Joshua E. Ryan, MD

Dr. Joshua E. Ryan is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in both cranial and spinal procedures. Dr. Ryan obtained his medical degree from The University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in neurological surgery at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Ryan underwent extensive training in minimally-invasive spine surgery techniques with pioneers in the field while at Georgetown.

Minimally-invasive spine surgery utilizes natural tissue planes to decrease disruption of the natural anatomical structures. This includes muscle-splitting approaches with tubular dilators for decompressions (for spinal stenosis, disc herniation, etc.) as well as for spinal fusions. It also includes lateral lumbar fusions and percutaneous posterior instrumentation. These approaches decrease blood loss, postoperative pain, and length of stay in the hospital. Dr. Ryan uses a patient-specific approach to deciding a treatment strategy and uses minimally-invasive approaches when they are appropriate.

While Dr. Ryan’s subspecialty expertise is in minimally-invasive spine surgery, the breadth of his clinical skills spans a wide field from complex cranial operations to complex spinal fusions. His clinical approach involves comprehensive evaluation with detailed explanations about the anatomy, disease process, procedures, and treatment plan in a way that is easy for the patient to understand. He takes a non-operative approach when surgery can be avoided and utilizes treatment modalities such as physical therapy and pain management when appropriate.