Washington University Orthopedics

About Washington University Orthopedics

Washington University Orthopedics, a department of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as a beacon of excellence in musculoskeletal care, education, and research. With a rich history spanning over a century, the department has consistently been at the forefront of orthopedic innovation, a tradition that began with its first chairman, Dr. Aaron Steele, a surgeon in the Civil War. This legacy of leadership and dedication to advancing the field of orthopedics continues to this day, with the department being recognized as a national leader in both clinical care and research. The mission of Washington University Orthopedics is to make a national and international impact on the field through a commitment to excellence in every facet of its operations. This includes providing evidence-based and cost-effective musculoskeletal care with a focus on accessibility for all. The department strives to be the authoritative resource for a wide spectrum of orthopedic problems, from the most common to the most complex. This is achieved by supporting all faculty and removing barriers to patient access. Furthermore, the department is dedicated to training the next generation of orthopedic leaders by providing outstanding musculoskeletal education in an inclusive and equitable environment. Their vision is to redefine excellence in the field of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation. Washington University Orthopedics offers a comprehensive range of specialized services, ensuring that patients receive a precise diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for any bone or muscle injury or condition. The department boasts over 100 orthopedic specialists with advanced fellowship training in ten different musculoskeletal subspecialty areas. These specialties include: Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip & Knee, Living Well Center, Musculoskeletal Oncology, Pediatric & Adolescent Orthopedics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (both Musculoskeletal and Neuro-Rehabilitation), Shoulder & Elbow, Spine, Sports Medicine, and Trauma/Fracture Care.

The department is also a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine and orthobiologics, with a focus on evidence-based approaches to treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and research into the use of stem cells for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. The department’s approach to treatment is rooted in a commitment to the highest quality of care and patient safety. It is consistently ranked as the #1 in Missouri for adult and pediatric orthopedic care. The total joint replacement program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for quality and safety. As the #3 NIH-funded orthopedic research program in the United States, the department’s physicians and research faculty are at the cutting edge of turning scientific discoveries into future orthopedic treatments. This commitment to innovation is exemplified by their use of advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, with over 500 such procedures performed annually. With 12 locations across the St. Louis metropolitan area, Washington University Orthopedics provides convenient access to its world-class care. The facilities are state-of-the-art, offering on-site radiology, casting, and splinting services, as well as outpatient surgery. The department is associated with several top-tier hospitals, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The patient experience is a top priority, with a focus on creating a positive and supportive environment. The WashU Living Well Center, a unique lifestyle medicine program, provides patients with the tools and resources they need to be successful in their healthy-living journey. The department also offers a patient portal, MyChart, for easy access to medical information and communication with providers. The numerous positive patient testimonials and stories are a testament to the exceptional care provided by the dedicated team at Washington University Orthopedics.

Clinic Information

Treatments Offered

Medical Team

Frequently Asked Questions