Practice Locations
Affiliated Hospitals
- Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
- Evanston Hospital - NorthShore University Health System
- Glenbrook Hospital - NorthShore University Health System
- Skokie Hospital - NorthShore University Health System
Areas of Expertise
- Complex cervical spine surgery
- Degenerative Spine Conditions of the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
- Disc Herniation and Microdecompression
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Spine Abnormalities, Deformities and Injuries in Adults and Children
Biography
Dr. Mark Mikhael is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgical treatment of spine disorders such as disc herniations, stenosis, fractures, instability and degeneration (arthritis). His special interest is in complex cervical spine surgery. Whenever possible, he offers minimally invasive surgical techniques, which help avoid complications and reduce patient recovery times. He also has extensive experience in nerve decompression surgery and complex spinal reconstruction. Dr. Mikhael works with each patient to explore conservative treatment options before pursuing surgery. His goal for each patient is to increase their ability to engage in the activities they enjoy while reducing their pain and discomfort. He keeps informed of the latest developments in his field through his work as a manuscript reviewer for the journal entitled SPINE, the field’s leading research journal.
Today, Dr. Mikhael shares his expertise with other spine specialists through his membership in the radiology and the evidence-based guidelines committees of the North American Spine Society. He has authored multiple articles about spine care in scientific journals. His efforts to improve care for patients include his work helping develop new medical technologies, including a cervical fixation device and a product to stimulate bone growth. He is also actively involved in multiple research projects targeted at improving spine care.
I look at each of my patients from a global perspective to best understand their issues, their condition and ultimately how they can be treated most effectively."
Mark Mikhael, MDEducation
Medical School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Residency
Mayo Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship
University of California Los Angeles UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center - Orthopaedic Spine Surgery
Affiliations and Associations
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- North American Spine Society
SEE CV FOR FULL LISTING.
PUBLICATIONS:
- Divi, S., Mikhael, M.M. Use of allogenic mesenchymal cellular bone matrix in anterior and posterior cervical spinal fusion: a case series of 21 patients. Asian Spine J. 2017 Jun;11(3): 454-462.
- Gjolaj, J.P., Carrino, J.A., Mikhael, M.M., Bederman, S.S., Sciubba, D.M., Khanna, A.J. Contemporary Radiation Reduction Strategies for Spine Surgery and Interventional Spine Procedures. SpineLine. 2016 July/August;12-14.
- Reddy, D., Mikhael, M.M., Shapiro, G.S., Farrell, T. Extensive Deep Venous Thrombosis from Anterior Lumbar Spine Surgery in a Patient with Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review. Global Spine J. 2015 Aug;5(4):e22-7.
- Eleswarapu, A., Salib, C.G., Mikhael, M.M. Radiographic Lucency around Pedicle Screws with Cobalt Chromium Rod Constructs in the Setting of Lumbar Fusion. MOJ Orthop Rheumatol. April 2015; 2(4).
- Eleswarapu, A., Mikhael, M.M., Koh, JL. Number of Recent Inpatient Admissions as a Risk Factor for Increased Complications, length-of-stay, and Cost in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Fusion. Spine. Dec 2014; 39(26):2148-56.
- Mikhael, M.M., Chioffe, M.A., Shapiro, G.S. Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition Disease (CPPD)/ Pseudogout of the Lumbar Spine mimicking Osteomyelitis-Discitis with Epidural Phlegmon. American Journal of Orthopedics, August 2013; E64-E67.
PRESENTATIONS:
- Mikhael, M.M. Current Strategies for Decreasing Radiation Exposure During Spine Surgery and Interventional Procedures: The Role of Image Guidance in Reduction of Radiation Exposure. North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting. October 26, 2017.
- Mikhael, M.M. Move Back…Spinal Emergencies and Spinal Stenosis. Annual Advanced Practitioner and Physician (APP) Bootcamp. April 30, 2017.
- Mikhael, M.M. Imaging and Ancillary Testing in Patients with Neck and Shoulder Girdle Pathology. North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting. October 28, 2016.
- Mikhael, M.M. Update on Current Strategies for Decreasing Radiation Exposure During Spine Surgery and Interventional Procedures; Free-hand Technique in Spine Surgery: Radiation Reduction at its Best. North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting. October 27, 2016.
- Mikhael, M.M. Spinal Imaging Pearls for Staying out of Trouble and Detecting Problems When They Occur: Post-operative Evaluation. North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting. October 27, 2016.
- Mikhael, M.M. Complex Cervical Spine Surgery: Anterior Cervical Corpectomy. Medical Education and Research Center of Illinois (MERCI-Platinum), Park Ridge, IL. June 3-4, 2016. Sponsor – DePuy Synthes Institute for Advancing Education and Research.
- Mikhael, M.M. Current Strategies for Decreasing Radiation Exposure During Spine Surgery and Interventional Procedures; Free-hand Technique in Spine Surgery: Radiation Reduction at its Best. North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting. October 15, 2015.
