Kristen Jones
,
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 Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery. Her training in both orthopedic 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.
Dr. Jones is an experienced triathlete who also enjoys showing her horses in national jumping competitions.
Education
Undergraduate — University of Notre Dame, Biological Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
MD — Tulane University School of Medicine
Residency — University of Pittsburgh/University of Minnesota
Fellowship — University of Minnesota, Complex Spine Surgery (Orthopedic Spine/Neurosurgery)
Board Certification
American Board of Neurological Surgeons Diplomate
National/International Leadership Positions
Dr. Jones is currently appointed to national and international leadership positions in both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgery societies such as AANS/CNS Spine Section, AOSpine, and SRS/IMAST. She also serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Neurosurgery-Spine, the second-highest impact spine journal in the world.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurosurgeons (AANS/CNS) Spine Section
- Chair of Research and Awards Committee
- Executive Committee Member
- Scientific Program Committee Member
Journal of Neurosurgery-Spine
- Editorial Board
Scoliosis Research Society
- Annual Meeting Chair, 2025 International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (Glasgow, Scotland)
AO Spine International Society
- Knowledge Forum Board Member, Spinal Deformity
Research Summary
Dr. Jones' clinical research focus is spinopelvic fixation in deformity correction. She has authored numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles regarding optimizing surgical technique safety and efficacy, focusing on optimal implant density and position in deformity correction surgery and effect on long-term outcomes.
Clinical Summary
Complex spine (adult and pediatric), spinal deformity, scoliosis, kyphosis, minimally invasive spine surgery, spine tumor, spine trauma