
Nikhil Adapa, MD
Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon
Orthopedic Spine Surgery · cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine
About
Comprehensive spine care, starting with the conversation.
Dr. Nikhil Adapa is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon providing comprehensive care for conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including degenerative conditions, spinal deformity, trauma, infection, and tumors.
Biography
Dr. Nikhil Adapa is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in a comprehensive range of spinal conditions, including degenerative disorders, spinal deformity, trauma, infection, tumors, and complex spinal pathology.
Dr. Adapa earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine before completing his orthopedic surgery residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in spine surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. His fellowship provided comprehensive training in both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine techniques, preparing him to evaluate and treat a broad spectrum of spinal disorders, from common degenerative conditions to complex spinal pathology.
His passion for spine care was shaped by his medical training, international medical mission work, and experiences caring for patients across diverse communities. These experiences showed him the significant impact chronic neck and back conditions can have on a person's independence and quality of life. Persistent pain and loss of function can affect a patient's ability to work, remain active, spend time with family, and pursue the activities that give life meaning. He is committed to helping patients throughout the San Antonio community regain function, mobility, and independence.
Dr. Adapa takes a patient-centered approach to care, emphasizing accurate diagnosis and conservative treatment whenever possible. When surgery is indicated, he works closely with patients through shared decision-making to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their condition, goals, and lifestyle. His surgical practice incorporates minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques when appropriate, with an emphasis on reducing the impact of surgery while restoring function and mobility. His surgical interests include minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, motion-preserving procedures, complex and revision spine surgery, and adult spinal deformity.
In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Adapa has an extensive background in orthopedic and spine research, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations. His research has focused on reducing complications following complex spine reconstruction, optimizing intraoperative neuromonitoring, and improving patient outcomes. He remains committed to evidence-based care and incorporating advances in spine surgery into thoughtful, individualized treatment.
Above all, Dr. Adapa believes that patients should understand their diagnosis and feel actively involved in decisions about their care. He prioritizes clear communication and patient education, helping each person understand the available treatment options and make informed decisions that align with their individual goals.
Whether treatment involves non-operative management or surgery, the goal is to help patients return to the activities, independence, and quality of life that matter most to them.
Training
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Orthopedic surgery residency
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Spine surgery fellowship
Memberships




Affiliations
South Texas Spine and Surgical Hospital
Huebner Clinic
Conditions he treats
The whole spine, from routine to complex. Which approach fits, whether that is non-operative care, a minimally invasive decompression, a motion-preserving option, or a fusion, is decided from your examination and imaging rather than from preference.
Neck
Neck pain, cervical stenosis, cervical myelopathy, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical disc herniation.
Mid-back
Thoracic disc herniation and deformity affecting the thoracic spine.
Low back
Back pain, sciatica, lumbar stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, and spondylolisthesis.
Deformity
Degenerative adult scoliosis and adult deformity correction.
Tumors and infection
Primary spine tumors, metastatic spine disease, and spinal infections.
Fractures and revision
Osteoporotic compression fractures, spine fractures and dislocations, and revision surgery after an operation elsewhere.
Outside of medicine
Dr. Adapa enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He is an avid traveler and tennis player, a passionate college football fan, and enjoys fantasy football and time on the lake. As a new member of the San Antonio community, he and his wife also enjoy exploring the city’s restaurants and neighborhoods.
Ready to take the next step?
Request an appointment online in about two minutes. Appointment requests answered within two business days.
