Steven A. Schopler, MD
Minimally invasive spine surgery, scoliosis, microsurgery of the spine, pediatric orthopedics, biomechanics, spinal devices and implant technology.
Fellowship:
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon
Additional Patient Reviews
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A graduate Mechanical Engineer from the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering, Doctor Schopler received his MD from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, followed by Orthopedic Residency at the UCLA Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and later enjoyed a year fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedics at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. He later entered private practice in Los Angeles, and joined SCOI in 1989. For twenty years, Dr. Schopler has enjoyed seeing patients in the Bakersfield office of SCOI, moving to live in Bakersfield in 2009.
Dr. Schopler sees patients with all types of spinal disorders, with special interest in minimally invasive surgery for scoliosis, degenerative deformity problems, scoliosis assessment, and treatment of disc disorders and spondylolisthesis. In recent years, he has lectured and presented research on minimally invasive spinal surgery in China and Europe, as well as across the United States. Dr. Schopler enjoys teaching spine fellows and other spine specialists about new surgical techniques. He works closely with the spinal implant industry on techniques and instrumentation of the spine and hold patents on spinal implants for lateral access spine surgery. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Sugery, he is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society, the North American Spine Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Schopler practices exclusively in the Bakersfield office of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute, and in recent years performed Kern County's first minimally invasive scoliosis surgery, first minimally invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion), first outpatient cervical disc replacement, and first multi-level cervical total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc replacement).
Dr. Schopler and his wife, Robin enjoy golf, travel, and the Bakersfield lifestyle.
Steven A. Schopler, MD, is available to see patients at the Bakersfield office.
Specialties
- Spine
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Scoliosis Management and Treatment
- Qualified Medical Examinations
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Bakersfield
Southern California Orthopedic Institute
5201 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93309
“Four years ago, I began experiencing a horrible pain in my leg. It began with my calf muscle seizing up and then moved into severe knee pain. At that point, my knee would make popping and clicking noises as well as give out for no reason. For two years, I was sent all over the state of California, seeing different doctors: orthopedics, neurologists, neurosurgeons, chiropractors, message therapists, physical therapists, and then eventually I found my way to Dr. Schopler at SCOI. At first glance, he indicated I had a bulging disc at the L5/S1 level. It didn't seem to be doing much harm and thought with a little time, it would ease and go away. We agreed to try an epidural injection to try to ease some of the pain. It seemed to do the trick for about six months. After that, it was back with a vengeance. I waited another six months before I went back and told him I just couldn't take it anymore. At that time, he said we could try a nerve block and see if it gave any response. Sure enough, it told us everything we needed to know.
In February of 2013, I had a microdiscectomy to remove the bulge. It was immediate relief! Now, one year later, I am working out with a personal trainer, two days a week, running about 10 to 15 miles a week, and walking another 10 to 15 miles. Thankfully, Dr. Schopler did not give up on me and was able to help get my active life style back for me!”
– Kristen B.
Patient Rating:
ATTENTION! Due to construction, the patient drop-off area at our Van Nuys office will be temporarily unavailable beginning Monday, September 11, through Thursday, September 28. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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