Steve,
I don't have a clue and would hate to steer you wrong about good surgeons in Texas. However here is a place outside of Dallas (Tyler TX) Texas Spine and joint hospital.
Spine,Neck,Back,Shoulder,Hip,Knee,Wrist, Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Surgery - Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
I would imagine a practice of their size, there must be some pretty good Dr's. They have both Orthopedic and Neurosurgeons.
A phone call and appointments to a couple of places can't hurt. If you call for the appointment and the particular surgeons date is out 3 weeks or more ask to see if you can have an appointment with his/her PA. They are usually pretty easy to get to. Then when you show up with your films and they see your situation I would bet the PA heads right to the surgeons office. If the PA is on the building so is the surgeon. Most do surgery together.