Why choose us for spine surgery?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, 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:

  • National recognition: We perform a high volume of procedures with excellent results, and patients speak highly of their experience.

  • Connected and comprehensive care: We offers 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: 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.

Spine conditions we treat

Our spine specialists use surgery to treat rare and common conditions, including:

    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.
    Locations

    Schedule your appointment

    Call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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