Fractures and Spinal Injuries
- Acute Spinal Fracture
- Acute Spinal Cord Injury
- Osteoporotic Fracture
- Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
Scoliosis
- Adolescent Scoliosis
- Adult Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
Lumber/Lower Back
Northwestern Medicine Spine Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the No. 1 hospital in Illinois and our orthopaedics and neurology and neurosurgery programs are consistently ranked among the top programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. We offer the only Spine Center in Illinois that brings together orthopaedic surgeons and neurological surgeons in the same clinic in order to meet your individual needs.
By making use of leading-edge techniques and technology, regenerative- and nanotechnology-based bone graft substitutes, computer-navigated surgery, minimally-invasive spine surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, the Northwestern Medicine Spine Center offers programs for the management of:
- Spinal deformity
- Spine oncology
- Degenerative disk disease
- Failed neck or back surgery syndrome
- Peripheral nerve compression syndromes
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Rheumatologic disorders of the spine
- Spinal fractures and other traumatic injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Sports-related back and neck injuries
Northwestern Medicine’s experts in the field direct the course of treatment and management of routine disorders of the spine.
The Spine Center works with the departments of:
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Neurological Surgery
It also works with the divisions of:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuropsychology
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
This provides a truly interdisciplinary approach to managing diseases of the spine. Such an approach is critical because 8 out of 10 Americans will be affected at some point in their adult lives by diseases and disorders of the spine.
With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, most spine problems can be managed without surgical procedures. However, when surgery is required, the Spine Center is able to deliver highly-skilled surgical expertise to the treatment of these disorders.
After suffering a massive injury, Julian was paralyzed from the neck down. Northwestern Medicine orthopaedic surgeon, Alpesh A. Patel, MD, performed emergency spine surgery and one year later, Julian is walking again.
Meet the Team
Northwestern Medicine specialists offer comprehensive care for back, neck and spine conditions including nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
Meet the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Back, Neck and Spine Team
Specialty Care Areas
The Northwestern Medicine Spine Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital makes use of advanced technology and clinical expertise to treat a variety of conditions of the spine, particularly in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine.
Treatments may range from radiation therapy for spinal tumors, to corticosteroids for reduction of inflammation and relief from back pain, to the use of therapeutic orthotic devices like neck and back braces to allow your spine to heal.
Computer-navigated surgery brings advanced diagnostic imaging to bear on patients with spine injury, allowing spine specialists the best possible look at an impacted region on your spine, and to come up with an appropriate course of treatment.
Why Choose Northwestern Medicine
The Northwestern Medicine Integrated Spine Center uses the latest diagnostic tools and surgical techniques to treat acute and chronic disorders of the back, neck and spine. Our multidisciplinary, team-based approach to managing spine disease allows for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. When surgery is required, Northwestern Medicine’s spine specialists are able to deliver highly-precise surgical expertise for the treatment of spine disorders.
Message from the Directors
As Co-Directors of the Northwestern Medicine Spine Center, we will work with referring physicians to ensure a seamless transfer of patients to the Spine Center and then back to their communities for rehabilitation and recovery when appropriate.
This cooperation and communication with referring physicians helps patients receive the best care they can—whether treating degenerative spinal conditions or more complex spinal disorders—when they need it most.
Working from locations in downtown Chicago, Glenview and Elmhurst, our team of expert physicians uses the very latest, minimally invasive, hybrid techniques in a team-based, multidisciplinary setting.
We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Tyler R. Koski, MD, Co-Director
Alpesh A. Patel, MD, FACS, Co-Director
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Nationally recognized in Orthopaedics (15th)
Care Where You Need It
With over 250 locations, Northwestern Medicine offers care conveniently located near you.
Spine Fellowships
The Northwestern Medicine Spine Center Team also offers two comprehensive Spine Fellowships in adult spine disorders for qualified candidates.
Individuals interested in the Neurosurgical Spine Fellowship program should contact Isabel Garcia, at 312.695.6283.
Individuals interested in the Orthopaedic Spine Fellowship program should contact the Fellowship Coordinator, Maryte Zavala, at 312.472.6044.
Download Our Second Opinion Guide
If your physician has recommended surgery, you should get a second opinion from a qualified spine surgeon. This guide will provide you with the information you need to choose a qualified specialist to perform your spine surgery.