Kern Singh, M.D.

Kern Singh, M.D. Minimally Invasive Outpatient Spine Surgeon. Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush Univ Dr. Singh has been an award-winning researcher.

Dr. Singh is Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and his clinical interests include the treatment of complex degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Dr. Singh also specializes in spine tumors and adult spinal deformities. Of particular research interest to Dr. Singh is minimally invasive, motion sparing spinal technology. Dr. Singh has a rapidly

growing reputation in the area of "Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery." He frequently teaches techniques to neurosurgeons and spinal surgeons from around the country as well as Asia and Europe. He has published his findings in major medical journals and presented at national and regional medical conferences in addition to authoring several textbooks on spinal surgery. He frequently trains surgeons who observe his newly advanced surgical techniques in the operating room. He is also the principal investigator in several FDA clinical trials involving cervical disc replacements and motion preserving spinal technology.

04/29/2026

Advancing minimally invasive spine surgery through precision, visualization, and education.

In this educational video, I demonstrate a two-level laminectomy in the setting of degenerative scoliosis with coexisting isthmic spondylolisthesis. The case features a complete L5–S1 decompression, including an ipsilateral foraminotomy performed beneath the pars defect.

Using a biportal endoscopic approach, this technique enables effective transforaminal decompression while preserving key anatomical structures and enhancing visualization. It represents the continued evolution of minimally invasive spine surgery and what can be achieved with refined technique.

Through the S.T.E.P. (Spine Training Education Program), my focus is on sharing practical, reproducible methods that improve outcomes and expand the capabilities of spine surgeons worldwide.

DegenerativeScoliosis SpineEducation MedicalEducation SurgicalInnovation STEPProgram Neurosurgery OrthopedicSurger

As spine surgeons, we dedicate our careers to restoring function and improving quality of life—but how often do we consi...
04/27/2026

As spine surgeons, we dedicate our careers to restoring function and improving quality of life—but how often do we consider the long-term impact of our own operative posture?

In the latest discussion within the ISASS Vertebral Columns Journal, I explore a critical yet underemphasized topic: the ergonomics of spine surgery. From prolonged static positioning to repetitive strain in the operating room, the physical demands of our field can take a cumulative toll over time.

Thoughtful adjustments in surgical setup, positioning, visualization, and workflow are not just about comfort—they are essential for career longevity, performance, and ultimately, patient outcomes.

As Editor-in-Chief, I’m proud to continue advancing conversations that support not only innovation in spine care, but also the well-being of the surgeons behind it.

I invite you to engage with this topic and share your own strategies for maintaining optimal ergonomics in your practice.

HealthcareLeadership Orthopedics Neurosurgery

04/25/2026

Today is 5‑0.�Apparently this is when you’re supposed to have everything figured out.�Still working on that.
I’m spending today exactly how I want—quietly, with family. Time with my parents, and with Suraj and Siya. No matter how much they grow, they’ll always be my babies. Watching them become who they are has been the greatest privilege of my life—they keep me grounded, humble, laughing, and learning.
Aging hasn’t made me fearful—just more aware. Less rushed. More intentional. I don’t feel like I’m getting old; I feel like I’m arriving at clarity.
I’m grateful for a small circle of friends who’ve become family, for the lessons—easy and hard—and for understanding that real happiness doesn’t come from success or validation, but from within.
At 50, I feel clearer, healthier, and more grounded than ever.�I won’t waste another day, moment, or second.

It was a pleasure to host Michael Song Neurosurgeon from Reno, for an intensive operative observation focused on advance...
04/16/2026

It was a pleasure to host Michael Song Neurosurgeon from Reno, for an intensive operative observation focused on advanced spine techniques.

Today’s cases reflect the evolution of a surgical platform I have developed and refined—integrating biportal endoscopic approaches with complex reconstructive spine surgery. The operative experience included three biportal endoscopic cases, two circumferential (front/back) lumbar fusions—including correction of a kyphotic deformity—and a two-level cervical disc replacement.

