Elizabeth Yu, MD
Physician, Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery - Spine, Orthopaedic Surgery
Make an appointment
614-293-2225Conditions and expertise
- Spinal Care
- Kyphosis
- Spinal Curvatures
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Spondylolisthesis
Locations
- Spine Care in Outpatient Care East
- Orthopedics in Outpatient Care New Albany
Academics and research
Department: Orthopaedics
About
- Gender
- Female
Biography
As an orthopedic surgeon at Ohio State, I specialize in the treatment of spinal disease and disorders. Some of my clinical interests include spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and degenerative scoliosis.
I take the time to develop relationships with my patients and choose treatment options based on what is in their best interest. I work to improve their quality of life by exhausting all treatment options before considering surgery. When surgery is needed to treat a patient, my team and I are here to provide the best possible surgical care.
Working at Ohio State is great because of the friendly and compassionate environment. My job also allows me to work with amazing and talented physicians.
View my video on herniated discs: https://youtu.be/SEbUzHGWVGE
Highlights
- Recipient of Benjamin R. and Helen Slack Wiltberger Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery (effective November 2023)
- Chief of the Division of Spine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (effective August 2023)
- Rated in top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2016
- Published peer-reviewed papers, book chapters and presented research locally, nationally and internationally
- Invited membership to national committees advancing spine surgery research
- Elected Member of American Orthopedic Association, Cervical Spine Research Society, and Lumbar Spine Research Society
- Elected Member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Fellowship Director, OSU Orthopedic Spine Fellowship program
- Director of OSU Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Service
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list (2019-2023)
Conditions and expertise
- Back Pain
- Bone Fractures
- Diskectomy
- Fracture Fixation
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Kyphosis
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Orthopedics
- Osteoarthritis, Spine
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Cancers
- Spinal Care
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Spinal Curvatures
- Spinal Diseases
- Spinal Fractures
- Spinal Fusion
- Spinal Injuries
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sprains and Strains
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Orthopedic Spine Surgery
- Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA, United States
8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012 - Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
7/1/2006 - 7/1/2011 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- St. Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
11/1/2002 - 5/20/2006
Certification
-
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
7/24/2014
Academics and research
As a spine surgeon, I treat patients afflicted with conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine utilizing minimally invasive spinal techniques, which is my area of interest. This includes degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma/fractures, as well as degenerative scoliosis.
I have published several articles in peer reviewed orthopedic and spine journals. I am the author of several book chapters and have presented my research in both regional and national conferences. Some of my accolades include a Howard Hughes Research Grant awarded by Stanford University, election to Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society, recipient of Cum Laude MD degree, best resident paper (coauthored) awarded by the Minnesota Orthopedic Society, citation in Becker’s Spine Review as “Female Spine Surgeon Leaders to Know” in 2016, and citation ranking in the top 10 percent of patient satisfaction at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I have also received several grants supporting my research.
I was recruited by the Spine Division at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in 2012.
I am Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and am a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. I am active in both regional and national organizations, to include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, Mid-American Orthopaedic Association, and the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. I am a reviewer for numerous peer reviewed journals to include Spine, The Spine Journal, CORR, and Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
My treatment decisions are based on what is first and foremost in the best interest of my patients and what I can do to improve their quality of life. Each patient is different and with the comprehensive spine center at OSU dedicated to individualized care, this allows me to incorporate all facets of spine care for my patients. This includes exhausting all nonoperative treatment before entertaining surgery using minimally invasive spine techniques and if indicated, an open spine technique. A good day at work for me is making a positive difference in my patients’ lives.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Research interests
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Trauma/Fractures
- Degenerative Scoliosis
Academic information
- Department:
- Orthopaedics
- Division:
- Orthopaedics
Leadership titles
- Fellowship Director, Orthopaedic Spine
- Director of the Orthopaedic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Service
More about my research
Ratings and 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.
107 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
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 11/3/2025 Elizabeth Yu has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- AO North America
Listened to me, didn't hurry, very prifessional
Dr. Yu is a gifted surgeon. She is also friendly and explains things thoroughly. I am feeling much better after my surgery.
Thorough and listened well to concerns
Dr Yu is a consummate professional.
She was excellent that's why I waited to get an appointment and drive over an hour to get there. She is the most thorough and knowledgeable doctor I know! She is extremely caring as well.
Good- pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable
Care provider was very thorough and friendly
Seemed to be very concerned. This was a second opinion and she was very thorough and the other doctor not at OSU was a quack! No bad
Good
Very knowledgeable, friendly & considerate.
Very competent
It went ok
Good
Attentive and helpful
Very friendly, but she seemed rushed
Dr. ELIZABETH YU is the BEST!!! Always takes your time listens to my questions and concerns answers everything and has always done an amazing job when it's come to my surgeries. This last surgery has changed my life. Never thought I could feel this good.
Dr Yu is the best!!!I can walk virtually pain free now because of her!
Very thorough
Very caring, concerned and excellent explanation
Dr Elizabeth Yu and her team are absolutely amazing!