CJ Kleck, MD
Associate Professor, Orthopedics

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Medical School:
  • MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine (2007)
Undergraduate School:
  • BS, Portland State University (OR) (2002)
Internship:
  • University of Arizona Program (2008)
Residency:
  • University of Arizona Program, Chief Resident, Orthopedics (2012)
Fellowships:
  • University of Colorado, Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine (2013)
Languages: English
Department: Orthopedics

Research Interests

I am interested in research geared toward improving techniques and the use of technology in spine surgery. I am also interested in patient education and the communication between physicians and patients.

Teaching

  • Associate Professor (2013)
    School of Medicine, Orthopedics

Publications

  • Martin CT, Holton KJ, Elder BD, Fogelson JL, Mikula AL, Kleck CJ, Calabrese D, Burger EL, Ou-Yang D, Patel VV, Kim HJ, Lovecchio F, Hu SS, Wood KB, Harper R, Yoon ST, Ananthakrishnan D, Michael KW, Schell AJ, Lieberman IH, Kisinde S, DeWald CJ, Nolte MT, Colman MW, Phillips FM, Gelb DE, Bruckner J, Ross LB, Johnson JP, Kim TT, Anand N, Cheng JS, Plummer Z, Park P, Oppenlander ME, Sembrano JN, Jones KE, Polly DW. Catastrophic acute failure of pelvic fixation in adult spinal deformity requiring revision surgery: a multicenter review of incidence, failure mechanisms, and risk factors. J Neurosurg Spine. 2023 Jan 1;38(1):98-106. PubMed PMID: 36057123
  • Wessell NM, Kleck C, Ou-Yang D, Goldstein CL, Burger E, Patel V. The University of Colorado Virtual Physical Examination for Spine Surgeons: A Preliminary Study. Orthopedics. 2022 Jan-Feb;45(1):e7-e10. PubMed PMID: 34846242
  • Ayers R, Noschenko A, Ou-Yang D, Burger E, Patel V, Kleck CJ. Laser Marking of Spine Rods Is Strongly Associated With Risk of Clinical Rod Failure. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 Jan 15;30(2):e252-e263. PubMed PMID: 34715690
  • Tuano KR, Yang JH, Kleck CJ, Mathes DW, Chong TW. Multidisciplinary Treatment of Persistent Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Spinal Hardware Infection with a Pedicled Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap. Arch Plast Surg. 2022 Sep;49(5):604-607. PubMed PMID: 36159388
  • Delcont MR, Ou-Yang DC, Burger EL, Patel VV, Wessell NM, Kleck CJ. Alternative Uses of O-Arm and Stealth Navigation Technology Over 10 Years: The University of Colorado Experience. Orthopedics. 2022 Jul 25;:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 35876781
  • Payne KA, Shaw NM, Erickson CB, Yarger P, Yu Y, Baldini T, Kleck CJ, Patel VV, Burger EL. Blockade of Osteoclast-Mediated Bone Resorption With a RANKL-Inhibitor Enhances Bone Formation in a Rat Spinal Fusion Model. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2022 Aug 15;47(16):1165-1171. PubMed PMID: 35797625
  • Ou-Yang D, Burger EL, Kleck CJ. Pre-Operative Planning in Complex Deformities and Use of Patient-Specific UNiD(™) Instrumentation. Global Spine J. 2022 Apr;12(2_suppl):40S-44S. PubMed PMID: 35393875
  • Garg S, Kleck CJ, Gum JL, Larson AN. Navigation Options for Spinal Surgeons: State of the Art 2021. Instr Course Lect. 2022;71:399-411. PubMed PMID: 35254797
  • Wessell NM, Kleck C, Ou-Yang D, Goldstein CL, Burger E, Patel V. The University of Colorado Virtual Physical Examination for Spine Surgeons: A Preliminary Study. Orthopedics. 2022 Jan-Feb;45(1):e7-e10. PubMed PMID: 34846242
  • Ayers R, Noschenko A, Ou-Yang D, Burger E, Patel V, Kleck CJ. Laser Marking of Spine Rods Is Strongly Associated With Risk of Clinical Rod Failure. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 Jan 15;30(2):e252-e263. PubMed PMID: 34715690
  • Pier T, Milligan K, Wuthrich Z, Carpenter RD, Ayers R, Jesse M, Kleck C, Patel V. Morphometric analysis of the sacrum using statistical shap modelling. Comp Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Eng: Imag & Vis. Jan2;10(1):76-84.
