Dr Robert W. Molinari hails from Valley Stream, New York. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of complex spinal surgery, and he is among the most experienced spinal trauma surgeons in the world.

Dr Molinari's original research contributions to the peer-reviewed spinal lit...

Certified Specialties

Orthopaedic Surgery - American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Orthopaedics (SMD)

Professor - Department of Neurosurgery (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Washington University School of Medicine. 1997 - 1998

Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital. 1989 - 1993

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 1988 - 1989

Education

MD | Mount Sinai Medical Center (USA). 1988

Awards

New York State Troopers Dr. Chandler Award for Outstanding Medical Care. 2019

AO Spine North America Educator of the Year Award. 2015

Top Performer Award Patient and Family Centered Care. 2014

Patient and Family Centered Care Award. 2012 - 2013

Patient and Family Centered Care Award. 2011 - 2012

Patient and Family Centered Care Award. 2010 - 2011

Outstanding Clinical Research Award. 2000

Concerned Patient Care Award Recipient. 1995

Physician of the Year Award Finalist. 1993

Clinical Honors: Surgery, Obstetrics, Psychiatry. 1987

Distinguished West Point Cadet. 1981 - 1984

Research

Dr Molinari is the author of 8 book chapters in spinal surgery textbooks as well as over 80 scientific articles in peer-reviewed spine journals. He serves as a medical reviewer for the Journal of Spinal Disorders, Global Spine Journal, The Spine Journal, Geriatric Orthopaedics, and Current Opinion...

Publications

Journal Articles

The fourth column of the spine: Prevalence of sternal fractures and concurrent thoracic spinal fractures.

Breitenbach M, Phan A, Botros M, Paul D, Molinari R, Menga E, Mesfin A

Injury.. 2022 March 53 (3):1062-1067. Epub 12/26/2021.

An Analysis of Patient and Fracture Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hyperostotic Spine Fractures.

Bernstein DN, McCalla DJ, Molinari RW, Rubery PT, Menga EN, Mesfin A

Global spine journal.. 2020 December 10 (8):964-972. Epub 11/12/2019.

Erratum to "Comparison of adult spinal deformity patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis undergoing primary non-cervical spinal fusion surgery: a nationwide analysis of 52,818 patients" [The Spine Journal 18 (2018) 1861-1866].

Bernstein DN, Kurucan E, Menga EN, Molinari RW, Rubery PT, Mesfin A

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2020 December 20 (12):2048. Epub 09/18/2020.

Volume-outcome relationship in halo vest utilization for C2 fractures.

Kurucan E, Sulovari A, Thirukumaran C, Greenstein A, Molinari R, Mesfin A

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2020 October 20 (10):1676-1684. Epub 05/28/2020.

Treatment of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy with RT001: A di-deuterated ethyl ester of linoleic acid: Report of two cases.

Adams D, Midei M, Dastgir J, Flora C, Molinari RJ, Heerinckx F, Endemann S, Atwal P, Milner P, Shchepinov MS

JIMD reports.. 2020 July 54 (1):54-60. Epub 03/27/2020.

Predictors of 30-Day Unplanned Readmissions, Complications, and Mortality Following Operative Management of C2 Fractures.

Bernstein DN, Thirukumaran C, Raudenbush B, Molinari RW, Menga EN, Mesfin A

Global spine journal.. 2020 April 10 (2):130-137. Epub 05/01/2019.

Reducing Surgical Site Infections in Spine Tumor Surgery: A Comparison of Three Methods.

Mesfin A, Baldwin A, Bernstein D, Emanski E, Molinari R, Menga E, Rubery PT

Spine.. 2019 December 1544 (24):E1428-E1435. Epub 1900 01 01.

Outcomes of Halo Immobilization for Cervical Spine Fractures.

Isidro S, Molinari R, Ikpeze T, Hernandez C, Mahmoudi MS, Mesfin A

Global spine journal.. 2019 August 9 (5):521-526. Epub 02/11/2019.

Proximal Junctional Kyphosis: A Pediatric and Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Dilemma.

Mika AP, Mesfin A, Rubery PT, Molinari R, Kebaish KM, Menga EN

JBJS reviews.. 2019 April 7 (4):e4. Epub 1900 01 01.

Preoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scores Assist in Predicting Early Postoperative Success in Lumbar Discectomy.

Rubery PT, Houck J, Mesfin A, Molinari R, Papuga MO

Spine.. 2019 March 144 (5):325-333. Epub 1900 01 01.

Comparison of adult spinal deformity patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis undergoing primary non-cervical spinal fusion surgery: a nationwide analysis of 52,818 patients.

Bernstein DN, Kurucan E, Menga EN, Molinari RW, Rubery PT, Mesfin A

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2018 October 18 (10):1861-1866. Epub 04/06/2018.

Negative-pressure dressing management of recurrent postoperative epidural hematoma and uncontrollable intraoperative hemorrhage in posterior spine surgery: report of 4 cases.

Foxx KC, Mesfin A, Molinari R

Journal of neurosurgery. Spine.. 2018 February 28 (2):220-225. Epub 12/01/2017.

Louis A. Goldstein, MD: A Pioneer in Spinal Deformity Surgery.

McCalla D, Rubery PT, Foxx K, Molinari RW, Sanders JO, Mesfin A

Spine.. 2017 November 1542 (22):1744-1747. Epub 1900 01 01.

Complications and readmission after lumbar spine surgery in elderly patients: an analysis of 2,320 patients.

Saleh A, Thirukumaran C, Mesfin A, Molinari RW

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2017 August 17 (8):1106-1112. Epub 04/03/2017.

Complications and Readmission After Cervical Spine Surgery in Elderly Patients: An Analysis of 1786 Patients.

Bernstein DN, Thirukumaran C, Saleh A, Molinari RW, Mesfin A

World neurosurgery.. 2017 July 103 :859-868.e8. Epub 04/26/2017.

Large Compressive Pseudomeningocele Causing Early Major Neurologic Deficit After Spinal Surgery.

Raudenbush BL, Molinari A, Molinari RW

Global spine journal.. 2017 May 7 (3):206-212. Epub 06/16/2017.

Correlation of PROMIS Physical Function and Pain CAT Instruments With Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Disability Index in Spine Patients.

Papuga MO, Mesfin A, Molinari R, Rubery PT

Spine.. 2016 July 1541 (14):1153-1159. Epub 1900 01 01.

Intrawound Vancomycin Powder for Spine Tumor Surgery.

Okafor R, Molinari W, Molinari R, Mesfin A

Global spine journal.. 2016 May 6 (3):207-11. Epub 07/16/2015.

National Trends in the Surgical Management of Adult Lumbar Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: 1998 to 2011.

Thirukumaran CP, Raudenbush B, Li Y, Molinari R, Rubery P, Mesfin A

Spine.. 2016 March 41 (6):490-501. Epub 1900 01 01.

Bone morphogenetic protein in pediatric spine fusion surgery.

Molinari RW, Kerr C, Kerr D

Journal of spine surgery.. 2016 March 2 (1):9-12. Epub 1900 01 01.

The Use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein in Pediatric Cervical Spine Fusion Surgery: Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Molinari RW; Molinari C.

Global Spine J. 2016; 6: e41-e46.

Return to Play in Athletes Receiving Cervical Surgery: A Systematic Review

Molinari RW, Pagarigan K, Dettori JR, Molinari R Jr, Dehaven KE.

Global Spine J. 2016; 6(1): 89-96.

Longer-Term Outcomes of Geriatric Odontoid Fracture Nonunion.

Raudenbush B, Molinari R

Geriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation.. 2015 December 6 (4):251-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Nonoperative Management of Craniocervical Ligamentous Distraction Injury: Literature Review.

Kaplan NB, Molinari C, Molinari RW

Global spine journal.. 2015 December 5 (6):505-12. Epub 1900 01 01.

Symptomatic Triple-Region Spinal Stenosis Treated with Simultaneous Surgery: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Schaffer JC, Raudenbush BL, Molinari C, Molinari RW

Global spine journal.. 2015 December 5 (6):513-21. Epub 1900 01 01.

Vertebral Artery Injury during Routine Posterior Cervical Exposure: Case Reports and Review of Literature.

