David Xu

David Xu, MD

  • Neurological Surgery
  • Physician

Clinical Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery

Accepting new patients

Insurances We Accept

614-293-8714

About Me

I am a neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of spine disorders, injuries, and illnesses. I obtained my medical degree at Northwestern University and finished neurosurgery residency at the Barrow Neurological Institute, where I also completed a fellowship in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery.

My areas of focus and expertise include:

• Complex spine surgery, with particular focus on revision spine surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery, including spinal endoscopy and robotic surgery
• Spine deformities and scoliosis
• Spine tumors and oncologic surgery

Overall, my philosophy is to use the most minimally invasive treatment strategies to address my patient’s conditions, including maximizing all non-surgical measures first. For complex or challenging problems that cannot be addressed adequately with a minimally invasive option, I can also offer the entire spectrum of traditional surgical techniques.

I treat my patients as partners, and strive to communicate clearly, patiently, and above all else, honestly about all matters relevant to their health and care. I will always take a stand for my patients’ best interests, especially if it doesn’t include surgery!
Highlights
  • Written over 60 peer-reviewed research papers and textbook chapters
  • Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2019, 2020
  • Selected as one of Houston’s Top Spine Surgeons in 2020-2021 through a city-wide physician survey conducted by Houstonia Magazine
  • Member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Procedures and Conditions I Treat

  • Spinal Care
  • Scoliosis
  • Radiculopathy
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal Cord Tumors
  • Spondylosis
  • Kyphosis
  • Spinal Cord Compression
  • Spinal Fusion

Locations Where I Practice

Neurosurgery

in Outpatient Care Dublin
6700 University Boulevard
5th Floor, Suite 2A
Dublin, OH 43016
614-293-8714

Neurosurgery

in Outpatient Care New Albany
6100 North Hamilton Road
5th Floor, Suite 5B
Westerville, OH 43081
614-293-8714

Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.

Education and Training

Education History

Medical School

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
8/27/2007 - 5/24/2012

Residency

Barrow Neurological Institute/St. Josephs Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2019

Fellowship

Toronto Western Hospital GME, Toronto, ON
1/1/2017 - 7/1/2017

Fellowship

Barrow Neurological Institute/St. Josephs Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
7/1/2017 - 7/1/2018

Board Certification

American Board of Neurological Surgery
11/5/2022

Academic Information

My Department

Neurological Surgery

My Division

Neurological Surgery

Reviews

The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

223 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

  • Overall
    4.8 out of 5
  • Explains Things Carefully
    4.7 out of 5
  • Listens Carefully
    4.6 out of 5
  • Gives Understandable Instructions
    4.8 out of 5
  • Knows My Medical History
    4.5 out of 5
  • Shows Respect
    4.8 out of 5
  • Time Spent Together
    4.6 out of 5
  • Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

    He talks so a normal human can understand him, answers all questions thoroughly, kind as well as knowledgeable, and a sense of humor.

  • Reviewed on Oct 01, 2025

    Def knows his specialty. I did feel rushed after I waited quite a while

  • Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

    Dr. Zu is fabulous. I felt like I knew him all my life when he walked in the room. He explained the problem throughly and showed me what exactly what the problems were with X-rays, which was very helpful. Dr Zu was very caring, kind, listened to me and compassionate. I was very impressed and grateful that he took his time with me.

  • Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

    He explained my progress clearly and listened to my concerns about my difficulty walking as a result of unequal leg length.

  • Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

    Very helpful. Explained very well.

  • Reviewed on Sep 02, 2025

    My first appointment went well.

  • Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

    Listened to my questions and answered completely

  • Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

    Dr Xu is extremely smart. We discussed several issues and he told me things I never heard before. Unfortunately he recommended that I may need ifuse for my si joint. I have done multiple studies on this procedure it's around 55% success rate. I would like to know how many surgeries he has done with ifuse and the success rate for all patients good or bad.

Consulting and Related Relationships

At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.

As of 09/30/2024, Dr. Xu has reported no relationships with companies or entities.

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