not plan on sky diving or surfing anytime soon, so I should be good.

Dr. M has prescribed a compound lotion that helps greatly with the cervical pain and muscle tightness. That really is my only problem spot. My back does require a break on long trips in the car, but doesn’t everyone?

My heart is filled with thanksgiving that I came to you in 1997. Our medical relationship is very dear to me. I recommend you to everyone. It seem like so many are opposed to surgery, but for me, it was the answer to a productive life!

Much appreciation and thanks,

J.S.

Dear Dr. Crandall,

I am writing this letter to compliment what an amazing team you have in the Peoria Office. 5 years ago I had a neck fusion by another Spine doctor and much to my dismay some of the spine did not fuse properly and consequently I have suffered much pain and tried everything from physical therapy to various medications. I was referred to another surgeon at St. Josephs. I began the process of MRI and cat scans and when I called to schedule a follow-up appointment I was told I was not to contact them that once all had been reviewed they would call me. Needless to say not only have they never called me for a follow-up but this was back in July 2014 and now I live in constant in pain my hands are completely numb.

Melissa Gebardt Tsai, PA-C takes extremely good care of me. She is on point and always friendly. I have always been impressed with Dr. Crandall and his whole team. I am progressing nicely from my 3rd back surgery that was just completed in December (first one done by Dr. Crandall) and look forward to finally being pain free. I would recommend Sonoran Spine to anyone!

Thank you Dr. Crandall, Claire, Melissa, & Sonoran Spine staff for the INCREDIBLE care before, during, and after surgery! Your “bedside manner” in the office and in the hospital is MUCH APPRECIATED! Enjoy your lunch.

J.G.

Dear Dr. Crandall,

I wanted to take the time to let you know how much I appreciate the fact that you took on my "failed" back surgery I had in 2008 and fixed me! Since I've been home, I've had immediately relief to my low back pain, but more exciting than that, is that my leg pain is GONE! After suffering with it for over four years, I can actually say, "I have no pain"! My family and friends can see such a change in my attitude! I have a smile on my face, the brightness in my eyes is back and I feel human again, and it's all because of you and your outstanding surgical team!

My stay at Oasis Hospital was wonderful! The nursing staff that took care of me was nothing less than "top-notch"! With a special "thank you" to Caroline and Val, I have never had such caring nurses in my life! And with all the surgeries I've had in the past, Oasis and the nursing staff, by far surpass professionalism and compassion, and I will never forget them!

Dr. Crandall,

I am writing to thank you for the amazing surgery you performed on me. I have to admit I have put this surgery off for many years because of doubts, fears, and hopes that the bionic man or Robocop alternatives would be available. The pain I was enduring was totally unnecessary and without the good word of mouth and the support of my girlfriend Lorena, your staff Claire, Lenora, Melissa, and most importantly your skill and attention to detail I may have suffered longer. I am truly fortunate to have had coworkers, friends, and so many others recommend your expertise. I do not have the burning pain in my Achilles tendons anymore and am now walking and sitting comfortable for reasonable periods of time. I am doing everything to ensure I follow your instructions to the “T” and am positive I will have a full recovery.

Once again I would just like to thank you for the time you and your staff spent explaining, ensuring, and fulfilling the opportunity for a young man such as myself to have the opportunity to enjoy an active lifestyle again, and so many other simple activities that we take for granted that I have been unable to perform for over 14 years without intense repercussions of constant unwavering pain.

Sincerely,

C.N. (43 years old, optimistic and happy again)

Dear Dr. Crandall,

After being batted around since July by a threatened healthcare delivery system; I just had to write and let you know how redemptive my experience was with you and your cordial staff at Sonoran Spine, bar none. The expertise I benefited from while at OASIS was delivered by every single individual along my way. Remarkable work, all.

Thank you,

L.A.

Dear Doctors,

Please accept this letter as a testament to my extremely successful back surgery. It has been one year ago this month that you took me from chronic 24/7 pain to a pain-free life that has been more than I’d hoped for.

