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ABOUT

Dr. Tan (Dan) Chen is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He is a recognized specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, outpatient procedures, enhanced recovery after surgery, and complex spinal reconstructions. Dr. Chen completed his undergraduate studies in neuroscience with high honors at Dartmouth College and Harvard University, followed by his medical degree from Michigan State University. He went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Toronto, where he also pursued an elite combined orthopaedic and neurosurgical fellowship in complex spine and trauma surgery.

Known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach, Dr. Chen is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized spine care tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. He combines advanced surgical expertise with the latest minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain, enhance safety, and accelerate recovery, helping patients regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life as quickly and comfortably as possible.

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CONDITIONS

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Cervical Degenerative Facet Disease
Cervical Herniated Disc
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical Traumatic Fractures
Cervical Deformity

Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease
Thoracic Deformity
Thoracic Radiculopathy
Thoracic Myelopathy

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar Flatback Deformity
Lumbar Scoliosis
Lumbar Fractures
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Lumbar Muscle Spasm
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar Sprain
Lumbar Stenosis

Coccydynia/Tailbone Pain
Sacroiliac Joint Disease
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Spinal Pseudoarthrosis/Non-union
Hardware Failure/Loosening
Adjacent Segment Disease

PROCEDURES

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Cervical Disc Replacement/Arthroplasty
Cervical Laminoplasty
Cervical Rhizotomy
Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Minimally Invasive Cervical Decompression
Minimally Invasive Cervical Foraminotomy

Thoracic Rhizotomy
Thoracic Discectomy
Thoracic Decompression and Fusion
Thoracic Deformity Correction

Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy/Foraminotomy/Fusion
Lumbar Rhizotomy
Laminectomy/Laminotomy
Microdiscectomy
Lumbar Deformity and Scoliosis Correction
Lumbar Disc Replacement/Arthroplasty
Lumbar Facet Replacement/Arthroplasty
Anterior/Extreme/Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (ALIF/XLIF/OLIF)
Prone Transpsoas Lateral Interbody Fusion (PTP LIF)
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MI-TLIF)

Minimally Invasive Partial/Complete Coccygectomy
Open Sacroiliac Fusion
Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

Complex Revision Spinal Surgery
Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery


 

 

PROCEDURES

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Cervical Disc Replacement/Arthroplasty
Cervical Laminoplasty
Cervical Rhizotomy
Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Minimally Invasive Cervical Decompression
Minimally Invasive Cervical Foraminotomy

Thoracic Rhizotomy
Thoracic Discectomy
Thoracic Decompression and Fusion
Thoracic Deformity Correction

Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy/Foraminotomy/Fusion
Lumbar Rhizotomy
Laminectomy/Laminotomy
Microdiscectomy
Lumbar Deformity and Scoliosis Correction
Lumbar Disc Replacement/Arthroplasty
Lumbar Facet Replacement/Arthroplasty
Anterior/Extreme/Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (ALIF/XLIF/OLIF)
Prone Transpsoas Lateral Interbody Fusion (PTP LIF)
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MI-TLIF)

Minimally Invasive Partial/Complete Coccygectomy
Open Sacroiliac Fusion
Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

Complex Revision Spinal Surgery
Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Chen has extensive research interests in cutting-edge minimally invasive spinal techniques, motion preservation and arthroplasty, enhanced recovery after surgery, perioperative optimization of patient outcomes, and the management of degenerative and deformity-related spinal conditions. In addition to his busy clinical practice, Dr. Chen holds multiple academic appointments and has an impressive record of scholarly contribution, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 125 presentations at national and international academic conferences. Dr. Chen’s research pursuits reflect his unwavering passion for delivering individualized, effective, and innovative spinal treatments that prioritize patient safety and promote rapid post-operative recovery.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Chen has guided numerous pre-medical students, medical students, orthopedic and neurosurgical residents, and spine fellows, fostering the next generation of medical professionals and advancing the field of spine surgery.

RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Chen has been nationally and internationally recognized for his excellence in clinical care, research, and education. His accomplishments reflect a lifelong commitment to innovation, precision, and excellence—both inside and outside the operating room.

He has received numerous awards for research innovation, including several national best research presentation honors, multiple resident and fellow research awards from the University of Toronto and the Eastern Orthopaedic Association, and recognition as a Finalist in the American Medical Association Research Challenge. Dr. Chen is an invited speaker and panelist at leading global conferences—including the AANS/CNS Spine Summit, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and Becker’s Spine and Orthopaedics—where he has shared insights on novel technologies, minimally invasive techniques, and the future of spine surgery. He has been honored as Outstanding Author by the AME Surgical Journal and Reviewer of the Month by the Journal of Spine Surgery for his academic contributions. His expertise has also been featured in multiple professional and public media outlets, including Becker’s Spine Review, Best in Pennsylvania Magazine, and Silver Circle Magazine.

Dr. Chen’s dedication to clinical excellence has earned him repeated distinction as a Top Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon by America’s Best Doctors and Top Doctors New York. He has also been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who for his significant contributions to the medical field. Throughout his career, Dr. Chen has received multiple young surgeon grants, travel awards, and academic fellowships, recognizing both his leadership and his commitment to lifelong learning and innovation in spine care.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Chen is also an accomplished competitive Olympic fencer. As Captain of the Dartmouth College Fencing Team, he led his team to regional and national success. He went on to earn multiple state medals in Men’s Foil at the Michigan State Championships and the State Games of Michigan, demonstrating the same focus, discipline, and precision that define his surgical practice.

AFFILIATIONS

LOCATIONS & APPOINTMENTS

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Inova Orthopedics – Springfield
6355 Walker Ln. Ste 202 
Alexandria VA 22310

Important Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. Dr. Chen makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and is not liable for any actions taken based on it. Individual results may vary. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.