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    University of Colorado, Spine Providers

    Spine

    • Clinical Services
    • Find a Doctor - Virtual Visits
    • Patient Education
    • Research & Clinical Trials
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    Denver's Top Spine Doctors

    The Adult Spine Division of CU Orthopedics is a part of the Spine Center at the University of Colorado Hospital, with some of the top spine doctors in Denver and the surrounding areas. We provide comprehensive spine care to the citizens of the Rocky Mountain Region including neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery, physical and rehabilitation medicine, and alternative medicine therapies.

    The CU Orthopedic Spine Division provides state-of-the-art surgical intervention from fellowship-trained orthopedic​ spine surgeons. Our surgeons are thoroughly trained and experienced in the treatment of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine.

    Treatment of spine-related pain typically involves conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, medications, therapeutic injections, and alternative therapies; however, when these fail, surgery may be indicated.

    The University of Colorado is a tertiary care center that specializes in the spine from the basic disc herniation to disc replacement, and motion preservation to complex spine care, including treatment of patients who have had unsuccessful treatment elsewhere. 

    We also see patients who have been told that their condition is too complex for surgical treatment or who have had previous failed surgery, and will provide surgical opinions. We see patients from across the nation, with easy access to our facility from Denver International Airport, as well as direct regional access from Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas.

     

    Learn more.

    Spine Faculty

    Christopher Kleck, MD

    Evalina Burger, MD

    Vikas Patel, MDChristopher Cain, MDChristopher Gallus, MDSumeet Garg, MD
    Christopher Kleck, MD
    Chief of Orthopedic
    Surgery
    Assistant Professor
    Evalina Burger-Van
    der Walt, MD
    Chair & Professor
    Orthopedics
    Vikas Patel, MD
    Professor & Executive
    Vice Chair Orthopedics
    Christopher Cain, MD
    Associate Professor

    Christopher Gallus, MD
    Assistant Professor
    Sumeet Garg, MD
    Associate Professor
     
    Christopher Gallus, MDEmily Lindley, PhDShahbaaz Sabri,  MDSamuel Smith, MDNolan Wessell, MDDavid Ou-Yang, MD
    Christina Goldstein, MD
    Associate Professor

    Emily Lindley, PhD
    Assistant Professor
    Shahbaaz Sabri, MD
    Assistant Professor
    Samuel Smith, MD
    Assistant Professor
    Nolan Wessell, MD
    Assistant Professor
    David Ou-Yang, MD
    Assistant Professor
     
    Emily Broeseker, FNPAmy Bond, NP, RNJordan Bull, PA-CMinnie ChauJill Fattor, PA
    Emily Broeseker, FNP
    Instructor
    Amy Bond, NP, RN
    Instructor
    Jordan Bull, PA-C
    Instructor
    Minnie Chau
    Instructor
    Jill Fattor, PA
    Instructor
    Jenelynn R. Kimble, AGPCNP-BC
    Instructor

     
    Amanda Ramirez, ANPCChad Schantz, ANPC
    Amanda Ramirez, ANPC
    Instructor

    Hera Wong, ANPC

    Nurse Practioner

    ResearchClinical Trials

    Our surgeons are the forefront of Orthopedic research. We continue to advance the field of orthopedics in our discoveries of the newest treatment options and technological advances in orthopedic care. Here at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, our surgeons have access to the most extensive research resources and world-class surgical facilities available in Colorado and the nation.

    Here at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus we share our discoveries and teach our peers in the field as well as the next generation of orthopedic surgeons.

    Learn more about our recent research in Spine Surgery.

    A Clinical Study to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of the Premia Spine TOPS TM System

    This study is intended to demonstrate that TOPS, when used to treat patients as described below who are unresponsive to conservative therapy, is safe and effective for the proposed indication.”

    Sponsor – Premia Spine Ltd.

    Involved surgeons – Dr. Patel, Dr. Burger

    Currently enrolling, study duration 3-5 years

    Study Purpose: “The TOPS™ System (“TOPS or “TOPS System” or “Total Posterior Spine System”) is indicated for stabilization, but not fusion, of one affected vertebral level between L2 and L5, following decompression surgery to alleviate leg pain with or without back pain stemming from all three of the following (1) degenerative spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis up to Grade I and (2) moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and (3) thickening of the ligamentum flavum or scaring facet joint capsule. 