- Mikhael, M.M. MRI of Complications and Failures of Spine Surgery: MRI Evaluation of Postoperative Infection. North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting. October 15, 2015.
- Mikhael, M.M. Complex Spine Imaging II. The Art and Science of the Physical Examination. NASS Spine Education and Research Center, Burr Ridge, IL. June 27, 2015.
- Eleswarapu, A., Mikhael, M.M., Koh, JL. Number of Recent Inpatient Admissions as a Risk Factor for Increased Complications, length-of-stay, and Cost in Patients Undergoing Anterior Lumbar Fusion. Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting. Poster Presentation. April 22-26, 2015.
- Mikhael, M.M. An Update on Cervical Laminoplasty: Comparative Studies and Technique. University of Chicago Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds. Pritzker School of Medicine. Chicago, Illinois. April 15, 2015.
- Eleswarapu, A., Mikhael, M.M., Koh, JL. Number of Recent Inpatient Admissions as a Risk Factor for Increased Complications, length-of-stay, and Cost in Patients Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. OneAO: Common Problems and Common Solutions Across Disciplines Meeting. AO North America. Paper Presentation. Feb 6, 2015.
- Eleswarapu, A., Mikhael, M.M., Koh, JL. Prior Admissions are the Most Important Independent Predictor of Risk in Posterior Lumbar Fusion. 2015 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS) Annual Meeting. Paper Presentation. March 25, 2015.
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2005
- James Scholar Program for Independent Study, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2005
- Graduated with Highest Distinction, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2001
- Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2001
- Michigan Class Honors, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2001
- Michigan Angell Scholar Award, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2001
- North American Spine Society (NASS), Evidence-Based Guidelines Committee (2013 – Present)
- Clinical Instructor, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) (2010 – 2011)
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago
- North American Spine Society (NASS), Section on Radiology Committee Member
View Dr. Mikhael's Media
14 Key Thoughts on Bundled Payments in Spine Surgery
How 4 Surgeons See AR Developing in Spine
Are Augmented Virtual Reality the Future in Spinal Navigation? 4 Surgeons Discuss
9 Spine Surgeons Share Insights on How Total Disc Replacement will Develop in Spine
Where is the Biggest Need for Advancement in Spine Patient Care? 7 Spine Surgeons Discuss
Cervical Disc Replacement: Surgeon Reluctance to Adopt the Technology
Key Thoughts on Patient Selection for Outpatient Spine Surgery
Where Spine Surgeons See 3D Printing Heading in the Future
The Key Moments of Inspiration for Spine Surgeons
How Eight Successful Spines Surgeons Cultivate These Skills
Dr Mark Mikhael Studies Stem Cells for Spine Surgery: 4 Key Insights
The Key Pros and Cons of 3D Printed Spine Devices
The Latest Trends in Spinal Instrumentation
The Most Critical Issues in Spine Care for Older Adults: Becker's Spine
4 Spine Surgeons Weight the Pros and Cons or Robotic Image Guidance: Becker's Spine
5 Clear Signs Your Mystery Back Pain is Actually Arthritis
Health Insurance Exchanges: The Impact on Spine Practices: Becker's Spine
Four Spine Surgeons on Technology Innovation: Becker's Spine
The Latest Pain Management Trends in Spine Care: Becker's Spine
The Underrated Qualities That All Successful Spine Surgeons Possess: Becker's Spine
- Artificial Alternative, Cervical Disc Arthroplasty a Better Option: Ann's Story
- Reclaiming My Life After Spondylolisthesis Treatment: Debra’s Story
- Patient Story: Spine Surgery Recovery Time (Chad F.)
- Spine Surgery Catered to My Mother's Needs: Lynne's Story
- Herniated Disc Replacement: Del V's Story
- David's Story: A Triumphant Return to the Chicago Marathon
Patient Feedback
Patient Story: Spine Surgery Recovery Time (Chad F.)
Chad has spent the last 20 years of his life in pain. As an avid athlete up into his 40’s, his back pain became progressively worse each year…read more
Herniated Disc Replacement: Del V’s Story
I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for the outstanding treatment and care I received from Dr. Mark Mikhael and the entire surgical center team for my bulging disc between C6-7 that was causing terrible nerve pain from my neck, down through my left arm and numbness in my left hand…read more
Artificial Alternative, Cervical Disc Arthroplasty a Better Option: Ann’s Story
Cervical disc arthroplasty is a relatively new surgical procedure in which degenerated or herniated cervical discs are replaced with artificial devices…read more
Reclaiming My Life Back from Spondylolisthesis: Debra’s Story
Like many people, Debra Stewart had lived with back pain for years. Several of her vertebrae were starting to compress, causing occasional discomfort in her lower back and one of her legs…read more
Spine Surgery Catered to My Mother’s Needs: Lynne’s Story
Last March, my mother saw Dr. Mikhael for fractures in the C1 and C2 regions. She was told she needed surgery. Of course, being 89 years old…read more
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