
Dr. James L. Chappuis, MD, FACS
Orthopedist
3161 Howell Mill Road NW Atlanta GA, 30327About
Dr. James Chappuis is an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Chappuis specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, diseases and disorders of the bodys musculoskeletal system. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Chappuis tends to bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves and tendons. Orthopaedic surgeons can specialize in certain areas like the hand, spine, hip, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow or the knee.
Education and Training
The University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio B.S. in Biology 1977
MEDICAL SCHOOL The Medical College of Ohio M.D. 1980
Board Certification
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopaedic SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryABOS
Provider Details

Dr. James L. Chappuis, MD, FACS's Expert Contributions
Can a herniated disc affect your walking?
Thank you for your question. Yes, a herniated disc can cause inflammation, pain, and affect the overall function and mobility of a person. The mid and lower back carries most of our weight and injury in the disc disrupts the normal bending and mechanism of walking activities- not to mention pain from inflammation and possible nerve involvement. Please make an appointment to see a spine specialist for appropriate evaluation. Best Regards, Dr. James Chappuis, MD READ MORE
Bilateral leg pain?
Good Afternoon, I certainly hope you get some relief soon. Bilateral leg pain may often be a symptom of spinal injury or degradation of spinal discs in the lumbar (low back) region. This pain can certainly elevate your blood pressure as well. These issues combined with being overweight can add to a particularly troublesome issue. I understand without insurance you must feel overwhelmed. My recommendation is to seek a low cost or free clinic in adult health to immediately get your blood pressure addressed as you are at high risk for stroke. Your next priority will be addressing weight loss which will help alleviate blood pressure and ski slopes issues. Follow up for X-rays and possible MRI scans should address your spinal health. I wish you the very best! Dr. James Chappuis, MD READ MORE
Why does my shoulder hurt?
Good Evening, There may be issues within the anatomy of the shoulder creating this pain. The shoulder is a wonderful mechanism of bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons that work together harmoniously. If, however, there is tear or inflammation, pain and instability will develop. I would advise an appointment with your local orthopedic specialist who provides shoulder evaluation. Best to You, Dr. James Chappuis, MD READ MORE
How long does it take to straighten your arm after a broken elbow?
I’m sorry to hear of your injury! A fractured elbow may take 6-8 weeks to fully heal or longer depending on the type of injury and extent of the fracture. Additional time will likely be required for full function of the joint. I recommend contacting your orthopedic or see an orthopedic specialist for follow up to make certain the healing process is correct and complete. Best wishes for a quick recovery! Dr. James Chappuis, MD READ MORE
Do I need to worry?
Good Evening and I hope you have a speedy recovery! I strongly advise you to contact your attending doctor immediately as your blood pressure is high and it may also be probable that pain is affecting your blood pressure by elevating it. See urgent care or an ER if you cannot reach your physician. Best Wishes, James Chappuis, MD READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of Medicine- Using intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring as a diagnostic tool for determining levels to decompress in the cervical spine: a case report.
- Interbody device endplate engagement effects on motion segment biomechanics.
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: two-year results with a modular interbody device.
- Intraoperative biomechanics of lumbar pedicle screw loosening following successful arthrodesis.
- Monitoring of lumbosacral nerve roots during spinal instrumentation.
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Local, Regional, National, and International Public Speaking -
- Clinical Instructor Georgia Regents University -
Awards
- Distinguished Award
- Preceptor 2002 Midwestern University’s Arizona College
Treatments
- Complimentary MRI review
- MRI center
- Telemedicine
- Rehabilitation center
- Acupuncture
- Aquatic rehabilitation
- Atlanta IDD theraphy
- Cryotherapy
- Dry needling treatment
- Massage for back pain
- Physical Therapy
- Work conditioning program
- Surgery Center
- Orthopedic Spine Surgery
- Benefits of spine surgery
- Diagnostic Testing
- How to choose an orthopedic surgeon
- Spine surgery risks
- Second Opinions
- Spine specialization
- Introductipon of spine anatomy
- Independent Medical Evaluation
- Pre/post operative care
- Wellness Center
- Membership program
- Medical Massage
- Personal Training
Professional Memberships
- American College of Surgeons - Fellow
Fellowships
- Klinikum Karlsbad - Langensteinbach Karlsbad, Germany AO Spine Fellowship 1998
Dr. James L. Chappuis, MD, FACS's Practice location
Atlanta, GA 30327Get Direction
Spine Center Atlanta East
1309 Wellbrook Cir NE Suite H -Conyers, GA 30012Get Direction
Spine Center Atlanta North
3540 Duluth Park Lane NW Suite 120 -Duluth, GA 30096Get Direction
Spine Center Atlanta South
102 Vincent Avenue -Stockbridge, GA 30281Get Direction
Spine Center Atlanta South
4940 Governor’s Drive Suite 205 -Forest Park, GA 30297Get Direction
Spine Center Savannah
310 Eisenhower Drive Building 12, Suite C -Savannah, GA 31406Get Direction
Spine Center Macon
3356 Vineville Ave -Macon, GA 31204Get Direction
Dr. James L. Chappuis, MD, FACS's reviews
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Media Releases
Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. James L. Chappuis, who serves patients in Atlanta, Georgia.