    For more information, please contact:

    Aubrie Nuccio 
    aubrie.nuccio@cuanschutz.edu 
    720-848-1910

     

    UCHealth Spine Center - Anschutz Medical Campus

    Address:
    Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion - 1st Floor
    12605 E. 16th Avenue
    Aurora, CO 80045

    Phone:
    720-848-1980​​​​​
    Fax:
    720-848-2019

    Hours:
    Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

     



    Broomfield Orthopedic Clinic

    Address:
    875 W. 136th Avenue
    Broomfield, CO 80023

    Phone:
    303-544-3820

    Hours:
    Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

     



     

    Lone Tree Medical Center 

    Address:
    9548 Park Meadows Drive
    Lone Tree, Colorado 80124

    Phone: 
    720-848-2200
    Fax: 
    720-553-0901

    Hours:
    Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM





    UCHealth Orthopedics Clinic - Longmont

    Address:
    1925 W Mountain View Ave
    Longmont, CO 80501

    Phone:
    720-494-3132

    Hours:
    Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

     

     



    UCHealth Spine Center - Memorial North Hospital

    Address:
    4110 Briargate Pkwy #100b
    Colorado Springs, CO 80920

    Phone:
    719-364-0160
    Fax:
    719-364-0161

    Hours:
    Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM


    Christopher Kleck, MD

     

    CJ Kleck, MD

    Chief, Spine Surgery
    Associate Professor

    My greatest area of interest is the treatment of adult spine deformity. This includes many problems that cause issues with posture, including scoliosis and kyphosis. I am also interested in treating patients who have had previous surgery and continue to have issues.

    I treat patients as I would like to be treated myself, or as I would want my family members treated. It is important that patients are informed and active in the decision-making process, and I feel this is a critical part of my job. While I am a surgeon, I am interested in pursuing all non-surgical means for the treatment of various spine conditions before considering surgical options. When surgery is decided upon, I apply the fundamentals of my training and evolving technology to maximize the benefit to patients.

    I enjoy spending my spare time with my wife and two children.

     

    Our Awards

    Medtronic Award, Congratulations, Dr. Kleck
    Aetna, Orthopedic Spine
    Best Hospital, CU Orthopedics

    TELEHEALTH SERVICES

    The Adult Spine Division of CU Orthopedics is a part of the Spine Center at the University of Colorado Hospital.  We offer care from some of the top spine doctors in Denver and the Eastern Front Range. The CU Orthopedic Spine Division provides state-of-the-art surgical intervention from fellowship-trained orthopedic​ spine surgeons. Our surgeons are thoroughly trained and experienced in the treatment of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine.  We provide the full range of spine care including revision spine surgery, spinal infections, spinal tumors, pediatric spine surgery, adult spinal deformity, and minimally invasive spine surgery.

    The Spine Division and its 19 providers (10 Orthopedic Spine Surgeons and 9 PA/NPs) have completed hundreds of telehealth visits at UCH Anschutz alone.  We are working alongside other disciplines, including Physical Medicine and Rehab, Anesthesia Pain, Musculoskeletal Radiology, and Neurosurgery to provide a thorough, well-rounded, patient care experience.  We currently provide Telehealth services at Longspeak, Broomfield, UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus, Lone Tree, and UCHealth Memorial North.  We have worked to develop a virtual physical exam, which allows us to continue to provide high-level care.  While we look forward to seeing our patients in person, we are leading Colorado in Telehealthcare.

    Telehealth Spine Physical Exam - Patient Instructions

    Telehealth Spine Physical Exam - Provider Handout

    OUR PROVIDERS

    Spine, Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeon and Specialist

     

    PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEOS

    Patient Testimonials

    Dr. Patel is one of the top surgeons in the country, I highly recommend Dr. Patel to anyone that has back problems.
    Danny Casey, Dr. Vik Patel

    Danny Casey

    Thank you, Dr. Patel, Suzie, and to you're fine team of surgeons!

    Larry Salmen-Granddaughter

    Larry Salmen

    View More Patient Testimonials

    Featured News

    SRS Patient Webinar: Adult Scoliosis

    How to Get Rid of Back Pain Video

    How To Get Rid Of Your Chronic Back Pain

    Complex UNiDTM ASI T10-Pelvis correction

    Complex UNiDTM ASI T10-Pelvis correction

    Patient description: 70 year-old female with severe low back pain and fatigue exacerbated by standing/walking, improved with sitting/supine position. Also with left L3/4/5 radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication. Right sided hip flexor and quadricep weakness. Patient diagnosis: Multilevel lumbar spondylosis, spinal stenosis, L3-4 and L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis, sagittal plane malalignment with thoracolumbar deformity. Patient was also noted to have severe sagittal plane malalignment with:

    • UNiDTM HUB Alignment Parameters

      L3-S1 fusion featuring UNiDTM ASI patient-specific rodsOpens in a new window

      Dec 1, 2022
      Patient description: 44-year-old female had previously underwent a laminectomy for a disc herniation. Patient presented with new onset of bilateral radicular leg pain without an antecedent history of trauma. Initial radiographic imaging showed laminectomy defect with degeneration at L4-5 and L5-S1. She initially underwent non-operative care, including PT/OT, steroid dose pack, and home stretching exercises.
      Opens in a new window Full story
    • Complex UNiDTM ASI T10-Pelvis correction

