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Specialization

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Mooney specializes in complex adult spinal deformity and minimally invasive surgical approaches. His clinical practice focuses on revision surgery, sagittal and coronal balance restoration, and motion-preserving strategies. This expertise is deeply informed by extensive fellowship training in both spine deformity and minimally invasive surgery, as well as ongoing multi-center registry research dedicated to improving surgical outcomes.

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Conditions Treated

Dr. Mooney provides specialized care for a wide range of cranial and spinal conditions, from common degenerative changes to the most complex deformities, ensuring each patient receives a tailored treatment plan.

Degenerative Spine Conditions

Age-related wear and tear affecting the structural integrity and function of the spinal column.

  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spondylolysis
  • Facet Joint Syndrome
Spine Tumors & Oncology

Comprehensive care for primary and metastatic tumors involving the spinal column and nerves.

  • Metastatic Disease
  • Primary Bone Tumors
  • Intradural Extramedullary Tumors
  • Intramedullary Tumors
Spine Infections

Clinical management of bacterial and metabolic inflammatory processes of the spine.

  • Discitis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Epidural Abscess
  • Postoperative Infections
Cranial Trauma

Expert neurosurgical management of traumatic brain injuries and cranial fractures.

  • Subdural Hematoma
  • Epidural Hematoma
  • Skull Fractures
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Spinal Deformity (Adult & Complex)

Advanced reconstruction for complex spinal curvatures and postural imbalances.

  • Adult Scoliosis
  • Flatback Syndrome
  • Sagittal Imbalance
  • Kyphosis
  • Revision Surgery for Prior Deformity
Cervical Spine Disorders

Focused treatment for conditions affecting the neck, including disc issues and nerve compression.

  • Cervical Radiculopathy
  • Cervical Myelopathy
  • Cervical Disc Herniation
  • Neck Pain Protocols
Peripheral Nerve Conditions

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of nerve entrapment and tumors outside the spinal canal.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ulnar Neuropathy (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
Cranial Tumors

Clinical evaluation and surgical planning for benign and malignant lesions of the brain.

  • Meningioma
  • Brain Metastases
Spine Trauma

Urgent surgical and non-surgical management of fractures and spinal cord injuries.

  • Vertebral Fractures
  • Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
  • Central Cord Syndrome
  • Ligamentous Injuries
Lumbar Spine Disorders

Specialized management of lower back conditions and sciatic nerve related pathologies.

  • Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
  • Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
  • Spinal Instability
  • Low Back Pain Evaluation
Bone Health & Fragility

Optimization of bone density to prevent fractures and ensure successful surgical outcomes.

  • Osteoporosis
  • Compression Fractures
  • Metabolic Bone Evaluation
  • Surgical Bone Optimization

Sports Medicine

Specialized spine care for athletes focusing on rapid recovery, injury prevention, and performance optimization through evidence-based sports medicine protocols.

Stress Fractures & Pars Injuries

Diagnosis and treatment of spondylolysis and stress-related injuries common in high-impact and overhead athletes.

Disc Injuries in Athletes

Minimally invasive management of acute disc herniations, prioritizing motion-preservation for elite athletic performance.

Spinal Stability in Motion

Advanced surgical and non-surgical stabilization strategies designed to support active lifestyles and athletic longevity.

Overuse & Performance Care

Managing chronic back pain through performance-oriented rehab, biomechanical assessment, and return-to-play planning.

Collaborative Return-to-Play

Extensive collaboration with sport medicine teams, trainers, and therapists to coordinate safely phased recovery timelines.

Surgical Procedures

Dr. Mooney utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques, from robotic-assisted precision to minimally invasive spine surgery, ensuring optimal clinical outcomes and faster recovery times for his patients.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
Cervical Spine Procedures
Lumbar Spine Procedures

Advanced techniques focusing on smaller incisions, minimized tissue disruption, and faster recovery.

Procedures addressing conditions of the neck, from disc herniations to high-complexity cervical fusions.

Surgical solutions for lower back pathologies, nerve compression, and spinal stability restoration.

  • Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy
  • Tubular decompression
  • Minimally invasive laminectomy
  • Minimally invasive TLIF
  • Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF/LLIF)
  • Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation
  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
  • Cervical disc replacement (Arthroplasty)
  • Posterior cervical laminectomy & fusion
  • Posterior cervical foraminotomy
  • Cervical corpectomy
  • Occipitocervical fusion
  • Lumbar laminectomy & discectomy
  • TLIF / PLIF (Interbody Fusion)
  • ALIF (Anterior approach)
  • XLIF / LLIF (Lateral approach)
  • Posterior spinal fusion
  • Microdiscectomy
Complex Spine Reconstruction

Specialized realignment for adult scoliosis, kyphosis, and fixed postural imbalances.

Advanced Tech & Robotics

Utilizing robotic-assisted and navigation-guided technologies for intraoperative precision and safety.

Cranial Procedures – Trauma

Urgent neurosurgical interventions for brain injuries, intracranial pressure, and acute trauma.

  • Adult scoliosis correction
  • Long-segment fusion
  • Complex osteotomies (PSO/Smith-Petersen)
  • Revision spine surgery
  • Sagittal & coronal balance restoration
  • Pelvic fixation (S2AI/Iliac)
  • Robotic-assisted screw placement
  • Navigation-guided instrumentation
  • Intraoperative 3D imaging
  • AI-assisted surgical planning
  • Evacuation of hematomas (subdural/epidural)
  • Decompressive craniectomy
  • Skull fracture reconstruction
  • ICP monitor placement
  • External ventricular drain (EVD)
Cranial Procedures – Tumors

Advanced surgical resection of benign and malignant brain lesions utilizing intraoperative guidance.

Peripheral Nerve Procedures

Relieving chronic nerve compression and addressing pathologies of the peripheral nervous system.

  • Brain tumor resection
  • Meningioma removal
  • Metastatic tumor surgery
  • Image-guided biopsy
  • Stealth navigation surgery
  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Ulnar nerve decompression (Cubital(

Conservative Care First

Surgery is not always the answer. Dr. Mooney believes in a shared decision-making model, where conservative measures—including physical therapy, targeted injections, and activity modification—are explored first. Our goal is to find the most durable solution with the least invasive approach possible for every patient.

Learn about Conservative Care

Advanced Techniques & Technology

Dr. Mooney integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance surgical precision and patient safety. His practice utilizes minimally invasive techniques, real-time intraoperative navigation, and AI-informed research protocols to optimize outcomes in complex reconstruction and motion-preserving spine surgery.

Learn about Patient-Specific Rod Technology

Why Choose Dr. Mooney

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Complex Case Focus

Deeply rooted in VCU's academic mission, bringing the latest research and teaching insights to patient care.

Leveraging multicenter registry data to ensure surgical decisions are backed by proven clinical outcomes.

Extensive training in adult spinal deformity and revision surgery for patients requiring high-level intervention.

A shared decision-making approach where patients are active partners in their own recovery and treatment plan.

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Academic Practice

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Outcomes Research

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Collaborative Care

Important Disclosure

The information provided on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accessing this site or contacting Dr. James H. Mooney, MD through this platform does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Patients should always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding a medical condition. In the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately. Dr. Mooney is an employee of VCU Health; all clinical scheduling and patient care are managed through official VCU Health channels and are subject to their institutional policies and privacy practices. All logos and names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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