Our Physicians

Kurt W. Von Rueden, M.D.

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon

With more than 20 years experience, Dr. Kurt W. Von Rueden is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in spine care. Dr. Von Rueden founded Austin’s Texas Scoliosis and Spine in 2002.

In 2004, Dr. Von Rueden expanded the comprehensive spine care model to establish what is now SpineAustin. He has been president of SpineAustin since its creation.

“The motto of our practice is to do it right the first time. Treating spine problems correctly the first time saves money, saves disabilities and improves outcomes,” he said.

“SpineAustin provides our patients with comprehensive care. We handle everything from the simplest cases to minimally invasive procedures on up to complex cases and spinal deformities. It is important to note, however, that we take a very conservative approach to spine and back care. Surgery is rarely an emergency and patients should always get a second opinion before proceeding with surgery,” he said.

“If surgery is required, SpineAustin’s surgical team is well versed in all procedures including reconstruction, deformities and revisions,” Dr. Von Rueden said.

Dr. Von Rueden performs all aspects of spinal surgery in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions with a special interest in treating scoliosis and spinal deformities in children and adults.

Dr. Von Rueden is a spinal consultant to The University of Texas athletics department in Austin.

Dr. Von Rueden received his bachelor and medical degrees from the University of Minnesota in 1978 and 1982, respectively. He completed an orthopedic internship and residency program at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical College in Chicago, Ill., and received training in pediatric orthopedics at Denver Children’s Hospital. During the first nine years of his practice, Dr. Von Rueden trained spine fellows and residents at the University of Colorado and Denver Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Von Rueden received the North American Spine Study Traveling Fellowship in 1994 and 1995, allowing him to study and perform spinal surgery at centers in the United States and Europe. He continues to personally visit with spine experts throughout the world.

Dr. Von Rueden is an active fellow in the Scoliosis Research Society, the North American Spine Society and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and regularly attends national meetings on spine research and spine deformity.

Married with two children, Dr. Von Rueden enjoys golfing, windsurfing and snow skiing.