By Sondra Barr
When it comes to exceptional orthopedic care, the Orthopedic Institute of North Texas (OINT) doesn’t just meet expectations—it sets the standard. Founded by Justin M. Kane, MD, a renowned board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, OINT combines advanced medical expertise with a compassionate approach to ensure that every patient feels valued and understood. As OINT’s Chief Operating Officer Steve Escudero explains, “Our providers truly live our patient-centric philosophy every day.”
Putting Patients First
At OINT, the focus is always on the patient. This isn’t just about clinical care; it’s a deeply ingrained philosophy that drives every interaction within the practice. Escudero emphasizes that OINT strives to go beyond standard care, ensuring that patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey. “We’re here to serve every demographic, and our goal is always to make sure that each patient feels prioritized and receives the best possible care,” Escudero says.
OINT’s patient-first approach is reflected in the caliber of its team, which includes some of the most respected specialists in their fields. Dr. Kane is a distinguished foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon who has built a global reputation for his expertise in complex reconstructive procedures and limb salvage surgeries. Patients travel from around the world to OINT’s locations in Frisco and Flower Mound, drawn by Dr. Kane’s dedication to personalized care and innovative treatment methods.
Expertise Across Specialties
OINT’s commitment to excellence extends across its diverse team of specialists. Among them is Dr. Vikas Patel, who specializes in hand, wrist, shoulder, and elbow surgeries. With a background in biomedical engineering and advanced training in shoulder and elbow reconstruction, Dr. Patel brings a wealth of experience to his role at OINT. His approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care, helping patients achieve the best outcomes with the least disruption to their lives.
Another key member of the team is Dr. Leroy Butler, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon who offers a wide range of treatments, including advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures. With a strong focus on non-invasive options and a dedication to patient education, Dr. Butler’s holistic approach ensures that each patient’s unique needs are at the forefront of their care plan.
Specializing in spine surgery, Dr. Christopher A. Kowalski brings expertise in minimally invasive and complex spinal procedures to OINT. His training at leading institutions, including the AO Spine Fellowship program, equips him to handle a broad spectrum of spinal conditions, from routine issues to intricate deformity corrections. Dr. Kowalski’s approach prioritizes non-operative treatments whenever possible, aligning with OINT’s overall philosophy of compassionate, patient-centered care.
OINT also benefits from the expertise of Dr. Michael McHugh, a fellowship-trained hip and knee orthopedic surgeon. Dr. McHugh specializes in hip and knee replacement surgeries, minimally invasive techniques, and robotic-assisted procedures. His extensive background in treating conditions like hip dysplasia and performing complex revision surgeries reflects OINT’s dedication to offering cutting-edge care. Having trained at the University of Michigan and OrthoCarolina Hip and Knee Center, Dr. McHugh’s advanced knowledge of joint replacement provides OINT patients with a range of innovative surgical options. His commitment to serving others is a driving force behind his approach, which prioritizes restoring function and improving the quality of life for his patients.
OINT’s commitment to growing and expanding its expertise is further evidenced by the arrival of Dr. Bryce Clinger, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Clinger specializes in treating shoulder, hip, and knee injuries, including complex cases such as shoulder arthroplasty and knee ligament reconstruction. With his experience in both arthroscopic and open surgical techniques, Dr. Clinger’s addition reflects OINT’s dedication to offering comprehensive care across a variety of orthopedic specialties. His expertise in sports medicine, honed through his time providing team coverage at the University of Virginia and James Madison University, further strengthens OINT’s ability to serve patients with active lifestyles.
With this diverse team of specialists, OINT continues to lead the way in delivering advanced, patient-centered orthopedic care to North Texas, ensuring every patient receives expert, personalized treatment from some of the best in the field.
Advanced Technology and Treatment Options
OINT’s dedication to cutting-edge care is evident in its embrace of advanced technologies and treatment methods. From state-of-the-art 3D modeling for custom surgical planning to the latest in implant technology, OINT continually seeks to improve patient outcomes through innovation. These technological advancements are not just about staying current; they reflect OINT’s commitment to providing the highest standard of care in a way that is accessible and convenient for patients.
“Our goal is to offer comprehensive services right here in North Texas, so patients don’t have to travel far for the care they need,” Escudero says. “Whether it’s through advanced foot and ankle procedures or complex spine surgeries, we’re committed to making high-quality care accessible to everyone in the community.”
Expanding Access Across North Texas
OINT is also actively expanding its presence in North Texas, with new offices set to open in Dallas and Sherman. This expansion is about more than just growth; it’s about meeting the needs of the communities it serves and ensuring that specialized orthopedic care is within reach for more people. Escudero highlights that this expansion aligns with OINT’s mission to serve all demographics.
“We’re dedicated to being a community-oriented practice,” Escudero says. “By expanding our services and locations, we’re making it easier for patients to get the care they need without having to travel long distances. It’s about providing that care in their own community, making it as convenient and accessible as possible.”
In addition to its new locations, OINT has partnered with CORE Physical Medicine to offer comprehensive in-office physical therapy services, currently available at the Frisco location. This service will soon be available at the Flower Mound office and other OINT locations in the near future, ensuring patients across the region can access both orthopedic care and physical therapy in one convenient setting. This integrated approach allows for seamless communication between healthcare providers, helping patients optimize their treatment plans whether they’re preparing for surgery, recovering post-operatively, or managing chronic conditions.
Community Involvement and Beyond
Beyond clinical care, OINT is deeply involved in community engagement and partnerships. The practice collaborates with local organizations, participates in community events, and works to build strong relationships with other healthcare providers in the region. OINT’s commitment to both care and community has earned them nearly 2,000 reviews, with a remarkable 4.9-star rating, placing them in the top 1% of practices in the industry—a testament to the quality and trust they’ve built with their patients.
“We’re here for our community in every way we can be,” Escudero emphasizes. “Whether it’s through direct patient care, community partnerships, or educational outreach, we’re focused on making a positive impact.” This strong focus on engagement ensures that OINT remains a trusted partner in the health and well-being of North Texas residents.
A Vision for the Future
As OINT continues to grow, it remains grounded in its core values of patient-centered care and community service. “Our vision is to be the leading provider of orthopedic care across North Texas, but more than that, we want to be known as a trusted partner in our patients’ health journey,” Dr. Kane says. “At OINT, it’s about building lasting relationships with our patients and our community, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
With a dedicated team of specialists, a commitment to advanced care, and a focus on community engagement, the Orthopedic Institute of North Texas is redefining what it means to provide orthopedic care in North Texas. It’s not just about treating conditions; it’s about enhancing lives, one patient at a time.
To learn more, visit oint.org.
