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Timothy F. Witham

Timothy F. Witham, MD

Spine Surgery

Neurosurgery

Accepting New Patients
4.9 of 5 stars220 ratings, 78 reviews
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

Languages

  • English

14 Insurances Accepted

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Gender

Male

About Timothy F. Witham

Professional Titles

  • Director, the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Spinal Fusion Laboratory
  • Director, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's Spine Program
  • Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Neurological Surgery

Background

Dr. Timothy Witham is a professor of neurological surgery and orthopaedic surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His interests include the surgical treatment of degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine, including instrumented fusion  procedures. He also has an expertise in the treatment of spinal tumors, spinal trauma and spinal deformity.

Dr. Witham serves as director of the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Spinal Fusion Laboratory, director of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's Spine Program and co-program director of the Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery Residency Program.

Dr. Witham received his B.S. in biochemistry from the Pennsylvania State University. He earned his M.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He  performed a fellowship in spinal neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Witham joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2005.

Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Witham was chief neurosurgeon at Keesler Medical Center at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Dr. Witham's research interests include finding novel ways to achieve spinal fusion and improving surgical techniques in the aging spine.

A co-author of more than 170 peer-reviewed articles and abstracts, Dr. Witham has been featured as a “Top Doctor” in Baltimore magazine and was a recipient of a United States Air Force meritorious service medal in 2005. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Centers and Institutes

Neurosurgical Spine Center

CV

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/documents/cv/timothy-witham.pdf

Clinical Trial Keywords

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Videos

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • Are Augmented Reality Glasses The Future Of Workplace Productivity? Forbes (11/29/2024)
  • Johns Hopkins Performs Its First Augmented Reality Surgeries in Patients, NeuroLogic (2/16/21)
  • A ‘Game-Changer’: Johns Hopkins Uses Augmented Reality To Perform Major Surgeries, WJZ-TV (6/13/20)
  • The Big Trends, Issues in Spine Sparing Practices Today SPINEREVIEW (9/12/2019)
  • Recorded online seminar, The Aches and Pains of the Aging Back

Additional Academic Titles

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Research Interests

Improving spinal fusions, Instrumentation in the Aging Spine, Spinal Oncology

Lab Website

The Spinal Fusion Laboratory - Lab Website

  • Five to 35 percent of spine fusionprocedures fail, even when using the gold standard treatment of grafting bone from the patient's own iliac crest. Fusion failure, otherwise known as pseudoarthrosis, is a major cause of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and results in significant pain and disability, increasing the need for additional procedures and driving up health care costs. The ultimate goal of the Spinal Fusion Laboratory is to eliminate pseudoarthrosis by using animal models to study various strategies for improving spinal fusion outcomes, including delivery of various growth factors and biological agents; stem cell therapies and tissue engineering approaches.

Research Summary

Dr. Witham’s research focuses on the surgical treatment of degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine, dynamic stabilization procedures, and artificial disc surgery. He is conducting a trial to assess the efficacy of dynamic lumbar stabilization on the prevention of segment disease. He focuses on long-term outcome studies assessing the efficacy of various surgical approaches to degenerative spine diseases. Dr. Witham is a member of the Tarlov Cyst Initiative, which seeks to develop new treatments for patients with this condition.

Google Scholar

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=Timothy+Witham&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C21&as_sdtp=

PubMed

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=timothy+witham

Selected Publications

  • “A novel method of anterior lumbosacral cage reconstruction.” Mathios D, Kaloostian PE, Bydon A, Sciubba DM, Wolinsky JP, Gokaslan ZL, Witham TF. J Neurosurg Spine. 2014 Feb;20(2):204-8. doi: 10.3171/2013.11.SPINE13518. Epub 2013 Dec 6.

