Kristen Jones

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Credentials

MD, FAANS

Bio

Dr. Jones received her MD from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed her neurosurgery residency at the University of Minnesota. She then completed a unique year-long Complex Spine Fellowship in spinal deformity surgery, working at the U under internationally-renowned spinal deformity surgeon, David Polly, MD, in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery.Her training in both orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine surgery enables her to treat every issue dealing with the spine in both children and adults. Jones specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, scoliosis, complex spinal deformity, spine tumors, and trauma. "I am grateful for my unique training that enables me to take care of the most difficult, complex spine problems in an environment that's well equipped to give our patients the best outcomes," she said.In addition, Jones is conducting an ongoing clinical trial. "My research focuses on developing a nationwide simulator curriculum for training residents and interns on placement of spine instrumentation prior to performing a procedure," she explained. Jones is working with Orthopaedic Surgery colleagues, David Polly, MD, and Jonathan Sembrano, MD, on the study.A downtown Minneapolis resident, when Jones has spare time you can find her outdoors, biking or hiking. She is an experienced triathlete and a longtime equestrian who enjoys showing her horse in national jumping competitions.

Research Summary

Dr. Jones is currently focusing her research on creating a national simulator-based curriculum for residents and interns on placement of surgical instrumentation prior to performing a procedure. Dr. Jones also focuses on clinical research in adult spinal deformity, including participating in prominent national randomized controlled trials regarding pelvic fixation in spinal deformity and the surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. She serves as the Co-Chair for the Spine Research and Awards Committee for organized neurosurgery's largest combined associations, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Clinical Summary

Complex spinal deformity; scoliosis; spine tumors; spine trauma; minimally invasive spine surgery