Joseph Popper, M.D. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Popper is an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon specializing in the comprehensive treatment of the neck, back, and spine. He has completed a combined Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Spine Surgery Fellowship with world-renowned Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). In addition to being one of the few ACGME-accredited Spine Fellowships, the comprehensive training included working directly with the Complex Spine Neurosurgeons and Musculoskeletal Oncology Spine Surgeons and is one of the exclusive fellowships sponsored by the AO spine organization. He offers the most modern and comprehensive approach to spinal care, with a focus on patient safety and individualized treatment.

He is a specialist in cervical spine surgery and minimally-invasive lumbar procedures.

Dr. Popper applies a “conservative first-approach” to his patients, and only offers surgical intervention with proven evidence-based techniques when necessary. This means providing the most minimally-invasive and safest procedures for each patient. Dr. Popper is proficient with the most modern advancements in total spine care, including minimally-invasive (“MIS”) techniques, robot-aided navigation, and motion-preserving operations. He has authored several publications in many peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Popper has presented his research at over 30 national and international meetings. His particular research interests include post-surgical spinal infections and osteopenia/osteoporosis, and he has used this knowledge to better treat his own patients with low bone density, and in avoiding infection after surgery.

Although Dr. Popper remains interested in academic pursuits of research and teaching, his primary focus is patient care. He understands the complexity of treating patients with problems related to their neck, back, and spine and is a strong believer in an interdisciplinary approach and utilizing non-surgical treatments as much as possible.