Dr. Sean Keem, MD

He reviewed my x-rays, told me what he could do, described the recovery time and process and I knew that I could trust him as a surgeon. I got my life back after two procedures on my back.

Dr. Keem performed 2 surgeries on my very complicated back. His skills as a surgeon gave me mobility and lessened my pain issues. He's a kind man, a good listener and allowed me time to make my decisions. I especially like how he communicates. He treated me with respect and explained what was going on in my x-rays and MRIs. I feel very lucky to have found him to take care of life-long back problems. I highly recommend him.

Saw this doctor today and he was so rude and unkind. It was awful. Wouldn’t even listen to my concerns. Didn’t give me a chance to ask questions. He was more worried about the previous spine surgeon I saw instead of me. He walked into the room on the defensive. Unprofessional, uncaring and certainly did not put the patient first. I’ll be following up with the quality department and whomever takes patient complaints. I work in healthcare. I’m blown away. His staff was nice. Would not recommend whatsoever.

Competent friendly surgeon and staff- Good follow up-

I had trouble with back, and leg pain and numbness. Saw many other doctors (go to physical therapy) with no results, just got worse, for 4 long years. Referred to Dr. Keem, made appointment and upon arriving at Dr. Keems office, somehow I knew this was going to be different. Dr. Keem was polite, knowledgeable and shared an interest in eliminating my pain. MRI (11th one) showed exactly as the first one and Dr. Keem made a game plan and in a couple of weeks he performed his surgical magic and upon waking up in recovery, I could move better and felt better. Within 3 days following surgery, most of my back and leg pain was gone (subsided) and have been getting better ever since! Why did I have to suffer for 4 years and waste all that time and money with other doctors? WHY? I can't say enough about Dr. Keem and his Nurse Laura....Thank you so very much, I am getting my quality of life back.

My experience with Dr. Keem and his staff was very positive. After surgery on my lumbar spine, I had 7 screws and 5 titanium plates. Post one-year I have returned to golf, continue to do pilates, and gardening. It is so wonderful not to be in pain!

I had spinal stenosis and scoliosis. I consulted several spine doctors and neurosurgeons in Seattle and D.C. area where I used to live. Some recommended a major fusion surgery that would make most of my spine stiff. Some said not to have surgery and treat pain with medications. I had been on pain meds for close to 10 years and did not want to live my life on opioid pain medications. Dr. Keem recommended minimally invasive spine surgery that involved fusion of only 3 areas where spontaneous fusion was already happening. He explained to me that he was de-fusing already fused areas to take pressure off nerves, correct crooked spine and fusing them back in a better position. Surgery took only 3 hours all together, One year later, I am standing straight and exercising everyday. I finished a round of golf with my best score in life last weekend. I am forever in debt to him and his staff.

The quality of Dr. Keem's work is superb. I literally gasped when I saw x-rays of my cervical spine before and after surgery. The difference was astonishing. His staff is wonderful--knowledgeable, kind and efficient.

Dr Keem and his staff were fantastic. They made the entire procedure easy for me and I always felt safe and in good hands. I would recommend him to anyone needing a surgical procedure on their spine and felt very fortunate that he was affiliated with the Polyclinic.

Earlier this year I began experiencing symptoms related to cervical stenosis. These symptoms caused a lot of pain, discomfort, and neurological difficulties. I noticed my mobility starting to suffer, along with my balance, and energy level. During my evaluation, Dr. Keem was very patient and addressed my questions and concerns. He was thorough and wanted to check multiple neurological functions. He explained my MRI and the source of my symptoms, and he let me know what my procedure would be like: two artificial discs that would allow me to maintain motion, take care of my symptoms, and allow me to return to an active lifestyle without restriction. His expertise and want to be conservative and minimally invasive were clear. I'm fortunate to have had such a skillful, compassionate, and professional surgeon. He visited my waiting room before surgery, was there when I woke up, and called my folks to let them know I was OK. I am now seven weeks out and almost 100%. Dr. Keem is the best!

Three months ago, Dr. Keem performed outpatient surgery on my low back. I've just returned from a trip to Jackson WY where I was whitewater rafting, went on a half day horseback ride and hiked in the mountains as well. In addition to that, I drove round trip from Seattle. Six months ago, driving, sitting and turning over at night was so painful, I could barely function and I couldn't have imagined taking any trips much less participating in any activity. While I'm 75, it was the first time I'd ever felt old. Due to Dr. Keem's outstanding skill as a surgeon, I have no more pain and am once again active. After my first consultation with him, I never considered getting a second opinion. I was so comfortable with Dr. Keem's demeanor and explanations and that coupled with his reputation made it an easy decision. And, my gut instinct was right. The recovery from surgery was much quicker than I would have imagined. I highly recommend Dr. Keem for any spinal surgery!

