About Thomas Cha, MD, MBA

Dr. Thomas Cha specializes in the treatment of spinal disorders of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. He is particularly interested in the appropriate use of minimally invasive and motion-sparing techniques.

Dr. Cha is a board-certified, fellowship trained spine surgeon in the Orthopaedic Spine Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Cha received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University majoring in molecular biology. He then received his MD and MBA from the Drexel University College of Medicine jointly with the Lebow School of Business. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the New York Orthopaedic Hospital - Columbia University Medical Center serving as a chief resident his final year.

Dr. Cha went on to receive specialized training in spinal surgery at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago under the guidance of world renowned leaders in the field of spine surgery. There he developed the interest and expertise in caring for patients with complex disorders of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Departments, Centers, & Programs:

Clinical Interests:

Treats:

Locations

Orthopaedic Spine Service
55 Fruit St.
Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care
Suite 3A
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-724-8636

Orthopaedics at Mass General Waltham
52 Second Ave.
1st Floor, Suite 1150
Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: 617-724-8636

Orthopaedic Spine Service at Newton-Wellesley Hospital
159 Wells Ave.
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617-724-8636

Medical Education

  • MD, Drexel University College of Medicine
  • Residency, Columbia University Medical Center
  • Residency, New York Presbyterian Hospital
  • Fellowship, Rush University Medical Center

American Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Accepted Insurance Plans

Note: This provider may accept more insurance plans than shown; please call the practice to find out if your plan is accepted.


Research

Dr. Cha's research interests include understanding the biological and biomechanical aspects of spinal disorders and treatment. He is also particularly interested in evaluation of new technologies, patient safety and optimization of patient outcomes.

Publications

  • Select Publications:

    • Su BW, Kim PD, Cha TD, Lee J, April EW, Lee FY, Weidenbaum M, Vaccaro AR. An Anatomical Study of the Mid-lateral Pars Relative to the Pedicle Footprint in the Lower Lumbar Spine. Spine. 34(13), 1355-1362, 2009.
    • Su BW, Cha TD, Kim PD, Lee J, April EW, Weidenbaum M, Albert TJ, Vaccaro AR. An Anatomic and Radiographic Study of Lumbar Facets Relevant to Percutaneous Transfacet Fixation. Spine , 34(11) E384-390, 2009.
    • Cha TD, An HS: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. In Hecht, A, Colvin, AC, eds: Atlas of Essential Orthopaedic Procedures. AAOS E-book. In Press.
    • Cha TD, Khan S, Farup C, Phillips F: The Quality Adjusted Life Year. In Rihn J, Albert TJ, Vaccaro AR, eds: The Primer on Value Based Spine Care, Chapter 10. In Press.
    • Cha TD, Poelstra KA and Ludwig SL: Management of Postoperative Lumbar Wound Infections. In Ludwig SL, Poelstra KA, eds: Arthritis and Arthroplasty: The Spine, Chapter 38, Part 8.
    • Vaccaro AR, Su BW, Cha TD: New Biomaterials for Cervical Fusion: Resorbable Anterior Plates. In Mummaneni PV, Kanter AS, Wang MY, and Haid RW, eds: Cervical Spine Surgery: Current Trends and Challenges, Chapter 21, Part 3.

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