Biography of Dr. Lawrence Lenke

Dr. Lenke is The Jerome J. Gilden Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis , MO. The namesake of this distinguished professorship was a remarkable physician and research scientist who, like Dr. Lenke, made significant contributions to medicine. Further, Dr. Lenke is the Co-Chief of Adult and Pediatric Spinal, Scoliosis and Reconstructive Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and Director of Spinal Surgery at Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis , MO.

Doctor Lenke is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon whose outstanding qualifications and experience in the spine field have earned him immense respect from both patients and physicians. Dr. Lenke’s reputation for consistently providing excellent patient care is recognized in several prominent publications that include The Best Doctors in America and The Best Doctors. He assumes numerous leadership roles in nationally respected medical organizations including the Scoliosis Research Society, the North American Spine Society, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the National Spine Network, and multiple other educational and research groups. He is a life member of the National Registry Who’s Who.

In his role as an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Lenke is devoted to pediatric and adult spinal surgery with an emphasis on complex reconstructive surgery. He specializes in pediatric and adult spinal deformities, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal trauma and tumors affecting the entire spine. He is a Spine Consultant to several professional sports teams that include the St. Louis Rams (football), St. Louis Blues (hockey), and St. Louis Cardinals (baseball).

At Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago , Dr. Lenke received a medical degree and graduated with honors, Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Lenke completed a surgical internship and orthopaedic surgical residency at Washington University School of Medicine where he completed a Pediatric and Adult Spinal Surgery Fellowship. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Lenke’s scientific research has earned him recognition and awards from his peers.

Spine research continues to be an important constant in Dr. Lenke’s professional life. His vast research in the spine field includes lumbar and thoracic scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and fusion surgery, curve classification standards, spondylolisthesis, acute spinal cord injury, blood conservation during scoliosis surgery, spinal implants and pedicle screws. The importance of spinal research cannot be understated as new findings lead to the advancement of innovative treatments to improve the quality of life for patients.

Dr. Lenke is a prolific author who has published his research findings in journal articles, abstracts, textbooks, book chapters, and in editorials. In addition to publishing his own research, Dr. Lenke is much in demand as an editor for scientific publications, including Spine, The Journal of Spinal Disorders, The Spine Journal, Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, and The Textbook of Spinal Disorders. He has presented his scientific findings in society papers and exhibits at professional national and international meetings. Dr. Lenke also demonstrates his commitment to teaching by chairing and lecturing at numerous spine meetings annually; publishing tutorials and manuals; and traveling for visiting professorships.

To learn more about Dr. Lenke’s professional accomplishments, research, and publications, click here to review his Curriculum Vitae.

To learn more about Dr. Lenke’s leadership in the spine field, click here.

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