Stephanus Viljoen, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Neurological Surgery
Make an appointment
614-293-8714
Accepting new patients
Conditions and expertise
- Spinal Diseases
- Spinal Stenosis
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Low Back Pain
- Back Pain
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Locations
- Brain and Spine Hospital
- Outpatient Care Dublin
- Outpatient Care Upper Arlington
Academic information
Department: Neurological Surgery
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I’m a neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of adult spinal deformity and complex reconstructive spine surgery. 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.
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.
Highlights
- Published in more than 28 peer-reviewed journals
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
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
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
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 Dr. 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
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.
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
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.
MD was straightforward, concise and in a bit of a hurry.
Very professional
Great
I wish he would have showed me my x ray and explain to me what it showed and how good or bad it was.
Knowledgeable,professional ,took the time to explain everything to me.
Good experience. Took my symptoms seriously. Was not certain that my issues were spinal even though for me there were overlapping similarities to the suffering in 2021
Excellent
Good
He was very knowledgeable and professional knew right away as to my health condition
Good
Very kind and patient
Friendly and thorough in listening and explaining
Wonderful
Very non caring , ask why my husband wasThere? Granted he is 88 and not a candidate For surgery. Very inconsiderate about ideas for his well being. Half way out the door while weWe're asking him a question. Very poor experience! First time ever for such an appointment.
He was helpful
Have respect for him as he done my back surgery a few years ago and trust him.i think trust in a Dr. Is important
Very professional. Surgery resulted in very good results
Excellent & sympathetic
Timely and discussed my concerns
Very good
Good
Very professional
Doctor did not want to listen to my concerns. He acted like he did not want to be there with me. Avoided answering my concerns by saying what he had to say and thats it. Second time I have seen him and both times horrible experiences.
Good experience
The physician was rude, abrupt, and uncaring. While his opinion that I did not need surgery was 100% correct (confirmed by EMG a couple days later), and we were happy to hear surgery was not needed, his bedside manner was among the very worst I've ever encountered - and I see a lot of doctors. He gave his unsubstantiated opinion about what was "probably" causing my symptoms, which was a frightening potential diagnosis and 100% INcorrect. He delivered that opinion with zero compassion and literally rolled his eyes and threw up his hands when my husband and I each asked one brief question. Also, he introduced himself to my husband immediately upon entering the exam room, though I was sitting on the exam table and clearly the (female) patient. He spent under 5 minutes with us, and we left very glad that I would never need his services again. Had I needed surgery, I would have sought a different provider rather than entrust my health to this provider.
Good
Good
He never showed any kindness or compassion. He just told me I already had some permanent nerve damage and I would have to wait to treat this after cancer treatment without one single moment of care or empathy. I asked if there was anything I could do to try to keep things from getting worse. No reply. Then he tried to push me to get an MRI. Not only are they difficult for me, but he already said I wouldn't be able to get treatment until after cancer treatment. I told him no. It didn't make any sense to get it now. He ordered it anyway. He never gave any m ore detail about the permanent nerve damage. This is what I've been afraid of and why I have spent the past few years trying to get it treated. This was my first time at OSU to see a doctor, it was for a second opinion. His attitude toward me was terrible. I was visibly upset, as I have no idea how bad this will get before I can get surgery. I do not want to ever see him again.
Seemed very knowledgeable regarding my situation
Good! No nonsense ,to the point
Good
I was glad that I met my new doctor.
Super
He was very kind, caring, thorough, and professional
He wasn't as caring as I thought he would be. I asked him if I could show him on his body where my pain was, he didn't answer or move towards me. He just asked more questions. He said I had 3 options, but never explained the benefits that each option would provide to help me. I was in horrible pain when I saw him.
Did not have people skills, kinda rude. Made me feel like he did not like me
The provider was Limited knowledge of rheumatology on A. Spondylitis and only had knowledge of the advanced stages of A.S. His recommendation for treatment was concerning to patient.
Good
Quick, efficient
He was very good explaining the results of my x-rays.
Excellent
Excellent knowledge
I like how the doctor listened to my concerns. And why I have so much pain