  • Bydon M, Xu R, Santiago-Dieppa D, Macki M, Sciubba DM, Wolinsky JP, Bydon A, Gokaslan ZL, Witham TF. “Adjacent-segment disease in 511 cases of posterolateral instrumented lumbar arthrodesis: floating fusion versus distal construct including the sacrum.” J Neurosurg Spine. 2014 Jan 31. [Epub ahead of print]

  • Lina IA, Puvanesarajah V, Liauw JA, Lo SF, Santiago-Dieppa DR, Hwang L, Mao A, Bydon A, Wolinsky JP, Sciubba DM, Gokaslan Z, Holmes C, Witham TF. “A quantitative study of parathyroid hormone (1-34) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on spinal fusion outcomes in a rabbit model of lumbar dorsolateral intertransverse process arthrodesis.” Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print]

  • Parker SL, Amin AG, Santiago-Dieppa D, Liauw JA, Bydon A, Sciubba DM, Wolinsky JP, Gokaslan ZL, Witham TF. “Incidence and clinical significance of vascular encroachment resulting from free hand placement of pedicle screws in the thoracic and lumbar spine: Analysis of 6,816 consecutive screws.” Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2014 Jan 29. [Epub ahead of print]

  • Puvanesarajah V, Lina IA, Liauw JA, Hsu W, Burger PC, Witham TF. “Desmoid tumor formation following posterior spinal instrumentation placement.” Evid Based Spine Care J. 2013 Oct;4(2):137-42. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1357356.

Honors

  • Spine Faculty, AO/ASIF, 1/1/07
  • Top Doctors, Baltimore Magazine, 1/1/07
  • Meritorious Service Medal, United States Air Force, 1/1/05
  • Resident Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery, 1/1/00
  • Resident Research Scholarship of The Warren and Clara Cole Fund, American College of Surgeons (ACS), 1/1/98
  • Pittsburgh Foundations Copeland Grant, The Development of Vaccines for Central Nervous System Tumors, 1/1/98
  • Alpha Omega Alpha, 1/1/94
  • Student Marshal, College of Science Commencement, 1/1/90
  • First Team at Large Academic All-America, GTE-Cosida, 1/1/90
  • Phi Beta Kappa, 1/1/90
  • Phi Kappa Phi, 1/1/90
  • Ernest B. McCoy Award, The Pennsylvania State University, 1/1/90
  • Department Honors, The Pennsylvania State University, 1/1/90
  • Health Professions Scholarship, United States Air Force, 1/1/90
  • Health Professions Officer Indoctrination Course Distinguished Graduate, 1/1/90
  • Department of Biochemistry Scholarship, The Pennsylvania State University, 1/1/89
  • Shigley Award, The Pennsylvania State University, 1/1/89
  • Department of Biochemistry Scholarship, The Pennsylvania State University, 1/1/88
  • Scholarship Winner, Golden Key National Honor Society, 1/1/87

Memberships

  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Member
  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Resident member
  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Tumors, Member
  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care, Member
  • American College of Surgeons, Candidate and Associate Fellow
  • American College of Surgeons, Fellow
  • American Medical Association
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Member
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Resident Member
  • The Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Society, Member
  • The North American Spine Society, Member

Professional Activities

  • AANS/CNS Spine Section, Scientific Review Committee, 1/1/10
  • AANS/CNS Spine Section, Scientific Review Committee, 1/1/09
  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Sergeant-at-Arms Committee, 1/1/96 - 1/1/99
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Registration Committee, 1/1/97
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Sergeant-at-Arms Committee, 1/1/97

Additional Training

Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine / Neurosurgery (Pittsburgh PA ) (2001)

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II, Suite 115, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
      • 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 1201, Baltimore, MD 21224

      Expertise

      Education

      University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

      Residency, Neurosurgery, 2001

      Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

      Medical Education, MD, 1994

      Insurance

      Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.
      Search plans
      • Aetna
      • CareFirst
      • Cigna
      • First Health
      • Geisinger Health Plan
      • HealthSmart/Accel
      • Humana
      • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
      • MultiPlan
      • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
      • Point Comfort Underwriters
      • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
      • UnitedHealthcare
      • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

      Ratings & Reviews

      4.9 out of 5

      220 ratings, 78 reviews

      The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

      Overall Rating by Patient
      Average provider Overall Rating by Patient rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Listened Carefully
      Average provider Provider Listened Carefully rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Explained Things Clearly
      Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Knew Medical History
      Average provider Provider Knew Medical History rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Showed Respect
      Average provider Provider Showed Respect rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Spent Enough Time
      Average provider Provider Spent Enough Time rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Search reviews
        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/14/2025

        Awesome

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/5/2025

        Very good.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/19/2025

        Patient during conversationNot much discussion about what the images revealed

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/19/2025

        Patient, knowledgeable, and supportive

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/12/2025

        Dr. Witham took time discussing my health issue and asked many questions. A test was ordered.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/11/2025

        Dr Witham explained my health challenges in a very detailed & concise manner. He explained my treatment options and gave me the opportunity to ask questions and choose a conservative path. He also encouraged me to text him within MyChart with updates on my progress. In all it was a very good experience.

