Every year, Newsweek and the US News & World Report curate a list of the best hospitals in the country. They not only provide overall rankings, but also individual rankings for specific specialties.
However, with over 4,500 hospitals considered in these lists, finding the right one may be overwhelming. So, what is the best hospital for spine surgery in the US, and the world?
Using these rankings and considering other factors, such as specialization, we’ve curated a short list to help you narrow down your search.
5 of the Top Spine Centers in the US
1. Cedars-Sinai
Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills, CA is not only one of the top hospitals in the country, but also has a renowned surgery center. In 2024, Newsweek named Cedars-Sinai as having the number one surgery medical center in the country. This is Dr. Ehsan Saadat’s current facility for performing spine surgery.
In addition to this honor, Cedars-Sinai has been named to the US News Best Hospital Honor Roll for eight consecutive years. They also ranked 5th in the nation for orthopedics overall, which includes spinal fusion surgery.
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2. Emory University Hospital
Emory University Hospital and its subsidiaries are located in Georgia. Many of the top surgeons in the nation receive training at Emory. In fact, Dr. Saadat received part of his training at this hospital.
According to US News, Emory is the best hospital in Georgia. Additionally, Newsweek ranks Emory as having the best ambulatory surgery center in the state and 28th in the nation. This list includes around 500 facilities, so the ranking is quite high.
3. UCSF Medical Center
Another California hospital that ranks well for both spinal surgery and orthopedics in general is UCSF Medical Center. An arm of the University of San Francisco, this hospital is listed on the US News Best Hospitals Honor Roll.
They also tied with Cedars-Sinai as the best hospital in California and have the 8th best orthopedics program. This is out of more than 4,500 hospitals in the US.
4. Och Spine Hospital
You can’t ask what is the best spine hospital for spine surgery without mentioning the Och Spine Center. This facility is part of the larger New York-Presbyterian Hospital system and backed by doctors from both Columbia University and Cornell.
According to US News, this hospital is a top performer in the US, also appearing on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. However, the orthopedics at the Och Spine Hospital are also some of the best in the nation. Out of all US hospitals, Och ranks 4th for spine surgery.
5. Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Located in Boston, MA, Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an arm of Harvard Medical School. Listed on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll by US News, it has several areas of specialty.
Notably, this includes spine surgery and orthopedics, which rank 12th in the US. Moreover, many top-performing specialists train at this hospital.
What to Consider When Looking for an Orthopedic Surgery Center
When asking, “What is the best hospital for spine surgery?” it’s important to consider that rankings aren’t the only factor that should go into your decision. We recommend looking at a variety of things, such as the specific experience that a hospital’s doctors have with your condition, their previous performance, and reviews from other patients.
1. The Experience of the Medical Team
The experience and qualifications of the medical team should be your top priority. Look for a center staffed by Board-certified surgeons with specialized training in orthopedic and spine surgery. Surgeons at the best spine centers in the US often have advanced credentials, participate in research, and perform a high volume of surgeries, which contributes to better outcomes.
2. Advanced Technology and Minimally Invasive Options
State-of-the-art technology plays a significant role in modern orthopedic care. Centers that offer robotic-assisted surgery, motion-preserving techniques, and minimally invasive procedures can help reduce recovery times and improve results. Ask whether the center you’re considering is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to address your condition.
3. Patient-Centered Care
Compassionate, patient-focused care is a hallmark of the best spine centers in the US. Look for centers that emphasize open communication, education, and shared decision-making. Facilities that prioritize patient comfort and provide detailed pre- and post-operative support can make your experience significantly less stressful.
“I came to Dr. Saadat after seeing several other specialists for extreme back pain.“
All the other doctors I saw only wanted to put me on medication and didn’t want to get to the root of the problem. Dr. Saadat was very thorough and was able to identify the problem right away. He had me in surgery within 2 weeks of our first visit and I am happy to say that it was a success. I am no longer in pain and it is all thanks to Dr. Saadat. I was originally hesitant about traveling to Beverly Hills to see him, it is about a 2.5 hour drive from my house, but it was so worth it. He is a great Dr, and if you are looking for someone who cares and actually wants to help you, go see Dr. Saadat. – Paul Davidson via Google
Saadat Spine Is Proud to Be a Part of Cedar-Sinai’s Award-Winning Facility
At Saadat Spine, we’re happy to contribute to Cedar-Sinai’s success and recognition for high-quality care. At this facility, Dr. Saadat serves as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, providing some of the best spinal care in the US. We encourage you to learn more about our treatment philosophy and how we use compassion and innovation to treat some of the most complex spinal conditions.
If you’d like to learn more, schedule a consultation today at 310-961-9820 or fill out our online booking form.