Fellowship-trained spine surgeon Sarah Chen, MD, offers minimally invasive solutions for neck and back conditions — with a commitment to exploring every non-surgical option first.
“Our goal is to help every patient get back to the life they love — with care that puts the patient first.”
Dr. Sarah Chen is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Houston, TX. She completed her medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, followed by an orthopaedic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic and a spine surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in minimally invasive techniques for a wide range of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
Dr. Chen's practice philosophy is straightforward: surgery is considered only when it offers a clear benefit that conservative care cannot provide. She takes time to thoroughly explore non-surgical options — such as physical therapy, medications, and injections — before recommending an operation. When surgery is the right path, she prioritizes techniques that minimize tissue disruption and support faster recovery.
Among her particular clinical interests are motion-preserving cervical and lumbar disc replacement and minimally invasive lumbar fusion. She also treats adult spinal deformity and scoliosis, and performs revision spine surgery for patients who have not found relief after prior procedures. With more than 4,200 spine procedures performed over 18 years in practice, she brings extensive hands-on experience to every patient encounter.
Dr. Chen serves as an attending spine surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital and holds surgical privileges at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor (volunteer faculty) at Baylor College of Medicine, where she contributes to the education of the next generation of spine surgeons. She is a member of the North American Spine Society (NASS) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Comprehensive care tailored to each patient's condition and goals.
Using advanced techniques designed to reduce muscle disruption and recovery time, Dr. Chen performs a full range of minimally invasive procedures for conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
Dr. Chen has a particular interest in motion-preserving disc replacement, an alternative to fusion that aims to maintain natural movement in the spine while relieving pain and nerve compression.
For patients who need spinal stabilization — or who have not experienced relief after a prior spine procedure — Dr. Chen performs spinal fusion and complex revision surgeries with careful attention to long-term outcomes.
Dr. Chen evaluates and treats adults living with spinal deformity, including scoliosis, working with each patient to find the most appropriate course of care for their unique anatomy and goals.
Surgery is never the first step. Dr. Chen is committed to exhausting conservative options — including physical therapy, activity modification, and interventional pain management — before recommending an operation.
Sarah Chen treats a full spectrum of conditions.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
Request an appointment with Sarah Chen today. Our staff will confirm your visit within one business day.