Dr Keem is an amazing surgeon. Unfortunately I had an occurrence that put me literally in a wheel chair, or limited to walking with use of a cane due to severe sciatica in my left leg. I had my new MRI sent to Dr Keem. He compiled it showing me on the video screen my entire back. He started at the top and went all the way to the end like driving down a highway. It was quite clear the two areas of stenosis (developed over time) and the bulged disc that occurred two months before. I had tried a cortisone shot, and it provided just short term relief. The symptoms were not healing with time, and I was concerned about the sudden disability that took me out of my job. He explained to me what he could do for me, fixing the 3 areas. He also had an opening at Swedish Hospital in the following week. The surgery was a success. I have returned to my job as a flight attendant/purser 5 weeks after the surgery. I do not feel any residual pain or real discomfort. I am grateful, truly grateful!

Dr. Keem changed my life physically, and my outlook on life mentally. He combines imagination, skill and compassion to build a personalized treatment plan. I went from pain every minute, to none at all. The surgery is tough and the recovery will challenge you for a few days, but on the other side you'll be thanking Dr. Keep and his breakthrough techniques every minute.

Dr. Keem is the best! He explained everything regarding my spine problems and let me decide what to do. I had a disk fragment resting on a nerve and was in a lot of pain. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and have never regretted it. I have been pain free ever since the surgery. Due to the procedure he used for my surgery I had a quick recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Keem.

Not even sure where to start, so bear with me. Grade 2 spondy L4 on L5 with complete disc degeneration (bone on bone) and with anterior scoliosis due to instability of the overall region. Dr. Keem laid out the risks and potential rewards of an OLIF procedure and given that I felt I had no choice on account of future deterioration, I signed up for it. Surgery was 12/23/2020 and went as textbook. I cannot believe I feel the way that I do so soon after. Xrays post-surgery as well as after first check-in showed perfect alignment and stable bolting. Incision sites had no problems. But, for those reading, do expect wide variance of how you might feel every 4 or 5 days. WALK, WALK, WALK, and that will reward you. Dr. Keem did amazing work and I'm more than fortunate to have received his care. WORTH THE WAIT, so do NOT give up. Trust him with your care. I cannot give him more thanks than I already have. Unbelievable work, truly.

My experience and results after surgery with Dr. Keem were incredible. I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis (grade 3) and was recommended by my general practitioner to Dr. Keem. Form the moment we met he was caring and genuinely concerned about the slippage progression. I decided to go for the surgical route. Although insurance was an uphill climb to get the surgery approved, him and his team were extremely helpful and pushed forward with the diagnosis. After one year of my L5-S1 OLIF I am completely healed. It's not unlit you recover from your debilitating condition that you realize how deteriorating life was. I am pill free! Which is something I have not been able to say in a long time. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Keem and the team that helped me through my difficult times.

I’d suffered from back pain for over a year because Aetna wouldn’t approve an MRI. When I finally got the MRI it was forwarded as a referral to Dr. Keem. Dr. Keem and his staff reached out over the weekend and immediately got me in for a consultation. After going through all the options and associated prognosis I was able to make an informed decision to proceed with surgery. To say the results were satisfying would be an understatement. The closet thing I can compare this to is when I had Lasik and within 24 hours could see better than I had in years. Almost immediately following spinal surgery my constant pain was gone. I could walk, bend, and do all the simple things I had avoided for over a year. During the follow up visit Dr. Keem took time to go over the surgery and address all my concerns. He was thoughtful, thorough, and attentive. I would have no hesitation seeing Dr. Keem for back issues requiring surgery. He’s truly exceptional and sets the standard.

I had severe DDD in cervical spine. Dr. Keem performed a 2-level artificial disc replacement, which has worked wonders to almost elimate my pain and radiculopathy symptoms. Within 4 weeks I'm back to normal activities! Dr. Keem communicated clearly, and his staff followed through on communication and scheduling (even through the difficulties of the COVID shutdown). Dr. Keem knew how to manage the insurance company in order to get approval for the surgery. Dr. Keem has my unqualified recommendation!

Dr. Keem explained the nature of my injury and source of pain. He eased my fear of having someone poking around my spine. The surgery went smoothly and my pain is now fading. I can't thank him enough.

Dr. Sean Keem is the most trusting spinal surgeon in Seattle. My GP told me "He will not perform surgery on you unless it is absolutely going to help you and I would send my loved ones to him." In 2019 I had two surgeries from Dr. Keem. The first one was a fusion of the cervical spine at C5-6 and C6-7. The surgery removed my migrane headaches and the return of feeling came back in my left arm. The 2nd surgery happened approximately 6 months later to my lower spine. The procedure was a two day surgery and quite complicated but well worth it since I was unable to walk. The surgery was called OLIF and fusion of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. While this surgery was difficult and healing time lengthy, I am very grateful to be able to walk again. I would definitely trust Dr. Keem and his calming and gentle spirit.