Research and Publications
Dr. James H. Mooney’s research focuses on advancing the field of spine surgery through the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, and surgical innovation. His work centers on improving preoperative planning, intraoperative precision, and postoperative outcomes, particularly in complex spinal deformity. He has a strong interest in predictive analytics, radiomics, and patient-specific modeling, with the goal of developing more personalized and data-driven approaches to spine care. His research also explores emerging technologies such as robotics, navigation, and digital twin simulation, as well as outcomes research aimed at optimizing patient safety, recovery, and long-term functional results.
Selected Spine Publications
Waheed AA, Ozpinar A, Muthiah N, et al. Durability in symptomatic and radiographic outcomes after standalone anterolateral minimally invasive surgery for adult spinal deformity. J Clin Neurosci. Sep 17 2025;141:111555. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111555
Sun Y, Ramapuram H, Tracz J, et al. Intraoperative vancomycin for preventing infection after open spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Neurosurg Spine. Jul 11 2025:1-10. doi:10.3171/2025.3.Spine2547
Sun Y, Razi R, et al. The Association of Poor Preoperative Mental Health and Outcomes After Surgical Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025;14(15):5516.
Sun Y, Laskay NMB, Thrash GW, Howell S, Mooney JH, Godzik J. The Association of Area Deprivation Index and Spine Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic and Narrative Review. Oper Neurosurg. Apr 1 2025;doi:10.1227/ons.0000000000001551
Sun Y, Howell S, Laskay NMB, et al. Association between limited primary care access and higher readmissions and reoperations following elective lumbar fusion. J Neurosurg Spine. Oct 17 2025:1-11. doi:10.3171/2025.6.Spine2517
Sun Y, Howell S, Laskay NMB, et al. Neighborhood disadvantage predicts health resource utilization after lumbar spine surgery: a cohort study. Acta Neurochir (Wien). Dec 1 2025;167(1):301. doi:10.1007/s00701-025-06703-4
Sun Y, Howell S, Juarez LD, et al. Preoperative hemoglobin A1c and minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery: is it as critical as we think. Acta Neurochir (Wien). Nov 8 2025;167(1):290. doi:10.1007/s00701-025-06686-2
Sun Y, Gross EG, Hamo MA, et al. Neighborhood-level measures of socioeconomic status impact healthcare utilization and surgical outcomes in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients in the Deep South. J Neurosurg Spine. Jan 3 2025:1-13. doi:10.3171/2024.8.Spine24604
Laskay NMB, Sun Y, Gross EG, et al. The Association of Race, Rurality, and Neighborhood Disadvantage with Disease Severity at Initial Presentation in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Cohort Study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). Jan 29 2025;doi:10.1097/brs.0000000000005268
Parr MS, Williams SR, Mooney JH, Atchley TJ, Okor MO. Migratory schwannoma of the cauda equina with a change in radicular pattern: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons. Apr 8 2024;7(15)doi:10.3171/case23706
Laskay NM, Jarrell MT, Salehani A, et al. Minimally Invasive Far Lateral Lumbar Discectomy With Modified Technique: Symptomatic Relief and Intersegmental Stability Study. Cureus. Feb 2024;16(2):e53415. doi:10.7759/cureus.53415
Mooney J, Nathani KR, Zeitouni D, et al. Does diabetes affect outcome or reoperation rate after lumbar decompression or arthrodesis? A matched analysis of the Quality Outcomes Database data set. J Neurosurg Spine. Dec 1 2023:1-12. doi:10.3171/2023.9.Spine23522
Mooney J, Erickson N, Laskay N, et al. Epidural Versus Local Anesthesia for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Spine Surg. Jun 22 2023;doi:10.1097/bsd.0000000000001476
Mooney J, Michalopoulos GD, Zeitouni D, et al. Outpatient versus inpatient lumbar decompression surgery: a matched noninferiority study investigating clinical and patient-reported outcomes. J Neurosurg Spine. May 6 2022:1-13. doi:10.3171/2022.3.Spine211558
Mooney J, Laskay N, Erickson N, et al. General vs Local Anesthesia for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Global Spine J. Dec 23 2022:21925682221147868. doi:10.1177/21925682221147868
Mooney J, Erickson N, Salehani A, et al. Microendoscopic lumbar discectomy with general versus local anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. N Am Spine Soc J. Jun 2022;10:100129. doi:10.1016/j.xnsj.2022.100129
Mooney J, Michalopoulos GD, Alvi MA, et al. Minimally invasive versus open lumbar spinal fusion: a matched study investigating patient-reported and surgical outcomes. J Neurosurg Spine. Dec 14 2021:1-14. doi:10.3171/2021.10.Spine211128
Self M, Mooney J, Amburgy J, et al. Analysis of injected cement volume and clinical outcomes following kyphoplasty for vertebral compression fractures. Surgical neurology international. 2020;11:56. doi:10.25259/sni_22_2020
Mooney JH, Amburgy J, Self M, et al. Vertebral height restoration following kyphoplasty. Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong). Jun 2019;5(2):194-200. doi:10.21037/jss.2019.04.02
Selected Concussion/Sports Medicine Research
Research Interests
Spinal Kinematics
Investigating biomechanical outcomes and motion preservation following non-fusion spinal interventions.
Navigation & AI
Evaluating the integration of augmented reality and AI in pre-operative planning for complex spinal deformity.
Clinical Outcomes
Tracking long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in MIS vs. traditional open surgery patient cohorts.
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. All logos and names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.