  • Hughbanks ML, Rodriguez-Fontan F, Kleck CJ, Burger-Van der Walt E. Estrogen receptor Alpha in human knee articular cartilage of healthy and osteoarthritic females. J Orthop. 2021 Sep-Oct;27:1-8. PubMed PMID: 34413582
  • Prusick PJ, Sabri SA, Kleck CJ. Expectoration of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion cage: a case report. J Spine Surg. 2021 Jun;7(2):218-224. PubMed PMID: 34296036
  • Kleck CJ, Noshchenko A, Burger EL, Cain CMJ, Patel VV. Postoperative pelvic incidence (PI) change may impact sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSA) after instrumented surgical correction of adult spine deformity (ASD). Spine Deform. 2021 Jul;9(4):1093-1104. PubMed PMID: 33871832
  • Clavijo CF, Oliva AM, Dingmann C, Kaizer A, Christians U, Burger E, Patel V, Kleck CJ, Vogel SA, Scott BK, Janik DJ, Jameson LC, Ginde AA. Toxicology Screening Testing in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study. Ther Drug Monit. 2021 Feb 1;43(1):136-138. PubMed PMID: 33181620
  • Clavijo CF, Oliva AM, Dingmann C, Kaizer A, Christians U, Burger E, Patel V, Kleck CJ, Vogel SA, Scott BK, Janik DJ, Jameson LC, Ginde AA. Toxicology Screening Testing in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study. Ther Drug Monit. 2020 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33181620
  • Rodriguez-Fontan F, Reeves BJ, Noshchenko A, Ou-Yang D, Kleck CJ, Cain C, Burger-Van der Walt E, Patel VV. Answer to the Letter to the Editor of O. Ersen concerning "Strap stabilization for proximal junctional kyphosis prevention in instrumented posterior spinal fusion'' by Rodriguez-Fontan F, et al. (Eur Spine J; [2020]:1287-1296, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06291-0). Eur Spine J. 2020 Sep;29(9):2407. PubMed PMID: 32749617
  • Ayers R, Patel V, Burger E, Cain C, Ou-Yang D, Wessell N, Kleck C. Corrosion of Titanium Spinal Explants Is Similar to That Observed in Oil Field Line Pipe Steel: Evidence of Microbial-Influenced Corrosion In Vivo. Orthopedics. 2020 Jan 1;43(1):62-67. PubMed PMID: 31958342
  • Rodriguez-Fontan F, Reeves BJ, Noshchenko A, Ou-Yang D, Kleck CJ, Cain C, Burger-Van der Walt E, Patel VV. Strap stabilization for proximal junctional kyphosis prevention in instrumented posterior spinal fusion. Eur Spine J. 2020 Jun;29(6):1287-1296. PubMed PMID: 31938947
  • Kleck CJ, Calabrese D, Reeves BJ, Cain CMJ, Patel VV, Noshchenko A, Burger-Van der Walt EL. Long-Term Treatment Effect and Predictability of Spinopelvic Alignment After Surgical Correction of Adult Spine Deformity With Patient-Specific Spine Rods. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2020 Apr 1;45(7):E387-E396. PubMed PMID: 31651682
  • Jesse MK, Cleveland AW 3rd, Reiter MJ, Patel VV, Kleck CJ. Transpedicular-Transdiscal Cement Augmentation Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fusion Proximal Junctional Failure. Int J Spine Surg. 2019 Oct;13(5):470-473. PubMed PMID: 31741835
  • Kleck C, Calabrese D, Reeves BJ, Cain CMJ, Patel VV, Noshchenko A, Burger EL. Long-Term Treatment Effect and Predictability of Spinopelvic Alignment after Surgical Correction of Adult Spine Deformity (ASD) with Patient-Specific Spine Rods (PSSR). Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2019 Oct 15. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31651682
  • Cleveland AW 3rd, Nhan DT, Akiyama M, Kleck CJ, Noshchenko A, Patel VV. Mini-open sacroiliac joint fusion with direct bone grafting and minimally invasive fixation using intraoperative navigation. J Spine Surg. 2019 Mar;5(1):31-37. PubMed PMID: 31032436
  • Solla F, Barrey CY, Burger E, Kleck CJ, Fière V. Patient-specific Rods for Surgical Correction of Sagittal Imbalance in Adults: Technical Aspects and Preliminary Results. Clin Spine Surg. 2019 Mar;32(2):80-86. PubMed PMID: 30256240
