Spine Universe Author Biography

Dr. Bell’s practice is limited to the practice of spinal surgery, and his interests include degenerative conditions of the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) spine, athletic spinal injuries and spinal tumors.

Dr. Bell has been awarded the prestigious Volvo Award for clinical research by the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine and has been selected as one of the Best Doctors in America. He has held positions of leadership in national (North American Spine Society) and international (International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine) spine organizations and has served on numerous spine committees for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Dr. Bell is also a member of the prestigious American Orthopaedic Association (AOA).

In addition to numerous publications, Dr. Bell is co-editor of two spine textbooks and serves as an associate editor for Spine and as an associate board member of The Spine Journal.

Cleveland Clinic Appointment 1982

Board Certification
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery 1985

Education
1966-1971 University of Notre Dame; Notre Dame, Indiana B.S.

1971-1973 University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada M. Sc.

1973-1977 University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada M.D.

1977-1978 Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, Ohio (Internship)

1978-1982 Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, Ohio (Orthopaedic Residency)

1982-1983 Pennsylvania Hospital; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Fellowship in Spinal Surgery)

SpineUniverse articles from Gordon Bell, M.D.

• Back Pain: When is Surgery Appropriate?
  Doctor Gordon R. Bell of the Cleveland Clinic answers questions about disc herniation and spinal stenosis.
• Managing Transient Cervical Neurapraxia in the Athlete
  Transient cervical neurapraxia, also called cervical cord neurapraxia, is characterized by paresthesia and/or weakness in the arms, legs, or both. Most cases occur on the football field.
• Patient Selection for Spinal Surgery
  Patient selection is crucial to achieving an excellent surgical outcome. A multidisciplinary approach optimizes the changes that the most appropriate treatment will be given.