Spine Universe Editorial Board

Doctor Mark R. McLaughlin practices neurological surgery with a focus on spine disorders in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. After graduating from The Pingry School in 1983, he received his Bachelors Degree at The College of William and Mary in Virginia, majoring in philosophy. He went on to graduate from Medical College of Virginia with Alpha Omega Alpha honors (equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa). He went on to complete his residency at the University of Pittsburgh during which time he received multiple honors including chief residency and a two-time resident teaching award. After completing his seven year residency, he went on to obtain further specialized training in complex and minimal access spine surgery earning a Fellowship at Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta.

Dr. McLaughlin serves as the President of the Young Neurosurgeons' Committee, a national section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He is an editor of spineuniverse.com, a website dedicated to patient and physician education of spinal disorders. In addition to this national recognition, he has organized an international consultative link with neurosurgeons in Russia. With collaboration from the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons, he initiated the first ever Russian-American Spine Symposium held in St. Petersburg, Russia, May, 2000. Dr. McLaughlin's efforts in Russia were highlighted in Parade Magazine.

Dr. McLaughlin has published more than 60 articleson neurosurgery and spine surgery, and has authored two textbooks about spine surgery. He has been an invited speaker, presenter and course director at numerous scientific meetings, and teaches complex spine surgery nationally and internationally.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. McLaughlin is the head coach of the Princeton PAWS recreation wrestling program for first through eighth graders. He resides in Skillman, NJ with his wife, Julie and their four children Kaleigh, Alex, Patrick and Trevor.

Mark R. McLaughlin, MD is on the Spine Universe Editorial Board.

SpineUniverse articles from Mark R. McLaughlin, MD

• 5 Quick Tips to Help Prevent Back Pain
  There are things you can do under your doctor's guidance to help prevent back pain from becoming too serious. For example, you can try getting more exercise and working to strengthen your spine. The other 4 tips are just as easy to implement.
• 5 Things You Want to Know about Artificial Discs
  What makes the artificial disc so exciting is that once it's implanted, the spine is still able to retain mobility and flexibility.
• 5 Tips to a Spine-Friendly Work Space
  Five tips to help make your work space spine-friendly. To get through a day at the office without back pain, you need to have a good desk set-up. Get tips on the best chair, where you should place the computer, and how to sit properly.
• Are You Ready for Surgery?
  You need to prepare for surgery just as much as your surgeon does. You are about to enter one of the most important athletic contests of your life. Dr. McLaughlin explores how you can prepare for your spinal surgery.
• Cervical Spine (Neck): Spine Chat - Video
  In this video, Dr. Mark McLaughlin uses a model to explain the anatomy of your cervical spine.
• Cl-C2 Transarticular Screw Fixation for Atlanto-Axial Instability: A Six-Year Experience
  Cl–C2 transarticular screw fixation with posterior tension banding offers a 97% fusion rate with low incidence of complications.
• Cost Advantages of Two-Level Anterior Cervical Fusion with Rigid Internal Fixation for Radiculopathy and Degenerative Disease
  This report reviews one surgeon's experience with the use of rigid internal fixation for two–level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for radiculopathy to promote early mobilization without external bracing.
• Golf After Spinal Surgery: Part 2 of 2
  Recovery after an invasive low back operation that includes lumbar fusion and guidelines for returning to golf are discussed.
• Golf After Spine Surgery: Part 1 of 2
  Interestingly, very little has been described in the literature specifically on golf and the spine. The points and recommendations in this article are only guidelines for you and your physician to discuss.
• Herniated Disc
  When a disc in the spine tears or breaks open it may be called a 'herniated disc'. See what a herniated disc looks like and how spine specialists treat this disorder.
• Image-Guided Spinal Surgery
  IGS illustrates how advancements in instrumentation, computer technology, and imaging have been developed to help surgeons perform complex spinal reconstructions safer and faster.
• Interlaminar Clamp Fixation Video
  Professional video which discusses the Emory University experience with Interlaminar Clamp Fixation.
• Is Your Work Space Spine-Friendly?
  By avoiding excessive strain on your spine, you can leave your office feeling as refreshed as when you came to work.
• Laparoscopic Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technical Note
  A case study from Emory University on the use of anterior lumbar interbody fusion.
• Neurosurgery of the Spine in the Year 2001
  A synopsis of Neurosurgery of the Spine 2001
• Occipital Cervical Fusion Video
  This professional surgical video is presented by Drs. Haid, McLaughlin and Rodts.
• PLIF with Allograft Bone: Preliminary Results Comparing Cylindrical Dowels and Impacted Wedges
  To compare preliminary outcome data and complications with the use of allograft cylinders and impacted wedges.
• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
  The treatment of low back pain has undergone a revolution in the last twenty years. Newer techniques and better instrumentation systems have allowed spine, surgeons to do today what previously was impossible.
• Preliminary Results Using A New Anterior Hybrid Cervical Plate System
  The authors present a retrospective series of 51 cases of cervical myelopathy and/or radiculopathy...