Michael Su Chang

Michael Chang, MD

Orthopedics | Spine Surgery
Languages: English
HonorHealth Medical Staff Member

Specialties

  • Orthopedics
  • Spine Surgery

Credentials

  • Residency

    University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
  • Education

    Harvard Medical School
  • Fellowship

    Washington University School of Medicine - Oto GME
  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

About

Dr. Chang treats all diseases and disorders of the adult and pediatric spine with particular emphasis on adult and pediatric spinal deformity as well as disorders of the cervical spine. He is specialized in technically challenging procedures such as vertebral column resection and pedicle subtraction osteotomy, which are used in complex spinal reconstruction from failed back surgery, congenital spinal disorders, and spinal tumors. He is also proficient in growth sparing pediatric scoliosis techniques such as tethering.

Dr. Chang believes each patient is unique, with different circumstances and goals with regards to their illness. A multidisciplinary and flexible treatment plan of medication, physical therapy and manipulation, injections, and surgery is tailored to each individual to maximize recovery and outcomes.

He spends considerable time in rural China for medical missions, providing spinal care to those without resources and teaching local surgeons spinal deformity surgical techniques.

Clinical Interests

  • Adult Scoliosis
  • Pediatric Scoliosis
  • Pediatric Kyphosis
  • Adult Kyphosis
  • Complex spine surgery
  • Revision spine surgery
  • Spinal deformity
  • Cervical spine
  • Spondylolisthesis

Care philosophy

Surgery should generally be used as a last resort, with the aim to treat patient suffering rather than a radiology or lab test. Dr. Chang believes patients should be active as the most important decision maker in their own care and strives to provide guidance and advice to best suit each individuals personal goals and circumstance.