  • McGee AW Jr, Dean CS, Ignatiuk A, Savelli C, Kleck CJ. Mycobacterium phlei Vertebral Osteomyelitis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2019 Dec;3(12). PubMed PMID: 32072124
  • Jesse MK, Cleveland AW 3rd, Reiter MJ, Patel VV, Kleck CJ. Transpedicular-Transdiscal Cement Augmentation Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fusion Proximal Junctional Failure. Int J Spine Surg. 2019 Oct;13(5):470-473. PubMed PMID: 31741835
  • Cleveland AW 3rd, Nhan DT, Akiyama M, Kleck CJ, Noshchenko A, Patel VV. Mini-open sacroiliac joint fusion with direct bone grafting and minimally invasive fixation using intraoperative navigation. J Spine Surg. 2019 Mar;5(1):31-37. PubMed PMID: 31032436
  • Solla F, Barrey CY, Burger E, Kleck CJ, Fière V. Patient-specific Rods for Surgical Correction of Sagittal Imbalance in Adults: Technical Aspects and Preliminary Results. Clin Spine Surg. 2019 Mar;32(2):80-86. PubMed PMID: 30256240
  • Schroeder N, Noschenko A, Burger E, Patel V, Cain C, Ou-Yang D, Kleck C. Pelvic Incidence Changes Between Flexion and Extension. Spine Deform. 2018 Nov - Dec;6(6):753-761. PubMed PMID: 30348355
  • Solla F, Barrey CY, Burger E, Kleck CJ, Fière V. Patient-specific Rods for Surgical Correction of Sagittal Imbalance in Adults: Technical Aspects and Preliminary Results. Clin Spine Surg. 2018 Sep 25. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30256240
  • Look N, Kleck CJ, Burger EL. Surgical Intervention for Cauda Equina Syndrome in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy: A Report of Three Cases. JBJS Case Connect. 2018 Jul-Sep;8(3):e68. PubMed PMID: 30211711
  • Bozzio AE, Johnson CR, Fattor JA, Kleck CJ, Patel VV, Burger EL, Noshchenko A, Cain CMJ. Stand-alone Anterior Lumbar Interbody, Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody, and Anterior/Posterior Fusion: Analysis of Fusion Outcomes and Costs. Orthopedics. 2018 Sep 1;41(5):e655-e662. PubMed PMID: 30011051
  • York PJ, McGee AW Jr, Dean CS, Hellwinkel JE, Kleck CJ, Dayton MR, Hogan CA. Correction to: The relationship of pelvic incidence to post-operative total hip arthroplasty dislocation in patients with lumbar fusion. Int Orthop. 2018 May 11. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29752503
  • Kleck CJ, Illing D, Lindley EM, Noshchenko A, Patel VV, Barton C, Baldini T, Cain CMJ, Burger EL. Reply to Letter to Editor: Strain in Posterior Instrumentation Resulted by Different Combinations of Posterior and Anterior Devices for Long Spine Fusion Constructs. Spine Deform. 2018 May - Jun;6(3):335-340. PubMed PMID: 29735147
  • York PJ, McGee AW Jr, Dean CS, Hellwinkel JE, Kleck CJ, Dayton MR, Hogan CA. The relationship of pelvic incidence to post-operative total hip arthroplasty dislocation in patients with lumbar fusion. Int Orthop. 2018 Oct;42(10):2301-2306. PubMed PMID: 29704024
  • Kleck CJ, Burger EL. Development of Bilateral Facet Cysts Causing Recurrent Symptoms After Decompression and the Placement of an Intralaminar Implant: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect. 2018 Jan-Mar;8(1):e11. PubMed PMID: 29489522
  • Kleck CJ, Johnson C, Akiyama M, Burger EL, Cain CJ, Patel VV. One-step Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Instrumentation Using O-Arm and Stealth Navigation. Clin Spine Surg. 2018 Jun;31(5):197-202. PubMed PMID: 29389770
  • Schroeder N, Noschenko A, Burger E, Patel V, Cain C, Ou-Yang D, Kleck C. Pelvic Incidence Changes Between Flexion and Extension. Spine Deform. 2018 Nov - Dec;6(6):753-761. PubMed PMID: 30348355
  • Look N, Kleck CJ, Burger EL. Surgical Intervention for Cauda Equina Syndrome in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy: A Report of Three Cases. JBJS Case Connect. 2018 Jul-Sep;8(3):e68. PubMed PMID: 30211711
  • Bozzio AE, Johnson CR, Fattor JA, Kleck CJ, Patel VV, Burger EL, Noshchenko A, Cain CMJ. Stand-alone Anterior Lumbar Interbody, Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody, and Anterior/Posterior Fusion: Analysis of Fusion Outcomes and Costs. Orthopedics. 2018 Sep 1;41(5):e655-e662. PubMed PMID: 30011051
