Exciting News: IBJI Moves to Paperless Billing on May 1! Learn more >

Mark Mikhael, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon with Fellowship Training in Spine Surgery

Phone: 847-832-1695

Board Certifications
  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Certificate in Evaluation of Disability and Impairment Ratings

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

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, MD

Education

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

  • Is There a Growing Rate of Unnecessary Surgery?

  • Expanding Indications for Cervical Disc Replacement

  • Neck, Back and Spine Pain

  • What is Tech Neck?

  • Cellular Bone Matrix in Complex Cervical Surgery

  • ALIF: Stand Alone and When to Back Up

  • Radiation Exposure

  • Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

  • Outpatient Spine Surgery - Trending Pearls & Pitfalls

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

Keep Moving: Randi's Story

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

What is Tech Neck?

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

Want to share your patient story for Dr. Mikhael? Complete this form.

Patient Stories

Do you want to share your patient story for Dr. MikhaelWe would love to hear from you!



Move Better. Live Better. Request an Appointment
Please wait...