Practice Locations
Affiliated Hospitals
- Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
- Evanston Hospital - NorthShore University Health System
- Glenbrook Hospital - NorthShore University Health System
- North Shore Surgical Suites
- Presence Saint Francis Hospital
- Skokie Hospital - NorthShore University Health System
Areas of Expertise
- Degenerative Spine Conditions
- Disc Herniation and Microdecompression
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Spine Abnormalities & Deformities in Adults and Children
- Independent Medical Evaluations (IME)
Biography
Dr. Gary Shapiro is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating spine problems in adults and children. He has particular interest in sports related spinal injuries and has treated professional athletes from around the world, including serving for three years as the official spine surgeon for the Chicago Bears.
In many cases, Dr. Shapiro is able to treat patients with non-surgical methods. When surgery is needed, he often is able to perform minimally invasive procedures, which decrease patient discomfort and speed recovery times.
The combination of his interest in science and his desire to help people led Dr. Shapiro to become a doctor. His care is marked by his empathy for patients and true commitment to their best interests.
His dedication to excellence is reflected in Dr. Shapiro’s work as the chairman of the professional staff risk management committee and Spine Division quality committee representative at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Dr. Shapiro is a clinical assistant professor of orthopaedics at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine.
He is conducting research studying factors that could shorten the length of a patient’s hospital stay following surgery and is participating in a multi-center study assessing the effectiveness of a technique in lumbar spinal fusion. Dr. Shapiro also has been involved in the development of new medical products, and holds a patent for a cage used for spinal reconstruction.
I believe it is very important to place the patient and his/her needs as the first priority. Additionally, my conservative approach to treatment will exhaust all non-operative measures prior to surgery. I have the ability to tailor both non-surgical and surgical options to the patients’ specific needs, and will work with the patient to determine the proper course of treatment."
Gary Shapiro, MDEducation
Medical School
Health Science Center at Syracuse- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Internship
The New York Hospital/Cornell University Medical Center- Surgery
Residency
Hospital for Special Surgery- Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship
Hospital for Special Surgery- Spine Surgery
Additional Training
Children's Hospital, San Diego- Thoracoscopic Deformity Surgery Training
- Peter O Newton and Shapiro GS. Congenital Deformity in Essentials in Orthopaedics: Spine, 1st edition.
- Shapiro GS, Bostrom MPG. Heterotopic Ossification and Charcot Neuroarthropathy. in Chapman Operative Orthopaedics, 3rd edition.
- Shapiro GS and Weiland AJ. Distal Radius Malunion: The Use of the Locon T Plate in Master Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery: The Wrist, 2nd edition.
- Newton PO, Faro FD, Farnsworth CL, Shapiro GS, Mohammad F, Parent S, Fricka K, Amiel D. Multilevel spinal growth modulation with an anterolateral flexible tether in an immature bovine model. Spine, In press.
- Shapiro GS, Sheth N, Mintz DN, Bush H, Sculco TP. Occlusion of a vascular graft after TKA: a case report. American Journal of Orthopedics. In Press.
- Kelly BT, Shapiro GS, DiGiovanni CW, Buly RL, Potter HG, Hannafin JA. Vascularity of the hip labrum: a cadaveric investigation. Arthroscopy 21:3-11, 2005.
- Huang R, Shapiro GS, Sandhu H, Lutz G. Cervical epidural abscess after epidural steroid injection: a case report. Spine 29:E7-9, 2004.
- Shapiro GS, Markel DC, Weiland D, Padgett DE, Sculco TP, Pellicci PM. The use of a constrained acetabular component: follow up of at least 2 years. J Arthroplasty 18:250-8, 2003.
- Shapiro GS, Boachie-Adjei O, Taira G. Results of surgical treatment of adult idiopathic scoliosis with low back pain and spinal stenosis: a study of long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. Spine 28:358-63, 2003.
- Shapiro GS, Boachie-Adjei O, Dhalikar S, Maier L. The use of Epoetin alfa in complex spine deformity surgery. Spine 27:2067-71, 2002.
