Specialties & Services

Spine Surgery

You deserve care that puts your spine health goals within reach. For some people, this includes surgery. With us, you are in capable hands. Our internationally recognized complex spine surgery experts use techniques that consistently achieve exceptional outcomes.

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US News High Performing Hospitals Badge 2025-2026: Spinal Fusion

Why choose us for spine surgery?

BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine Physicians and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. You receive care from orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons specializing in complex spine care. Many have decades of experience and international reputations for their contributions to the field. We consistently deliver care that improves your quality of life.

We offer:

  • Outstanding reputation: We perform a high volume of procedures with excellent results, and patients speak highly of their experience.
  • Connected and comprehensive care: We offer all the expertise and services you need in one program. We pay careful attention to small details that optimize your experience, from surgery to inpatient care and spine rehabilitation (rehab). If you need help along the way, social workers and case managers are here for you.
  • Medically appropriate spine surgery: Many people feel better with non-surgical treatments, including aquatic therapy and acupuncture. Spine experts, physical medicine doctors, physical therapists, and other specialists work together to personalize your treatment plan. We only recommend surgery if we are certain it will help you.
  • Life-changing treatments: Some people with spinal cord injuries regain movement and sensation with nerve transfer procedures. Children with scoliosis undergo procedures to straighten their spines while supporting their skeletal development. Our expertise also includes removing rare spinal tumors and spinal reconstruction.

Spine surgery testing and treatments

Spine surgery: What to expect

We explain the spine surgery option that best meets your needs and how it can help you. We perform many procedures, including spinal fusion and decompression surgery, using minimally invasive techniques. These involve small incisions and less blood loss for a shorter hospital stay.

You may need additional services and a longer hospital stay for complex spine surgery. Your care may involve:

Post-operative pain management

 We help you stay as comfortable as possible after spine surgery. The team delivers timely care that keeps your recovery moving forward.

Inpatient rehabilitation

 We help you get moving as soon as it’s safe to do so. Therapists teach you how to get out of bed and perform self-care activities and other daily tasks.

Discharge planning

 As your recovery progresses, we help you prepare for discharge. The team explains what to expect and makes follow-up appointments.

Outpatient rehabilitation

 Outpatient therapies include sophisticated options that help you regain the highest level of functioning.

Support

 Case managers and social workers coordinate helpful services that take some of the stress out of recovering from spine surgery.

Advanced spine surgery BJC performs

You have access to nearly any spine procedure you may need, including options that are not widely available.

Advanced procedures we offer include:

Artificial disc replacement

 We replace damaged or worn-out intervertebral discs (pockets of protective tissue between the vertebrae) with artificial devices.

Nerve transfer

 If you have a spinal cord injury, transferring a healthy nerve to the affected area may enhance your movement and sensation.

Scoliosis surgery

 We use techniques such as the Shilla procedure and MAGEC growing rods to support healthy spine development in children and young adults.

Skull base surgery

 We access and treat tumors near the top of your spinal column or cord by passing tiny instruments through openings in the back of your nose.

Spinal decompression procedures

 Procedures such as laminectomy, discectomy, and laminotomy remove tissue to alleviate pressure on your spine.

Spinal reconstruction

 Our surgeons specialize in complex reconstructive procedures, innovative treatments, and proven rehabilitation techniques for pain relief and regaining function.

Spinal stabilization surgery

 If you have spinal trauma, we remove bone fragments, foreign objects, or broken spine structures, limiting the risk of damage or complications.

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