  • York PJ, McGee AW Jr, Dean CS, Hellwinkel JE, Kleck CJ, Dayton MR, Hogan CA. Correction to: The relationship of pelvic incidence to post-operative total hip arthroplasty dislocation in patients with lumbar fusion. Int Orthop. 2018 Oct;42(10):2307. PubMed PMID: 29752503
  • Kleck CJ, Illing D, Lindley EM, Noshchenko A, Patel VV, Barton C, Baldini T, Cain CMJ, Burger EL. Reply to Letter to Editor: Strain in Posterior Instrumentation Resulted by Different Combinations of Posterior and Anterior Devices for Long Spine Fusion Constructs. Spine Deform. 2018 May - Jun;6(3):335-340. PubMed PMID: 29735147
  • York PJ, McGee AW Jr, Dean CS, Hellwinkel JE, Kleck CJ, Dayton MR, Hogan CA. The relationship of pelvic incidence to post-operative total hip arthroplasty dislocation in patients with lumbar fusion. Int Orthop. 2018 Oct;42(10):2301-2306. PubMed PMID: 29704024
  • Kleck CJ, Burger EL. Development of Bilateral Facet Cysts Causing Recurrent Symptoms After Decompression and the Placement of an Intralaminar Implant: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect. 2018 Jan-Mar;8(1):e11. PubMed PMID: 29489522
  • Kleck CJ, Johnson C, Akiyama M, Burger EL, Cain CJ, Patel VV. One-step Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Instrumentation Using O-Arm and Stealth Navigation. Clin Spine Surg. 2018 Jun;31(5):197-202. PubMed PMID: 29389770
  • Kleck CJ, Illing D, Lindley EM, Noshchenko A, Patel VV, Barton C, Baldini T, Cain CM, Burger EL. Strain in Posterior Instrumentation Resulted by Different Combinations of Posterior and Anterior Devices for Long Spine Fusion Constructs. Spine Deform. 2017 Jan;5(1):27-36. PubMed PMID: 28038691
  • Ou-Yang DC, York PJ, Kleck CJ, Patel VV. Diagnosis and Management of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2017 Dec 6;99(23):2027-2036. PubMed PMID: 29206793
  • Ayers R, Miller M, Schowinsky J, Burger E, Patel V, Kleck C. Three cases of metallosis associated with spine instrumentation. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2017 Dec 1;29(1):3. PubMed PMID: 29196871
  • Jesse MK, Kleck C, Williams A, Petersen B, Glueck D, Lind K, Patel V. 3D Morphometric Analysis of Normal Sacroiliac Joints: A New Classification of Surface Shape Variation and the Potential Implications in Pain Syndromes. Pain Physician. 2017 Jul;20(5):E701-E709. PubMed PMID: 28727714
  • Kleck CJ, Illing D, Lindley EM, Noshchenko A, Patel VV, Barton C, Baldini T, Cain CMJ, Burger EL. Strain in Posterior Instrumentation Resulted by Different Combinations of Posterior and Anterior Devices for Long Spine Fusion Constructs. Spine Deform. 2017 Jan;5(1):27-36. PubMed PMID: 28038691
  • Ou-Yang DC, York PJ, Kleck CJ, Patel VV. Diagnosis and Management of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2017 Dec 6;99(23):2027-2036. PubMed PMID: 29206793
  • Ayers R, Miller M, Schowinsky J, Burger E, Patel V, Kleck C. Three cases of metallosis associated with spine instrumentation. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2017 Dec 1;29(1):3. PubMed PMID: 29196871
  • Kleck CJ, Perry JM, Burger EL, Cain CM, Milligan K, Patel VV. Sacroiliac Joint Treatment Personalized to Individual Patient Anatomy Using 3-Dimensional Navigation. Orthopedics. 2016 Mar-Apr;39(2):89-94. PubMed PMID: 27023416
  • Barton C, Noshchenko A, Patel V, Kleck C, Burger E. Early Experience and Initial Outcomes With Patient-Specific Spine Rods for Adult Spinal Deformity. Orthopedics. 2016 Mar-Apr;39(2):79-86. PubMed PMID: 27023415
  • Kleck CJ, Cullilmore I, LaFleur M, Lindley E, Rentschler ME, Burger EL, Cain CM, Patel VV. A new 3-dimensional method for measuring precision in surgical navigation and methods to optimize navigation accuracy. Eur Spine J. 2016 Jun;25(6):1764-74. PubMed PMID: 26394858
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Professional Memberships