A visionary in the field of orthopedic spine surgery, Dr. Chappuis is the Founder, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Spine Center Atlanta, a/k/a SpineCenterAtlanta, a comprehensive physician-guided spine care program in Atlanta (Buckhead), Georgia.
Having garnered himself quite the reputation in the medical world, he has a passion for helping patients to recover from debilitating spinal disorders using the latest surgical technology. For conditions which do not warrant surgery, Dr. Chappuis believes in the merging of customary medical techniques with complementary and holistic options to provide patients with the greatest chance to heal and recover.
“Our expert team of physicians and specialists led by Dr. James L. Chappuis provides a customized treatment plan for each patient based on their specific concerns to restore function at the highest level. We have a reputation and commitment to offering excellence in complex orthopedic surgery and treatments while offering complete medical concierge services and e-visits appointments to ensure our patients effectively recover from their injuries” as stated on the practice’s website.
Licensed to practice medicine in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee, Dr. Chappuis is a Clinical Instructor with Georgia Regents University in Augusta, Georgia. He also has staff privileges with the Emory University Hospital Midtown.
Throughout the years, he has served numerous hospitals in the role of secretary of the medical staff, chief of surgery, chairman-elect department of surgery, editorial board of the Medical Association of Atlanta, chief of orthopedic surgery, and head of the orthopedic department.
Academically, Dr. Chappuis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Summa Cum Laude, from The University of Toledo and a medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio. He completed his internship with Mercy Hospital and two residencies, first in general surgery at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and the second in orthopedic surgery at the Campbell Clinic/University of Tennessee. Finally, he completed his AO spine fellowship with Professor Jürgen Harms at Klinikum Karlsbad-Langensteinbach in Karlsbad, Germany.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the doctor is board-certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.
As an inventor of new and innovative surgical products, Dr. Chappuis has been issued US Utility Patents for the Doppler Retractor, Flexible Tap Apparatus and Method of Use, Internal Pedicle Screw Insulator Apparatus and Method of Use, Facet Fusion System, Universal Surgical Power Tool Foot Pedal Apparatus, Expandable Pedicle Tap and Method, Fenestrated Surgical Screw, Fenestrated Surgical Anchor and the Protector Retractor. In addition, he has filed four US Utility Patents for Bite Guard, Devices and Methods for Temporarily Retaining Spinal Rootlets within Dural Sac, Modular Lumbar Interbody Fixation Systems with Reconstruction Endplates, and Modular Lumbar Interbody Fixation System.
Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
Throughout his storied career, Dr. Chappuis has served numerous academic appointments, attended numerous scientific meetings, served board appointments, and performed civic and community service.
- He has been recognized by Becker’s Orthopedic, Spine & Pain Management Reviews “207 Spine Surgeons and Specialists to Know”, “89 Spinal Surgeon Device Inventors & Innovators to Know” and “90 Spinal Surgeon Device Inventors & Innovators to Know”.
- He has co-authored a book in October 2004 with John Lee titled, “Doctor I’m Scared”, A Concise & Practical Guide to reducing the fears of surgery.
- He has been featured in numerous articles including “The Good Doctor”, Marietta Daily Journal, Lifestyle Section, September 3, 2002; “How to Avoid Lower Back Pain from Exercise”, Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine, Health Section, page 7, August 2002; “This Pioneering Spine Surgeon Uses the Latest Techniques and Technology, Some of Which he Developed”, Metro Atlanta MD News, November/December 2001, cover article.
- He has been published extensively including The Spine Journal August 2001 and July 2009, the Journal of Spinal Disorders July 2007, The Physician and Sports Medicine April 1996, Rehab Management February/March 1996, and Spine May 1993.
- He is currently accepted for publication by Jackson KL, Freedman BA, Rinkus K, Basra S, Hamilton M, and Chappuis JL, “Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: 2 Year Results with a Modular Interbody Device”, in the Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques and The Spine Journal.
On a more personal note, Dr. Chappuis is an entrepreneur that enjoys art, landscape design and travel. His current endeavors include developing art programs, art exhibitions and hosting at Westside Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Atlanta, where he is Founder and CEO. His passion for art is evidenced through his relationship with world-renowned artist, Anthony Liggins, who co-owns Collective One Gallery with him.
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