- Shapiro GS and Weiland AJ. Degenerative osteophyte causing lateral epicondylitis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 11:383-5, 2002.
- Shapiro GS, Markel DC, Weiland D, Padgett DE, Sculco TP, Pellicci PM. The use of a constrained acetabular component: follow up of at least 2 years. Instructional Course Lectures 50:281-7, 2001.
- Shapiro GS, Millett PJ, DiCarlo EF, Mintz DN, Gamache FW, Rawlins BA. Spinal epidural hemangioma related to pregnancy. Skeletal Radiology 30:290-4, 2001.
- Shapiro G, Green DW, Fatica NS, Boachie-Adjei O. Medical complications in scoliosis surgery. Curr Opin Pediatr 13:36-41, 2001.
- Diminick M, Shapiro GS, Cornell CN. Acute compartment syndrome of the triceps and deltoid. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 13:225-7, 1999.
- Shapiro GS, Frelinghuysen P, Sanchez P, Rawlins B, Boachie-Adjei O. Revision pediatric deformity. Submitted: Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
- Becker’s Orthopaedic Spine Review Top 10 Spine Surgeons for Athletes in the United States
- Lewis Clark Wagner Award for Resident Research (2001), Senior Research Project with FOCOS: Performed 1st THA in Ghana, Africa (2000)
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (1996)
- Davie G. Murray Award (1996)
- Dean’s Letter of Commendation (1996)
- Foundation for Orthopaedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS): 2000-current
- Chicago Bears NFL Football Team Spine Consultant: 2005-2007
- Northwestern University Medical School: 2003-2009
- University of Chicago Medical School: 2009-current
View Dr. Shapiro's Media
Dr. Shapiro Intro
A Golfing Lesson from Illinois Bone and Joint Institute – Chicago Health, May 29th 2014
Patient Feedback
Want to share your patient story for Dr. Shapiro? Complete this form.
Herniated Disc Surgery: Patricia J’s Story
For many years, Patricia experienced swelling in her right knee and soreness in her thigh. At times she had very little to no feeling in her legs and feet…read more
IBJI is the Best Decision for Sciatica Pain: Patricia T’s Story
Patricia’s journey in care started in 2013 when she initially saw IBJI’s Dr. Gary Shapiro, Orthopedic Surgeon with Fellowship Training in Spine, for her back pain…read more
Enjoyed a Three Week Bicycle Trip Without Back Pain: Jim’s Story
Recently I hurt my back for the first time. Waking up the next morning, I was in great pain, and almost unable to move…read more
Spine Surgery Relieved Pain and Discomfort: Teddie’s Story
Within 2-3 weeks the pain and discomfort were gone..read more
Additional Patient Feedback
“A year ago today before the world shut down, I limped into the IBJ surgery center in Glenview. Five hours later I walked out pain free! Dr. Gary Shapiro performed a Laminotomy on my spine. Before the surgery I could not walk a block. Within a month, I was walking three miles a day and playing golf shortly thereafter. Dr. Shapiro did an amazing job and I am so grateful for his amazing talent! Bravo!” – Marc S.
“I have returned to Dr. Shapiro because of the fine result from the first surgery he did on my back. I was not certain what was wrong this time, but after consultation, Dr. Shapiro gave me his best course of action advice. At this time, surgery is not indicated but the injection he gave me was painless and is helping. Both Dr. Shapiro and his staff are professional, personable, and always available to answer any of my questions. I highly recommend him. -Terri R.”
“Thank you all so much for the incredible care you provided to me. My back is so much better! You not only provided this relief, you had amazing support along the way, always explaining everything that would happen, what to expect, etc. And then you called, and called again, making sure I was ok – amazing!”
“Dr. Shapiro was great. Told us what we needed to know and was concise and to the point. Excellent staff as well.”
“Dr Shapiro is so patient focused and an extraordinary physician. The support staff should also be commended!”