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Muhammad Abd-El-Barr

Professor of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery

Overview


As a Neurosurgeon with fellowship training in Spine Surgery, I have dedicated my professional life to treating patients with spine disorders. These include spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, herniated discs and spine tumors. I incorporate minimally-invasive spine (MIS) techniques whenever appropriate to minimize pain and length of stay, yet not compromise on achieving the goals of surgery, which is ultimately to get you back to the quality of life you once enjoyed. I was drawn to medicine and neurosurgery for the unique ability to incorporate the latest in technology and neuroscience to making patients better. I will treat you and your loved ones with the same kind of care I would want my loved ones to be treated with. In addition to my clinical practice, I will be working with Duke Bioengineers and Neurobiologists on important basic and translational questions surrounding spinal cord injuries (SCI), which we hope to bring to clinical relevance.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Neurosurgery · 2024 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery
Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics · 2022 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Science Departments

In the News


Published September 18, 2020
Awake for Spinal Surgery

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Recent Publications


Optimizing TLIF Approach Selection: An Algorithmic Framework with Illustrative Cases.

Journal Article J Clin Med · June 13, 2025 Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a commonly employed surgical technique for managing lumbar degenerative disease and spinal instability. While it offers advantages over posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), traditional TLIF often involv ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Spinal Anesthesia Results in Lower Costs Compared to General Anesthesia for Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion-A Matched Cohort Study.

Journal Article J Clin Med · May 30, 2025 Background/Objectives: Degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLSD) is increasingly managed with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and evolving anesthesia methods. While general anesthesia (GA) remains standard, spinal anesthesia (SA) may offer faster recovery ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review and future directions.

Journal Article BMC Surg · May 21, 2025 INTRODUCTION: Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a commonly performed spine surgery procedure used to treat lumbar conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal deformities. Traditionally, it has been performed using o ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


2025 NACTN Registry

Clinical TrialCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation · 2024 - 2026

Topical application of tranexamic acid (CYKLOKAPRON) to reduce blood loss during spine surgery

Clinical TrialInvestigator · Awarded by Columbia University · 2023 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Baylor, College of Medicine · 2009 MD./PhD.
University of Texas, Austin · 2002 M.S.
University of Toronto (Canada) · 2000 B.A.Sc.