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Melissa Maria Erickson

Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Box 3077, Durham, NC 27710
Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Box 3077, Durham, NC 27710
Office hours 8:00 AM-5:00 PM  

Overview


I am a spine surgeon who provides surgical management of cervical, thoracic  and lumbar spine conditions, including cervical myelopathy, herniated discs, deformity, stenosis, tumor and trauma.  I provide both minimally invasive procedures as well as traditional surgical techniques.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2022 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Science Departments
Associate Professor in Neurosurgery · 2022 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery

In the News


Published March 27, 2024
Addressing Health Disparities with the Schweitzer Fellowship Program
Published April 13, 2020
Duke Creates Open-Source Protective Respirator

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Recent Publications


Associations Between Problem List Items and Clinically Significant Distress in Patients With Metastatic Spine Disease.

Journal Article Spine (Phila Pa 1976) · June 15, 2025 STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify sources of distress in patients with metastatic spine disease and elucidate factors associated with clinically significant distress. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Distress is a ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Prevalence of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Trends, Variances, and Value Appraisal.

Journal Article Clin Spine Surg · June 1, 2025 STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate recent trends in the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the United States, (2) assess regiona ... Full text Link to item Cite

Novel Risk Factors for Postoperative Hematoma Requiring Reoperation Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Journal Article Clin Spine Surg · June 1, 2025 STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, tobacco use, and the incidence of postoperative hematoma requiring reoperation after anterior cervica ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Community-Based Approach to Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Care for Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by The J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society · 2023 - 2025

Exercise-induced recovery of intervertebral disc health

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2022

Fresh Tissue Lab Agreement

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Globus Medical, Inc · 2018 - 2018

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Education, Training & Certifications


Rush University · 2006 M.D.

External Links


Orthopaedic Surgery