Molinari RW, Chimenti PC, Molinari R, Gruhn W

Global spine journal.. 2015 December 5 (6):528-32. Epub 1900 01 01.

Unilateral versus Bilateral Instrumentation in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Molinari RW, Saleh A, Molinari R, Hermsmeyer J, Dettori JR

Global spine journal.. 2015 June 5 (3):185-94. Epub 1900 01 01.

Intrawound Vancomycin Powder for Spine Tumor Surgery

Okafor R; Molinari W; Molinari R; Mesfin A.

Global Spine Journal. 2015; 10: 1055-1060.

Chronic Back Pain from Four-Level Lumbar Spondylolysis with Associated Spondylolisthesis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Robert Molinari W*, Ryan McAssey RN.

. Int J Neurorehabilitation. 2015; 2(10): 2376-81.

Commentary on: "Vertebral Artery Anomalies at the Craniovertebral Junction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature".

Molinari RW

Evidence-based spine-care journal.. 2014 October 5 (2):126. Epub 1900 01 01.

Vertebral artery anomaly and injury in spinal surgery.

Molinari R, Bessette M, Raich AL, Dettori JR, Molinari C

Evidence-based spine-care journal.. 2014 April 5 (1):16-27. Epub 1900 01 01.

Biomechanical evaluation of anterior thoracic salvage screws in the osteoporotic thoracic spine.

Behrend C, Stephen George M, Molinari R

Journal of spinal disorders & techniques.. 2013 August 26 (6):E235-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Post-operative spinal epidural hematoma causing American Spinal Injury Association B spinal cord injury in patients with suction wound drains.

Chimenti P, Molinari R

The journal of spinal cord medicine.. 2013 May 36 (3):213-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

In-hospital postoperative radiographs for instrumented single-level degenerative spinal fusions: utility after intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Molinari RW, Hunter JG, McAssey RW

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2012 July 12 (7):559-67. Epub 07/15/2012.

Functional Outcomes, Morbidity, Mortality, and Fracture Healing Rates in 58 Consecutive Geriatric Odontoid Fracture Patients Treated with Cervical Collar or Posterior Fusion during an 8-year Period

William Molinari, MD, Oner Khera MD, William Gruhn R-PA, Robert W. Molinari, MD.

Journal or Neurosurgery Spine. 2012; .

Tandem spinal stenosis (TSS): literature review and report of patients treated with simultaneous decompression

Molinari RW.; Flanigan R; Yaseen Z; Gruhn W; Molinari C.

Current Opinion in Orthpaedics. 2012; 23(4): 356-363.

Fusion Versus Nonoperative Care for Chronic Low Back Pain: Do Psychological Factors Affect Outcomes?

Daubs MD; Norvell DC; McGuire R; Molinari, R; Hermsmeyer JT; Fourney DR; Wolinsky JP; Brodke D.

Spine. 2011; 36(21 Suppl): S96-S109.

Rigid Cervical Collar Treatment for Geriatric Type II Odontoid Fractures

Molinari RW, Khera OA, Gruhn WL, McAssey RW.

Spine Journal. 2011; .

Functional Outcomes, Morbidity, Mortality, and Fracture Healing in 26 Consecutive Geriatric Odontoid Fracture Patients Treated With Posterior Fusion.

Molinari RW, Dahl J, Gruhn WL, Molinari WJ.

Journal Spine Disorders and Techniques. 2011; .

Prophylactic Intraoperative Powdered VanComycin and Postoperative Deep Spinal Wound Infection: 1,512 Consecutive Surgical Cases Over a 6-year Period.

Molinari RW, Khera OA, Molinari WJ.

Eur Spine Journal. 2011; .

C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement with Intentional Sacrifice of the C2 Gangion: Functional Outcomes and Morbidity in Elderly Patients.

Squires, J.; Molinari, R.W.

Eur Spine J. 2010; .

Unilateral Cervical Facet Dislocation in a 9-year-old Boy

Parada, A. Stephen, MD; Arrington, D. Edward, MD; Kowalski L. Kurtis, MD; Molinari, W. Robert, MD.