The ability to apply minimally invasive endoscopic principles across both degenerative and deformity pathology represents a meaningful shift in how we approach spine surgery—expanding indications while maintaining precision and tissue preservation.

Opportunities like this underscore the importance of deliberate innovation, technical reproducibility, and ongoing surgeon education in advancing the field.

Honored to be recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the 2026 Notable Leaders in Health Care. 🏆This recognitio...
04/14/2026

Honored to be recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the 2026 Notable Leaders in Health Care. 🏆

This recognition reflects the collective dedication of my colleagues at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and Rush University Medical Center. It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented team as we continue to push the boundaries of spine care and clinical innovation for our patients in Chicago and beyond.

Congratulations to all the fellow leaders and innovators shaping the future of medicine! 🏥✨

Innovation MedTech Leadership ChicagoBusiness Orthopaedics SpineHealth

Honored to be recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the 2026 Notable Leaders in Health Care. 🏆This recognitio...
04/14/2026

Honored to be recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the 2026 Notable Leaders in Health Care. 🏆

This recognition reflects the collective dedication of my colleagues at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and Rush University Medical Center. It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented team as we continue to push the boundaries of spine care and clinical innovation for our patients in Chicago and beyond.

Congratulations to all the fellow leaders and innovators shaping the future of medicine! 🏥✨

03/09/2026

15 minutes.
No nerve manipulation.
Home in 60 minutes.

This is what the future of spine surgery looks like.

This week I treated a large far-lateral right L4-5 foraminal disc herniation using non-disposable outpatient biportal endoscopy.

For surgeons who treat these cases, you know the challenge:
Far-lateral herniations sit directly next to the exiting nerve root.

Traditional approaches often require retraction or manipulation of the nerve.

With biportal endoscopy, we can do something fundamentally different.

Directly visualize the exiting nerve root — and never touch it.

Case highlights:

• Large far-lateral right L4-5 foraminal HNP
• Biportal endoscopic approach
• Skin-to-skin time: 15 minutes
• Continuous visualization of the exiting nerve root
• No nerve manipulation
• Non-disposable endoscopic system
• Outpatient procedure
• Patient discharged home 60 minutes after surgery

This is why I believe biportal endoscopy will transform spine surgery:

✔ Better visualization
✔ Less tissue disruption
✔ Faster procedures
✔ Rapid recovery
✔ Lower system cost with non-disposable platforms

Spine surgery is evolving toward precision, efficiency, and outpatient care.

And we are only at the beginning.














02/12/2026

🔥 Revision TLIF. Migrated Cage. Severe Foraminal Stenosis.
Outpatient. Biportal. No hardware removal. No disposables.
Read that again.
While many still believe complex revision spine surgery requires extensile exposure, hardware removal, expensive disposable platforms, and inpatient admission… we’re proving otherwise.
This week in our STEP Spine Training & Education Program, we performed a UBE decompression for a migrated TLIF cage causing severe neuroforaminal stenosis.
Through a true biportal endoscopic approach, we achieved:
✔️ Panoramic visualization that the microscope simply cannot match
✔️ Targeted foraminal decompression
✔️ Preservation of existing instrumentation
✔️ No implant removal
✔️ No disposable systems driving artificial cost inflation
✔️ Same-day outpatient discharge
Let’s be honest — the future of spine isn’t about adding more hardware, bigger incisions, or more expensive single-use tech.
It’s about:
• Better visualization
• Smarter access
• Tissue preservation
• Cost discipline
• Reproducible education
The uncomfortable truth?
Complex pathology does not mandate complex exposure.
UBE is not a “gimmick” for small disc herniations. In trained hands, it is a platform for serious revision surgery.
Through STEP, we are not just teaching techniques — we are challenging outdated assumptions and training the next generation of surgeons to deliver cutting-edge care in a value-based outpatient environment.
Disruption isn’t loud.
It’s precise.
It’s efficient.
And it’s already happening.