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/11/2025

        Dr Witham is a surgeon that was recommended to me by another ENT specialist. Professional education and reputation is excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/5/2025

        I'm very happy with the results of my surgery so far and I appreciate that Dr. Witham didn't over promise results.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/4/2025

        Excellent and knowledgeable provider

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/29/2025

        Very thorough, asked questions to understand my symptoms.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/28/2025

        We can't say enough good things about my provider. Thank you for all you have done to make our life better. Thank you

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/22/2025

        Very professional, concerned and discussed options

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/22/2025

        Both Dr. Witham and his nurse practioner [staff] were very thorough and easy to talk to.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/15/2025

        Excellent breadth of knowledge. Very professional and personable.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/14/2025

        Very thorough and professional. Concerned with details, as well as big picture.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/8/2025

        Dr. Witham always very patient, caring and very professional.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/7/2025

        Dr. Witham is an excellent physician and surgeon.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Finally found someone willing to help me with my problems.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/9/2024

        Best of the bunch

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/4/2024

        Excellent consultation with Dr. Witham!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/4/2024

        It is very good provider and an Excellent Doctor. !

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/2/2024

        Was very attentive to my problems

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/21/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/13/2024

        Dr, Witham was attentive and patient. I didn't feel rushed at all. I'm not sure what the outcome will be for my situation, but I feel like I had a thorough discussion with him and thankful I had the chance to discuss my condition with him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/12/2024

        Dr. Witham is oneof my best providers. He has taken great care in ensuring I understand my condition and the treatment.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/29/2024

        Very professional. He listen to me very carefully, pateient also making notes. He explained my problem and his preferred type of the procedure very clearly. He Is very fit and energetic. I am very confident on him. After the first visit, I've decided him Is my neurosurgeon.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/29/2024

        Dr. Witham is an excellent provider. Easy to talk to, compassionate, great bed side demeanor, and great surgeon

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/23/2024

        Provider himself goes above and beyond the call of duty. Stellar work ethic. Brilliant. Caring.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/9/2024

        Excellent clinician. The best!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/8/2024

        Dr. Witham was very engaging and comprehensive.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/7/2024

        Dr. Witham was very professional and courteous. He was attentive and listened closely to what I had to say about my symptoms/condition. He was very knowledgeable, informative and I feel my health is in the best hands it could possibly be.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/26/2024

        I appreciated his excellent communication skills and am reasssured that I am in excellent hands for my upcoming surgery.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/25/2024

        I am so grateful to Dr. Witham for his expertise and repairing my cervical spine. The burning in my leg is gone and the numbness/weakness in my hands have improved. His kindness and compassion are so appreciatedthank you so much!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/25/2024

        Dr. Witham is one of very few surgeons in the country who have studied and developed surgical treatment for the condition that I have. I was impressed with his familiarity with my extensive medical history - he was able to focus our time together discussing options taking into account what had gone before. Having the support of an institution like Johns Hopkins is a huge factor In deciding whether to proceed with an uncommon procedure.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/25/2024

        Dr. Witham started the appointment late, but explained that he had been studying my chart for about 20 minutes before coming to the room. And he also said that he gave each of his patients all the time they needed for questions. He did the same for us, patiently answering all of our questions. By the end of the appointment, we were convinced that Dr. Witham would be the right surgeon to operate on my back.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/25/2024

        Dr Witham is an exceptional physician. Not only is he an exceptional surgeon, he is also a very kind person who Is caring and easy to talk to In post-surgical followup appointments. I would recommend him most highly.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/19/2024

