Garry M. Banks, MD, is a fellowship trained spine surgeon with over 20 years experience in the surgical treatment of problems in all areas of the spine. He is experienced in treating spinal problems in adults and elderly patients. Special areas of interest include complex cervical problems, spinal deformity, lumbar reconstructive surgery, as well as minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Banks has had extensive training and experience with spinal injections.
Dr. Banks does not see patients under 18 years old.
Clinical Interest
Spine and neck care, including cervical decompression, cervical microsurgery, cervical laminoplasty, cervical artificial disc replacement, cervical fusion, and cervical complex reconstruction
Spinal deformity surgery, including correction of scoliosis, kyphosis, flat back syndrome and spondylolisthesis, including fusions, non-fusion deformity correction, and complex spinal osteotomies
Lumbar surgery, including minimally invasive decompression/discectomy surgery and fusion surgery
Dr. Banks does not see patients under 18 years old.
Education
Certification
Orthopedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship
University of Minnesota, John H Moe Spinal Deformity Fellowship
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Medical Degree
Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations
Maple Grove Hospital
North Memorial Health – Robbinsdale Hospital
Professional Affiliations
Hennepin County Medical Society
Minnesota Medical Society
North American Spine Society
Dr. Banks gave me my life back! I came to him with two posterior and two anterior cervical surgeries under my belt. I had a CT scan and was told by three different providers that I had a failed fusion. I went to my previous doctor with this information and he told me I was fine (I was not fine). I went for a second opinion with Dr. Banks and he said I wasn’t fine. Four weeks later I had surgery. I will forever be grateful to him for his wisdom, help and caring attitude. While I may have a whole hardware store in my neck, I am hoping to get to enjoy life again.
July 4, 2023
Carol C.
Dr. Banks is simply the best spine/neck surgeon in my opinion! He goes above and beyond what is expected. He watched me walk into his building and told me the issue wasn’t my back, it was my neck. I walked with a cane, while dragging my right leg behind me. An MRI confirmed he was correct, and we scheduled surgery immediately. After one of my surgeries, my husband had to be out of town for business. Dr. Banks called him on his way home from work to tell him how my surgery went. How many doctors do you know that would do that?
Dr. Banks told his staff that if I ever call with an emergency, they are to let him know because with me, it’s always an emergency! I have referred several people to see him. He is straight and to the point with anyone’s orthopedic issues. If he can or if he cannot help you, he will let you know.
If you know of anyone with spine or neck issues, Dr. Banks is the surgeon for you! I will NOT let any other spine/neck surgeon touch me! I don’t know what I’m going to do when the day comes that he decides to retire, hopefully that’s not for quite a while. He is a very caring and skilled surgeon and I truly appreciate his talent and knowledge. Thank you, Dr. Banks, for everything you have done for me and continue to do for me! I appreciate YOU!
June 30, 2023
Laurie V.
It has been one year since my back surgery and every day I am so thankful for Dr. Banks. He changed my life. Prior to surgery I was experiencing back pain that would radiate down my right leg into my foot. We tried conservative approach but soon realized that surgery was the best option. Today I can say my surgery was a success and I am back to being active. Thank you Dr. Banks.
April 22, 2023
Janet B.
I’ve had multiple spine/back surgeries, the most recent was 4 months ago. I chose Dr. Banks for my recent surgery and I’m very happy I did. He spent time understanding my issue and tried several non-invasive attempts at reducing my pain. Eventually we decided surgery was the best option. Three months after the procedure I was doing things I haven’t been able to do without pain for a long time. I’m feeling so much better. Dr. Banks is an excellent spine surgeon and I would chose him again without hesitation.
October 27, 2022
April C.
Dr. Banks was excellent when our 14 year old daughter had to have spinal fusion and decompression. He made sure she was taken care of and did an awesome job. We are very grateful for him and now our daughter wants to be a doctor herself. Thanks Dr. Banks!
May 4, 2022
Carie T.
Last Summer I ended up having several surgeries on my back to alleviate a double herniation at my S1/L5. I happen to have a tattoo right where the incisions had to go. Dr. Garry Banks is a MASTER surgeon. You can barely see the scar, he didn’t cut right thru the tattoo and he got the herniation out too. I show everyone and brag about him. 10/10 would recommend!!!
February 24, 2022
Bill G.
In January 2021, I started feeling pain in my right hip. It continually got worse and traveled down my right leg to the point of limping and necessary to walk with a cane. The pain continually increased. After months of seeing a doctor for the hip pain, they referred me to Dr. Banks. In just one visit, he identified that the problem was not in my hip (it was in my back) and said we should schedule surgery. His words to me were, ” I can help you”. I had a surgery date scheduled in January 2022. After surgery, I was so surprised that all my severe pain was completely GONE! It has now been 2 months after the surgery. Dr. Banks performed a miracle on me. I am so thankful to be pain free. I will refer anybody to him for back problems.
March 8, 2021
Heidi W.
I’m an extreme obstacle course racer and ultra endurance runner. I travel all the way from Florida to see Dr. Banks at Twin Cities Orthopedics. He’s the only doctor I would ever let do surgery on my back! I’m at the age of 62 and am still a world champion. I wouldn’t see anyone other than Dr. Banks.
January 23, 2021
Fassou D.
Dr. Banks is the best orthopedic surgeon I have ever known. He has been our physician (for my wife and I) since 2004. When I say he’s the best, it is not only about his skills but the way he interacts with his patients and staff. Dr. Banks takes his time to listen carefully with respect to your concerns. He is a kind, knowledgeable person and is surrounded by very professional, friendly and helpful staff. My wife and I have had two surgeries each, performed successfully by him. My wife has had two cervical fusions and I have had two lumbar discectomies. Each surgery went very well and the recoveries were fast. My last surgery was done on December 22, 2020. I called it my ‘life saving surgery’ because the pain I had before it was gone. Big thanks Dr. Banks!
September 12, 2019
Paul G.
I can’t begin to describe how wonderful my back, buttock and leg has been feeling since the surgery. There has been no pain or numbness whatsoever. It was basically a perfect outcome. Thanks again, Dr. Banks!!
June 28, 2019
William C.
I had been suffering with severe pain and numbness in my shoulder and right arm from a pinched nerve in my neck. It was so bad I couldn’t even push or pull a door open. I wasn’t able to get the care I needed from another provider so I called Twin Cities Orthopedic on a Wednesday. They got me in to see Dr. Banks the following Monday. After looking at scans of my neck he recommended spinal fusion surgery, which was performed that Thursday. When I woke up from surgery, the pain was completely gone and strength had returned to my hand. Now six weeks later, I am back to full activities, including playing tennis again, which I was afraid wouldn’t happen. I can’t say enough about the care I received from Twin Cities Orthopedics and Dr. Banks.