When world-class surgeons visit, you don’t show them theory — you show them ex*****on.Honored to host Maxwell Boakye, MD...
02/12/2026

When world-class surgeons visit, you don’t show them theory — you show them ex*****on.

Honored to host Maxwell Boakye, MD, MPH, MBA, FACS, CPPS, CPHQ world-renowned neurosurgeon, at our outpatient ASC to see firsthand what’s possible when complex spine surgery is performed with the right systems, team, and technology.

Today's “routine” schedule included:

• Multilevel cervical deformity correction

• Two biportal endoscopic neuroforaminal decompressions for cage migration and bone overgrowth following TLIF

• Advanced revision pathology that many centers would automatically admit

All performed safely in an ambulatory surgery center.

No disposable endoscopic systems.

No unnecessary implants.

No excess cost layering.

Just precision surgery using non-disposable biportal endoscopic trays, an elite anesthesia team, and a highly coordinated ASC staff.

And the part that matters most:

Every single patient was discharged home by 3:30 PM.

Complexity does not mandate hospitalization.

Revision surgery does not mandate inefficiency.

Innovation does not require disposables.

This is what happens when outpatient spine is built intentionally — not retrofitted from inpatient habits.

Grateful for leaders like Dr. Boakye who continue to push the field forward through collaboration and shared learning.

The future of spine isn’t smaller incisions.

It’s smarter systems.

15 Textbooks. One Journey. And a Chapter Closing.Today I received a copy of my 15th and most likely final textbook, this...
01/26/2026

15 Textbooks. One Journey. And a Chapter Closing.

Today I received a copy of my 15th and most likely final textbook, this one focused on Endoscopic Spine Surgery. This book was intentionally done with no bias, no commercial influence, and no industry agenda—just honest contributions from true thought leaders who actually practice endoscopy in all its forms around the world no matter what you want to call it.

Not everyone chose to participate.

Some declined due to ego.

Some due to conflicts of interest.

Some due to professional jealousy.

I never imagined that education and academic collaboration could come with this level of friction. It was an unexpected reminder that advancing science isn’t just about data and technique—it’s also about navigating human nature.

To the many who’ve asked:

It’s unlikely I’ll be writing brand-new textbooks going forward. But over the next decade, I will be working on the 2nd, 3rd… and maybe even 4th editions of the books I’ve already published. Evolution matters more than volume.

And to my kids ❤️

My first textbook was written before you were born.

My last one was written while you were still babies (at least in my mind).

This feels like the right moment to pause and recalibrate.

Time now to focus more on:

My life

My passions

My health and lifting

My Spinal Strength Podcast

Reconnecting with family and old friends

And continuing to build the future of spine surgery in new, more scalable ways

Grateful. Humbled. And ready for the next chapter.







Midwest Orthopaedics at RushRush University Medical CenterEuropean Society of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (ESUBE)ISASS: The International Society for Advancement of Spine SurgeryAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Breaking news: Another Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) partner spotted in the gym 🏋️‍♂️👀This time it was Brian Cole, ...
01/16/2026

Breaking news:

Another Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) partner spotted in the gym 🏋️‍♂️👀

This time it was Brian Cole, MD — world-famous sports surgeon, elite operator, and my partner at MOR. When your days are spent fixing professional athletes, it only makes sense you train like one.

Between long spine cases, lead aprons, endoscopes, and surgical volume that doesn’t believe in “light days,” staying in shape isn’t a hobby — it’s a job requirement. Spine surgery is a full-contact sport.

That’s where training + recovery + mindset come in.

And yes — a big part of that for me is my Spinal Strength Podcast (Spotify & Apple Music), where I talk about building resilience, longevity, and strength for life inside and outside the OR.

This is now the second MOR partner I’ve run into lifting weights — after cohen, md — which officially confirms it:

MOR is taking over orthopaedics… and gyms across the United States.

World-class partners. World-class surgeons.

Built for the OR. Built to last.

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