      Complex UNiDTM ASI T10-Pelvis correctionOpens in a new window

      Sep 1, 2022
      Patient description: 70 year-old female with severe low back pain and fatigue exacerbated by standing/walking, improved with sitting/supine position. Also with left L3/4/5 radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication. Right sided hip flexor and quadricep weakness. Patient diagnosis: Multilevel lumbar spondylosis, spinal stenosis, L3-4 and L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis, sagittal plane malalignment with thoracolumbar deformity. Patient was also noted to have severe sagittal plane malalignment with:
      Opens in a new window Full story
    • Healio Ortho Today

      Acute paraspinal compartment syndrome following non-spinal orthopedic surgeryOpens in a new window

      Dec 15, 2021
      A 29-year-old non-smoking man with a BMI of 37 kg/m2 and history of bipolar disease sustained a right subtrochanteric femur fracture and pseudoaneurysm of his right proximal femoral artery after a gunshot in December 2016.
      Opens in a new window Full story
    • Biden salutes troops as ‘spine of America’ on Veterans Day

      Biden salutes troops as ‘spine of America’ on Veterans Day

      Nov 10, 2021
      WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden saluted the nation’s military veterans as “the spine of America” on Thursday as he marked his first Veterans Day as president in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. “There’s nothing low risk or low cost about war for the women and men who fight it,” said Biden, whose administration earlier in the day announced a federal effort to better understand, identify and treat medical conditions suffered by troops deployed to toxic environments.
      Full story
    • Dr. Evalina Burger “Medical Help Available" Covid-19

      10 Spine surgeons to know

      Nov 17, 2021
      Evalina Burger-Van der Walt, MD. University of Colorado Medicine (Aurora). Dr. Burger-Van der Walt treats adult patients and has a special interest in complex spine surgery, deformity and scoliosis. She also spends time as a mentor for orthopedic residents and spine fellows.
      Full story
    • Nolan Wessell, MD

      University of Colorado implements virtual spine physical exam during COVID-19 pandemicOpens in a new window

      Apr 24, 2020
      As a way to limit patient risk of exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS expanded Medicare telehealth coverage, enabling beneficiaries to receive a wider range of health care services from their doctors without having to travel to a health care facility.
      Opens in a new window Full story
    • Dr. Evalina Burger “Medical Help Available" Covid-19

      Spine surgeon leader to know: Dr. Evalina Burger of University of Colorado Spine Center

      Jan 16, 2019
      Evalina Burger, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. Dr. Burger serves as the orthopedic department chair at Aurora-based University of Colorado School of Medicine. She specializes in complex spinal surgery, adult deformity, spinal tumors and scoliosis and performs disc replacement procedures. She received her medical degree from the University of the Orange Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and completed her orthopedic residency at the University of Pretoria School of Medicine in South Africa.
      Full story
    • Teenager Is Pain Free Thanks To Robot-Assisted Spine Surgery

      Teenager Is Pain Free Thanks To Robot-Assisted Spine Surgery

      Sep 25, 2020
      AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)– Nineteen-year-old Katie Kingston suffered with back pain for seven years. When it caused her to walk with a limp, the teenager from Loveland consulted an orthopedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
      Full story
    • Goldstein-Gallus- Orthopedic surgeons join UCHealth Spine Center

      Orthopedic surgeons join UCHealth Spine Center

      Jan 27, 2020
      UCHealth Memorial is launching its newest service, complex spine reconstruction, in combination with University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty. Dr. Christina Goldstein, left, and Dr. Christopher Gallus recently joined the UCHealth Spine Center. UCHealth photo. Two new orthopedic spine surgery experts will perform a wide variety of spine surgeries including decompression and decompression and fusion procedures for spine arthritis, spine deformity correction and management of spine infections and tumors.
      Full story

    Orthopedic Telemedicine and The Virtual Physical Exam

    Presented by:

    Nolan M Wessell, MD
    Assistant Professor
    Department of Orthopedic Surgery
    Division of Spine Surgery
    University of Colorado School of Medicine

    Imputation methods successfully evaluate long-term outcomes after total disc replacement

    At the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting, Vikas V. Patel, MD  , discussed a study that compared imputation methods for the evaluation of long-term outcomes after lumbar total disc replacement.

    Watch More

    Telehealth, Virtual Services, General Ortho: (720) 848-1900, Spine (720) 848-1980

    Orthopedics (SOM)

    CU Anschutz

    Academic Office One

    12631 East 17th Avenue

    4602

    Aurora, CO 80045


    303-724-2955

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