Jim A. Youssef, MD

I am a board-certified Fellowship-trained spine specialist and surgeon. I have practiced in Durango, CO since 1997 and specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery, complex degenerative spine conditions involving the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, fracture care and motion preservation surgery. As the founder of SpineColorado, a multli-disciplinary comprehensive facility which focuses on the treatment of spinal disorders by combining the latest in non-operative and operative techniques, I remain committed to providing the most complete and effective spine treatments to my patients.

Each patient is approached as an individual and I listen closely to my patient’s needs. I formulate a unique plan around each patient’s condition and diagnosis and believe in an active surgical recovery focused on a holistic approach to healing. The plan is always based on evidence based medicine, years of experience, and cutting edge technology, while always keeping the whole person in consideration. I recognize we all experience pain and disability differently and we all have unique goals.

I perform spinal decompression surgery, disc surgery, and spinal fusions with a strong interest in minimally invasive approaches. I also have an interest in sport related injuries, disc replacement surgery, lateral interbody procedures (XLIF), and other innovative techniques.

In addition to my practice, I also oversee and run an active research department. My experience and extensive research include areas of cervical spine surgery, adult spine, cervical myelopathy, minimally invasive techniques, spine trauma, disc degeneration and spinal deformity. I have authored numerous articles and book chapters on various aspects of spine surgery and spinal disorders. I have served as the Medical director for the Spine Center of Excellence at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colorado since 2006.

Member: Cervical Spine Research Society, American Orthopaedic Association, North American Spine Society, Lumbar Spine Research Society, Society of Lateral Access Surgery (Board Member), Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (Founding Member) and other national spine and orthopaedic societies

I am married with 3 children. I am an active outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, biking, running and surfing!