Bedford
Spine Specialist
Matthew W. Wilkening, MD is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He sub-specializes in cervical, lumbar & thoracic spine surgery.
Dr. Wilkening is an adult and pediatric orthopedic spine specialist who performs cervical, lumbar & thoracic spine surgery. He is interested in helping patients to find both surgical and nonsurgical solutions for all conditions affecting the neck and back.
“I was in the Navy for for 10 years. I was a pilot and I really enjoyed that job, but I decided I wanted to do something that involved as much interpersonal communication and relationships as technical skill. So I decided I wanted to be a doctor.
In medical school, Dr. Wilkening fell in love with spine surgery.
“I enjoy spine surgery because the spine is very complicated, but it also still obeys simple principles. I also like the spine because it’s because the solution isn’t always surgical.
The patients Dr. Wilkening enjoys working with usually don’t come to him injured.
“Typically my patients come in with something that’s been gradually worsening throughout their life. Those are patients that we can save from a major surgery if we get them early enough. And that’s exciting when we can avoid a major surgery with some targeted interventions.
What would Dr. Wilkening like people to know about him before they make an appointment?
“I’d like patients to understand if they make an appointment with me, we’re not going in with a goal of surgery. We’re going in with a goal of making you feel better and getting there in the best way for you.”
Education & Training
Prior to his career as a spine specialist, Dr. Wilkening graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and served as a pilot in the US Navy. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, before returning to serve a tour as an advanced strike flight instructor in Meridian, Mississippi.
He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine and completed residency at Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was named intern of the year. Dr. Wilkening completed the Spinal Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, MD, where he received extensive training in both minimally invasive and complex deformity reconstruction in children as well as adults.
Research
Dr. Wilkening has presented research in spinal deformity, trauma, and oncology in a variety of national and international forums, including the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, the Scoliosis Research Society and, most recently, at the Global Spine Congress in Singapore.
Personal
Dr. Wilkening is active in the US Navy Reserve.
Hobbies and Interests
Dr. Wilkening enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 children
Physician Assistant
Kame works closely with Dr. Wilkening and may see you before and after surgery. She is board certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. She has additional certification from the National Association of Athletic Trainers Board of Certification. Kame completed her masters program at St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.
Physician & Surgery Coordinator
Gail manages Dr. Wilkening's patient schedule and communication. If you are having surgery, Gail will be your primary contact from the time Dr. Wilkening recommends surgery through your first post-operative visit. She will schedule both your surgery and any pre-operative tests you need. If you have any questions or requests about your care, please give Gail a call.
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