Thank you, Melissa, for your sincere and heart-felt mission to help me physically and mentally when the last-minute glitch postponed the surgery I’d pinned all my hopes on. Your caring and quick responses to my needs will always be remembered with a smile.

And thank you, Dr. Crandall, for your insightful and decisive medical knowledge. I was so relieved when you told me you could help me and you did it perfectly.

I am now walking 1 ½ miles per day. My back gets a little tired sometimes, but it is such an amazing experience to be pain free and…no prescription medications! Thank you again.

J.S.

Dear Dr. Crandall and Operating Team,

Thank you so much for my beautiful, new, straight spine. Just 10 days after surgery, I was working out in a PT session when I found my new center of gravity and walked for the first time on my own.

I stopped the session and cried bittersweet tears—tears of joy for my new feeling of freedom in my own body and tears of empathy for the woman who had dealt with increasing limitations for years.

Thanks to your work, I now look forward to many years of enjoyable and productive living. By the way, Dr. Crandall, the curve you gave me is beautiful. Let me know if you ever want to be a sculptor and I will take you under my mentorship.

JD

Dr. Crandall & all the wonderful ladies in his office!

I can’t thank you all enough for helping me out and making me feel so comfortable before, during, and after my surgery! It was the best experience I’ve had with any of my surgeries.

Because of you Dr. Crandall I can have a pain free holiday season!

My whole family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

N.W.

Dear Dr. Crandall,

This new year marks our 20th anniversary! Twenty years ago, you took x-rays of my scoliosis spine. You spoke of surgery. I was very frightened. But your words, “You don’t want to be all bend over looking up at people do you?” clinched the decision for me. I believe it was April of 1997 that I trusted you with my spine.

I was 42 then. At the end of this month, I received my first social security check. How did so much time fly by? Ben, in 2012, you completed the process with my back, relieving much pain and numbness.

Today, I stand up straight and look people square in the eyes. Sure, it was hard to give up horseback riding and tennis, but the trade-off was worth it. I am very cautious with my back and protect it to the best of my ability.

I am again so grateful when Dr. Kirby referred me to you. You have a brilliant mind, steady hands, and a tender heart toward those who suffer.

I mention you to anyone I meet with spine issues. Just recently a fellow retired teacher, Pat, came to see you. She had a roof fall on her neck. She taught every day in excessive pain.

So, twenty years later, I thank you for saving my physical life. These next decades will be slower (ha) but productive and mobile.

Wishing you deep satisfaction as you bring new life to each patient, one at a time.

Dear Dr. Crandall,

I wish to express my deepest thanks to you, your staff – Laura and Sarah – and the team who cared for me both pre and post-op. Going into surgery was not originally on my mind, after my injury and prolonged pain. Your staff and especially you, made my fears and anxiety melt away.

When J.C. told me that you are the physician that I needed to see, I didn’t realize as the time that not only was he right, he was dead center spot on.

I have spent the majority of my 30 year career in various facets of healthcare and I know and recognize good service when I see it, as well as receive it. Thank you again for your skills, understanding, and most of all, your support and encouragement. You can place me on your “satisfied patient” roster, indeed.

Very truly yours,

S.S.

We love our patients! Thank you to Dr. Crandall’s patient for bringing in a cake to celebrate 6,215 pain free days since his surgery.

Dr Crandall is the best! I am feeling better now then way back in 2008. We really miss Claire Lenora is wonderful! And Lynette is always so helpful. Actually everyone we've come in contact with has been very helpful

B.D.

Dr. Crandall,

I don’t know how I could possibly thank you enough for helping me. For the first time in a few years I’m optimistic. It seemed like every doctor I talked to just wrote me off, but you really made a difference in my life. I feel so much better now. I’m so grateful for all of your time and effort that let you help me. Thank you so much for my second chance.

H.A.