        I'm a returning patient of Dr. Witham, he is the absolute best.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        Dr Witham was great. Answered all my questions and would definitely use him if surgery becomes necessary

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        Dr. Witham is the BEST!!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        Dr Witham was great, he put me at ease and listened to my concerns, answered my questions and formulated a plan to determine the source of my pain.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/11/2024

        I saw Dr Witham for a surgery consultation.he did a surgery for me a few years ago. So I am. A returning patient.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/10/2024

        What an incredible Doctor!! He is courteous, knowledgeable and the very BEST physician I could ever work with

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        I feel that he is quite capable

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        Dr. Witham was very thorough. He listened, studied my chart and MRI that were provided. I was very pleased with his expertise.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/3/2024

        Very helpful, answering questions, order test to get to the bottom of what's going on.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/27/2024

        Professional

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/27/2024

        Dr. Witham is very courteous and empathetic. He listens well and has my best interest in resolving my medical issue. I am pleased with him. I don't say this lightly-he is a good doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/27/2024

        Dr. Witham is the kindest, most knowledgeable & professional physician that has ever cared for me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/14/2024

        Good job

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/14/2024

        Dr Witham was extremely respectful. He listened, offered options and treated me with kindness and support

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/14/2024

        Very satisfied to date

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/13/2024

        Extremely pleased with visit

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/12/2024

        Doctor was right up front with me and right to the point

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/7/2024

        Physician was very knowledgeable about the condition and gave me options and laid out a treatment plan .

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        When I needed surgery, I asked him to be my surgeon. What more does one have to say.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        Great job of listening and answering questions. Explained everything clearly.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        Provider was professional, helpful and a good listener.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        I received excellent care!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/23/2024

        Dr. Witham & my care team are the best of the best. I feel blessed to be able to call Dr. Witham & his team, my care team.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/16/2024

        Dr. Witham s the best always good experience and listens to problems

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/16/2024

        Everything was great, the appt was on time and efficient, interaction with Dr. Witham professional and positive

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/5/2024

        Good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/29/2024

        Dr. Witham has become family to us through the years of 3-different surgeries. He has done an amazing job on my back. He definitely gave me most of my life back and dealing with very little to no pain. My husband and I both are very grateful for this man along with his professional knowledge to have resolved my issues. Thank you kindly Dr. Witham.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/29/2024

        Gave the best advise on thr recovery of my surgery and good and healing process

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/22/2024

        Dr. Witham was clear and took all the time he needed with me. He provided the clearest explanation for why my neurosurgical (spinal) recommendations have been so tentative -- he said while surgery was a "reasonable" option, the degree of stenosis he observed did not appear to correlate with the severe symptoms I'm experiencing. This is pretty much exactly what my home neurosurgeon (Dr. William Welch) told me, except he just gave the tentative recommendation without the explanation.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/21/2024

        Dr. Witham is caring, concerned, and I feel that I'm in the best care with him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/30/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/24/2024

        Dr. Witham was very helpful, and he answered all my questions. There was no pressure for a decision.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/24/2024

        My provider demonstrated a great deal of expertise in diagnosing current difficulties for which I am suffering with. Additionally he listened carefully as my concerns were shared with him.In conclusion my provider offered a treatment plan with realistic treatment goals.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/17/2024

        I love Dr. Witham. He is so kind and an excellent surgeon

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/17/2024

        Dr. Witham was very thorough and listened and answered all of my questions in a clear and concise manner. I never felt like I was being rushed.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/17/2024

        Dr Witham spent a lot prime with me and seemed to care.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/16/2024

        Dr Witham was superior in every way. Top notch

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/9/2024

        Doctor Witham was total professional, and he shows true concern. Doctor Witham shows his patients dedication to the best care possible.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/9/2024

        I completely understand why Dr. Timothy F. Witham is chosen by so many patients for their care. Dr. Tim is kind, caring, compassionate and has an outstanding bedside manner. Dr. Tim is an amazing professional and truly gives a darn about each & everyone of his patients. I feel very fortunate, honored & blessed to have him as my Spine Surgeon. Top notch 5++

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/2/2024

        Very good!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/28/2024

        Was detailed and conservative with plan. Appreciated the information and care

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/27/2024

        Very professional and knowledgeable