  • North America Spine Society, Member
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Provisional Member

Practice Locations

UCHealth Spine Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion - 1st Floor
12605 E. 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-1980

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine
  • Orthopedics
Conditions & Treatments
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Arthritis
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Back Pain
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Fractures
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Neck Disorders and Injuries
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Scoliosis
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Spine Injuries
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Sprains and Strains
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles
Clinical Interests
My greatest area of interest is the treatment of adult spine deformity. This includes many problems that cause issues with posture, including scoliosis and kyphosis. I am also interested in treating patients who have had previous surgery and continue to have issues.

Care Philosophy
I treat patients as I would like to be treated myself, or as I would want my family members treated. It is important that patients are informed and active in the decision making process, and I feel this is a critical part of my job. While I am a surgeon, I am interested in pursuing all non-surgical means to the treatment of various spine conditions before considering surgical options. When surgery is decided upon, I apply the fundamentals of my training and evolving technology to maximize benefit to patients.

Personal Interests
I enjoy spending my spare time with my wife and two children.

Volunteer Activities
I have provided care on a voluntary basis throughout my career. I focused on local outreach to the underserved population while in Arizona, and am interested in continuing or expanding this interest.

Public Speaking
Yes

General Information

Medical Schools:
  • MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine (2007)
Undergraduate Schools:
  • BS, Portland State University (OR) (2002)
Internships:
  • University of Arizona Program (2008)
Residency Programs:
  • University of Arizona Program, Chief Resident, Orthopedics (2012)
Fellowships:
  • University of Colorado, Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine (2013)
Languages: English
Department: Orthopedics
SOM Resources
CU Resources
Contact Us
CU Anschutz
Fitzsimons Building
13001 East 17th Place
Campus Box C290
Aurora, CO 80045

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