Stephanus Viljoen, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Neurological Surgery
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614-293-8714Conditions and expertise
- Spinal Diseases
- Spinal Stenosis
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Low Back Pain
- Back Pain
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Academics and research
Department: Neurological Surgery
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I’m a neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of adult spinal deformity and complex reconstructive spine surgery.
What I enjoy most about The Ohio State University is the academic setting. I can be involved in resident education and research while providing my patients with quality care. The resources and medical experts on staff at The Ohio State University allow me to conduct meaningful research and provide better treatment options to my patients.
Conditions and expertise
- Back Pain
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Kyphosis
- Low Back Pain
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Care
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Spinal Curvatures
- Spinal Diseases
- Spinal Fractures
- Spinal Injuries
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sprains and Strains
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Neurosurgery - Spine
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States
1/1/2016 - 6/30/2016 - Fellowship - Neurological Surgery
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016 - Residency - Neurological Surgery
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2015 - Internship - Neurological Surgery
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
7/1/2009 - 6/30/2010 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
8/22/2005 - 5/1/2009
Certification
-
American Board of Neurological Surgery
10/30/2020
Academics and research
I also serve as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of Nebraska. In addition, I completed an internship and a neurosurgical residency at the University of Iowa and a fellowship in adult spinal deformity from Northwestern University.
My research focuses on spinal biomechanics, clinical outcomes research and device development, and I have three U.S. patents. I’m also a member of The Ohio State Neurological Society and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
Research interests
- Spinal Biomechanics
- Sub-investigator for PACIRA Phase 1 Study
Awards and honors
- Published in more than 28 peer-reviewed journals
Academic information
- Department:
- Neurological Surgery
- Division:
- Neurological Surgery
Leadership titles
- Medical Director of the Comprehensive Spine Program
More about my research
Ratings and reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
150 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Stephanus Viljoen has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- Medtronic
Have recommended him to many people
Above average
I thought he was awesome took the time to explain things to me and I felt that he was concerned about my outcome
The care provider that I talked to.He answered all my questions that I needed to be answered about.The surgery that I went to ask him about
All of a sudden the neck surgery was discussed and there seemed to be an urgency to it. It was information overload. I was grasping to understand what was happening.
He's excellent. Businesslike but professional. He's a man of few extra words. Sticks to the topic but that's ok.
Listened well. Follow up questions relevant. Demonstrated experience in setting. It was a consultation recommendation from another physician . Respectfull of the referring Physician. Confident but not cocky
Very professional
He was kind, and calm, and made me feel in control of my own decisions.
Very concerned with my condition and explained my condition and treatment plan!
Punctual, friendly, excellent explanation of surgery needed
Was happy he's trying to help me
Answered my questions bluntly and to the point.
Gave me confidence in his ability to help me
Highly knowledgeable, open with ideas, concise and easy to understand. Answered all questions. Provided info I had not considered. Ordered tests to be certain
Very good experience, he listened to my concerns and gave me the name of another surgeon that might be able to help me.
Dr Viljuen is obviously knowable and skilled. I was a little concerned about how my list of questions and my recorded conditions were not of much interest to him. But he is a surgeon , not a physical therapist. I want and need him for the complicated parts of my treatment and care. He has previously and this time impressed me with his thoroughness and knowledge.
I saw Dr Viljoun 2 times. Both times he was dismissive of my problems - I am a 60 year old very healthy and active woman who was suddenly diagnosed with a huge number of spinal compression fractures. I am understandably concerned about my health, becoming crippled, and whether or not my spine will heal In a way that will get me back to a normal life- Dr. Viljoun was dismissive of my concerns and made me feel like I was an inconvenience to his day. When I returned a few weeks later because I had new pain and was very concerned that I had new fractures, he told me there was nothing that could be done, but he would order an MRI and would call me as soon as the results were in. He ordered an MRI STAT, but didn't sign it. I sent a mychart message twice which were ignored and finally called the office for help. It still took 4 business days to get it signed. Once I had the MRI and the results were back, I sent a Mychart message telling him that the test was completed at a different hospital and where her could find the results. When I didn't hear anything, I sent another message late the next day and still nothing from him or his office. Then several days later I get a call from a different neurosurgeon's office wanting to schedule an appointment??? I was so confused. The person on the line explained that he transferred my care to them. I got no notification from him or his office and no results of my recent test (despite the fact there are very concerning problems with my spine). This is one of the most disrespectful ways I have ever been treated by a medical professional. The same thing happened when I requested a custom brace to stop my vertebrae from breaking. He referred me to the Hanger clinic. The company making the brace had to reach out to him 4 or 5 times to get the prescription signed. Almost delaying the delivery of this essential device. As his patient, I feel like my concerns are insignificant. That I am overreacting and wasting his time. I feel like a healthy woman who suddenly has over 8 compression fractures in her spine has the right to be emotional and concerned about her health and future health
MD was straightforward, concise and in a bit of a hurry.
Very professional