About
Dr. Craig Kuhns is a board-certified spine surgeon in Austin, Texas, specializing in the treatment of complex spinal conditions including spinal deformities, trauma, tumors, and degenerative spine disorders. At St. David’s Medical Center, Dr. Kuhns is known for his expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery, using advanced techniques and AI-powered 3D spinal imaging to preserve mobility and reduce recovery time for patients suffering from neck and back pain.
In 2025, Dr. Kuhns was honored with the Frist Humanitarian Award for his volunteer work with SpineHope, a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing spinal surgeries to children in underserved countries such as Guyana. His commitment to compassionate care and excellence has also earned him repeated recognition as an Austin Monthly Top Doctor and a Texas Monthly Super Doctor.
Dr. Kuhns completed his undergraduate studies at UC San Diego, graduating with top honors in Biochemistry and Cellular Biology. He earned his medical degree from UCLA, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, and completed his orthopedic surgery residency there. He then pursued a prestigious fellowship in complex spine surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, training under internationally renowned spine surgeons.
Before relocating to Austin, Dr. Kuhns served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, where he founded the Missouri Spine Center and directed the spine fellowship program. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, authored book chapters, and continues to present research at national and international spine surgery conferences.
As a co-founder of Austin Spine, Dr. Kuhns remains at the forefront of spinal innovation. He regularly teaches other surgeons advanced minimally invasive spine techniques, including cervical disc arthroplasty, lumbar microdiscectomy, and MIS scoliosis surgery.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Kuhns enjoys golf, fitness, and spending time with his wife and four children.
Here's what patients are saying about Dr. Kuhns.Education
Medical School
University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Internship
University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery: University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Fellowship
Spinal Surgery Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Affiliations
- North American Spine Society
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Member of Travis County Medical Society
Gender
Male
Languages Spoken
English
Procedures & Conditions
- Spinal Surgery: Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Deformities
- Disc Replacement
Specialties
Orthopaedic Surgery
Spine Surgery
Office Locations
Central Austin Office
3000 N IH 35
Suite 708
Austin, TX 78705
Phone: (512) 347-7463
Additional Locations