About Me
I’m an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine surgery. I’ve seen how the significant limitations of back and neck problems can prevent people from fully engaging in life. The opportunity to help patients through this experience; to overcome the technical and intellectual challenges of surgery; to work with a team of skilled, motivated and thoughtful colleagues; and to serve my community all inspire me. I can’t imagine being this satisfied doing anything else.
A neck or back problem can be an intimidating obstacle for patients to handle for many reasons, from the severe limitations from associated pain, to the gravity of treatment decisions. I treat every patient like family as it’s a simple, but powerful way to ensure that we’ve thoughtfully considered all options in their unique situation. Furthermore, if we agree that surgery is the best alternative, our entire operative experience is supported by an excellent spine team and the impressive resources of Ohio State.
In research, my primary interest is directing the bone-healing process through modulation of the inflammatory cascade. I’m also interested in better defining the relationship between inflammation in the peripheral nervous system and the generation of radiculopathy and chronic pain.
Most physicians select their specialty, at least in part, based on their training experience and relationships with the attending surgeons who participated in their education. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by very thoughtful, experienced and engaging mentors who have been great role models and challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. Specifically, they collectively demonstrated the profound satisfaction that comes from selfless service. Academic medicine uniquely promotes these pursuits, and I look forward to a full career of service to my patients, to my community, to my trainees, to my partners and to the field of spine surgery.
If I’m not in the hospital or clinic, I’m usually spending time with my family.
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Spinal Diseases
- Spinal Injuries
- Orthopedics
- Back Pain
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Osteoarthritis, Spine
- Spinal Fractures
- Spinal Stenosis
Locations Where I Practice
543 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
300 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
MD
8/1/2009 - 5/5/2013
Residency
West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV
7/1/2013 - 6/30/2019
Fellowship
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic, Madison, WI
8/1/2019 - 7/30/2020
Academic Information
My Department
Orthopaedics
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.
131 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.6 out of 5
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Explains Things Carefully
4.6 out of 5
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Listens Carefully
4.6 out of 5
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Gives Understandable Instructions
4.6 out of 5
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Knows My Medical History
4.5 out of 5
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Shows Respect
4.7 out of 5
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Time Spent Together
4.6 out of 5
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 10/25/2021, Dr. Karnes has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
The best ever!!
Very pleased with experience.
Excellent! He is taking time explaining everything and answering all of my questions & concern.
My first visit and I was very pleased. Did not pressure to have surgery.
Kind, compassionate, discussed my case thoroughly, took time to answer all my questions (which helped so much, in my care for upcoming surgery!), helpful in discussing my MRI so I could understand details about my condition and my upcoming surgery.
Everyone was perfect.
Very good
Not thorough in explanation of care. If surgery not involved, seemed like I was not important.
He was very easy to talk to and thorough
Vey helpful
All good, well informed about my condition, explain in detail the x-ray, gave good advice about other signs of possible occurrence with serious issues, if not address asap.
They were friendly and respectful
Dr. Karnes thoughtfully provided the information I sought with this visit.
Dr. Karnes Was exceptional. He was thoughtful and caring and understood the pain level that I was in and was available at any time prior to the surgery and after.
Great!! Doctor listens and has a plan. Wants to help get you fixed and back to life. Very honest.
Dr. Karnes is great! He is helpful, knows what he is doing and is willing to answer all of my questions. He also makes it easy to follow-up with him if needed.
1st visit, confident, understanding, very knowledgeable
The doctor actually understood the pain I am having and he actually cares and wants to help me
Very concerned & caring on what's going on with my injuries.
Great
They were all great
Very professional! Very nice! Explain things well!
I am very happy with Dr. Kharn and the resident
I appreciate the great service I received from Dr. Karnes. He really cared about my wellbeing and was very helpful in understanding my condition and what I needed to do to get better.
Dr. Karnes was very professional, caring and friendly. He explained things in terms I could understand and was very patient with my many questions. He (and his assistant) seemed to be very nice people. I have no complaints.
Very good.
dr seemed interested but not really informed. he did not seem to know of a finding that I had concern about. he didn't bring up & i had to inquire
excellent experience
Good.
Very friendly and intelligent. Knew what he was talking about. Made me feel very confident with his care and abilities.
Dr. Karnes called me on a Saturday afternoon to give me the results of the MRI I took two days prior. He patients answered all of my questions.
Did not listen to my concerns. Did not address my reasons for visit.
I'm 51 years old with a bad back and bad hips. I've seen my fair share of doctors because I'm very active. It was simply the best interaction I've had with a doctor. He gave me all of my options. He asked about my lifestyle in an effort to recommend a course of action. I think you could message that guy on MyChart about a family member, not even myself, and the guy would help you. OSU is lucky to have him.
1st time seeing him & it was great. Much more attentive & caring than my previous dr.
Great.
dr. Karnes is amazing. he is professional, caring and very attentive. the best bedside manor I've had with any of my specialist throughout my life.
Dr. Karnes was caring & concerned about my injury. He explained everything in words I could understand thoroughly.
Very likable. Was very cautious with every approach of my pending treatment since he was already well versed with my complicated medical history. Gathering information and ordering tests for my future visit. I had a question after my visit and he noted me to answer my question completely. First visit with this provider and he was very thorough in a short amount of time. I really liked him
communicated in a straightforward, understandable, and insightful way. listened very well.
Dr Karnes answered all questions, gave two surgery options and explained the next steps to take very effectively.
very theoughal
Dr. Karnes is the kind of doctor that puts me at ease. He listened and made sure all my questions were answered. I felt very cared for.
Excellent very attentive, took his time examining me, friendly.
Liked how he summarized the visit when finished.