Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh, MD

I had an appointment with Dr Cavanaugh to access my Lumbar & Thoracic Spine,as well as my hips. He sent me for a CT Scan and X-rays of my hips. My spine was worse than I could imagine. My hips showed Osteoarthritis in both with the right being the worst. He advised me to see a Hip Specialist as I more than likely was needing a hip replacement. I still haven’t as I am terrified. I had Lumbar Surgery approx 6 years ago. After surgery it kept getting worse not better. The CT Scan showed the Fusion in my Lumbar was a failed surgery, at Mercy. I am so Grateful to have a Dr believe me first of all. However I’m now afraid of Surgery..even though I can’t even put my socks on. I don’t know who to trust. However I trust in Dr Cavanaugh. But he doesn’t do hips.

Dr. Cavanaugh never looked either of us in the eye. He told us that no one had ever asked about that issue before and he absolutely made us feel stupid. He was dismissive and curt and acted like we were wasting his time. He did offer to order an MRI and meds if WE wanted but didn’t think it was necessary. Again, there are better ways to speak to your patients. Doctors should NOT treat any patients like that.

I was having pain and was referred to Dr. Cavanagh. He took his time with me and he preformed a surgical procedure to get me better He did a Cervical Fusion and I am pleased Dr. Cavanagh has been very helpful and I will definitely keep going to him

He did an amazing surgery on my spine for a multi level cervical decompression and fusion. I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor. He is a highly skilled surgeon who does difficult spinal surgeries with great outcomes. I highly recommend him.

Dr. Cavanaugh performed a laminectomy at the L5S1 in 2018 at UNC after nothing non-surgical would stop my 24/7 sciatic pain. The surgery was successful and I haven’t had any issues since. At 42, I’m back to working out 6-7 days a week with very few modifications. I was sad to hear that he was moving from UNC to UMD, but their system is absurdly lucky to have him. Given that I grew up in MD, I’m comforted knowing I can send friends and family to see him if needed.

I highly recommend Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh who who corrected a failed spinal fusion by another surgeon which resulted in ostsomylitis rendering me immobile a year ago. Dr. Cavanaugh correctly diagnosed my medical condition, performing a bone graft replacement, and rebuilding my spine enabling me to walk again. I can't adequately express my sincere gratitude for the excellent care I received from him and will be forever grateful for the lifesaving skills offered to me from the hands of this great surgeon and UNC hospital!

Dr. Kavanaugh saved my life from a horrific MVA. I am eternally grateful for him.

Dr. Cavanaugh, Repaired my elderly dad's hip after a fall in March 2017. He is the best and always answered all of our questions. Great bedside manner!