Orthopedics. 2010; 33(12): 929.

Anterior Cervical Discecctomy and Fusion with Structural allograft and plates for the treatment of unstable posterior cervical spine injuries

Woodworth RS.; Molinari WJ.; Brandenstein D.; Gruhn W.; Molinari RW.

J Neurosurgery Spine. 2009; : 93-101.

Unstable Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury With Normal Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Initial Imaging Studies

Daniel Brandenstein,OD.; Robert W. Molinari, MD.; Paul T. Rubery, MD.; Glenn R. Rechtine, II, MD.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2009; 34: E743-E750.

Cervical Fracture with Transient Tetraplegia in a Youth Football Player: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Molinari, RW; Molinari,WJ.

Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. 2009; 32(5).

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

DiPaola CP, Molinari RW

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.. 2008 March 16 (3):130-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Lumbar disc herniation:treatment strategies for primary and recurrent lumbar radiculopathy

Molinari, Robert W.

Current orthopaedic Practice. 2008; 19(1a): 1 - 5.

Cervical spine injury severity score. Assessment of reliability.

Anderson PA, Moore TA, Davis KW, Molinari RW, Resnick DK, Vaccaro AR, Bono CM, Dimar JR, Aarabi B, Leverson G,

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.. 2007 May 89 (5):1057-65. Epub 1900 01 01.

Bony flexion-distraction injury of the lower lumbar spine treated with instrumentation without fusion and early implant removal: a method of treatment to preserve lumbar motion: two-year follow-up of a teenage patient.

Eichinger JK, Arrington ED, Kerr GJ, Molinari R

Journal of spinal disorders & techniques.. 2007 February 20 (1):93-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Robert Molinari, MD.

Contemporary Spine Surgery. 2007; 8(3).

Dynamic Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine

Molinari, R.

Current Opinion if Orthopaedics. 2007; : 215-220.

Extensive postoperative epidural hematoma after full anticoagulation: case report and review of the literature.

Morse K, Weight M, Molinari R

The journal of spinal cord medicine.. 2007 30 (3):282-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Review of 346 patients with free-flap reconstruction following head and neck surgery for neoplasm.

Podrecca S, Salvatori P, Squadrelli Saraceno M, Fallahdar D, Calabrese L, Cantù G, Molinari R

Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS.. 2006 59 (2):122-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Effects of pilot hole preparation technique on pedicle screw fixation in different regions of the osteoporotic thoracic and lumbar spine.

Carmouche JJ, Molinari RW, Gerlinger T, Devine J, Patience T

Journal of neurosurgery. Spine.. 2005 November 3 (5):364-70. Epub 1900 01 01.

Low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis treated with instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion in U.S. servicemen.

Molinari RW, Sloboda JF, Arrington EC

Journal of spinal disorders & techniques.. 2005 February 18 Suppl :S24-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Sagittal Plane Decompensation

Molinari, R.

Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. 2005; : 148-151.

A unique two-level noncontiguous ligamentous flexion-distraction injury in the thoracolumbar spine.

Ketz JP; Molinari RW.

Neurosurg Spine. 2005; 4: 328 - 31.

Epidural abscess and discitis complicating instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a case report.

Carmouche JJ, Molinari RW

Spine.. 2004 December 129 (23):E542-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Vertebroplasty and Kuphoplasty:Biomechanics, Outcomes, and Complications

Molinari, R.

Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. 2004; : 142-149.

Are 2 cages needed with instrumented PLIF? A comparison of 1 versus 2 interbody cages in a military population.

Molinari RW, Sloboda J, Johnstone FL

The American journal of orthopedics.. 2003 July 32 (7):337-43; discussion 343. Epub 1900 01 01.

Exertional myelopathy in type 2 congenital kyphosis.

Khanna N, Molinari R, Lenke L

Spine.. 2002 November 1527 (22):E488-92. Epub 1900 01 01.

Anterior column support in surgery for high-grade, isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Molinari RW, Bridwell KH, Lenke LG, Baldus C

Clinical orthopaedics and related research.. 2002 January (394):109-20. Epub 1900 01 01.

Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Molinari, Robert.

Contemporary Spine Surgery. 2002; 3.

Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis

Major Robert W. Molinari, MD.

Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. 2002; 13: 178 - 183.

Functional outcomes of instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion in active-duty US servicemen: a comparison with nonoperative management.

Molinari RW, Gerlinger T

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society.. 2001 1 (3):215-24. Epub 1900 01 01.

Complications in the surgical treatment of pediatric high-grade, isthmic dysplastic spondylolisthesis. A comparison of three surgical approaches.

Molinari RW, Bridwell KH, Lenke LG, Ungacta FF, Riew KD

Spine.. 1999 August 1524 (16):1701-11. Epub 1900 01 01.

Minimum 5-year follow-up of anterior column structural allografts in the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Molinari RW, Bridwell KH, Klepps SJ, Baldus C

Spine.. 1999 May 1524 (10):967-72. Epub 1900 01 01.

Nutrition in Spinal Surgery

Molinari, Robert; Lenke, Lawrence.

Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. 1998; .

Timing of internal fixation in low-velocity extremity gunshot fractures.

Molinari RW, Yang EC, Strauss E, Einhorn TA

Contemporary orthopaedics. 1994 November 29 (5):335-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Arthroscopic versus nonoperative treatment of acute shoulder dislocations in young athletes.

Wheeler JH, Ryan JB, Arciero RA, Molinari RN

Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association.. 1989 5 (3):213-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

Spine Surgery: Tricks of Trade, third edition (2015)

Chapter: Lumbar Pedicle Screws

Spine Surgery: Tricks of the Trade, second edition (2008)

Chapter: Lumbar Pedicle Screws

Cervical Spinal Surgery (2008)

Chapter: Anterior Subaxial Cervical Spine Instrumentation

Atlas of Cervical Spine Trauma (2007)

Chapter: Biomechanics of the Pediatric Cervical Spine

Radiology of Musculoskeletal Disease (2003)

Chapter: Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Frymoyer, Adult, and Pediatric Spine Textbook (2000)

Chapter: Spondylolisthesis

Orthopaedic Basic Science (1993)

Chapter: Deep Venous Thrombosis in Orthopaedic Surgery

Ratings & Comments

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Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.8

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.8

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.8

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.8

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.9

Patient Comments

5.0

Dr. Molinari took the time to listen to my wife's concerns and made her feel comfortable with the decisions that were made regarding my condition.

Dec 26, 2024

5.0

Dr. Molinari was very down to earth. He asked questions that were pertinent to my situation. He listened and then explained the different options that would be available. My daughter and I had our questions about those options answered. Dr. Molinari then offered his opinion on the best approach which matched my own.

Oct 19, 2024

5.0

Dr. Molinari explained my condition in clear terms and let the decision for my treatment up to me.

Sep 13, 2024

5.0

Dr. Molinari was concise and thorough. He is among the very few Doctors I trust or would allow to operate on me.

Jul 13, 2024

5.0

Seemed to have reviewed my chart before entering room. Organized. Answered all my questions in terms I could understand, using my x-rays to aid explainations.

Mar 02, 2024

5.0

Dr. Molinari provided exceptional care to me throughout my experience - pre & post surgery. I experienced significant back and leg pain for 9 months and Dr. Molinari was able to provide surgical intervention which corrected the problem that affected my entire life.

Dec 21, 2023

5.0

Physician/provider was very attentive to my degree of pain.

May 26, 2023

5.0

Great experience.

Mar 24, 2023

5.0

Dr Molinari has proved to me that he definitely one of the best spine surgeons. He is always very friendly and respectful, easy to understand, shows concern for my back and I leave knowing that I have received the best care possible.

Mar 18, 2023

5.0

My husband accompanied me to this appointment. We are both in awe of Dr. Molinari.

Jan 05, 2023

5.0

Dr Molinari was very attentive to my issue and explained everything to me so that I understood what he was going to fix my pain while being friendly and caring about my health.

Dec 30, 2022

5.0

Very attentive, thorough , professional and made us feel confident about the entire surgery process from statrt to finish. My husband did feel that I should be doing more aggressive post surgery exercises but walking will do fine for now.

Sep 18, 2022

5.0

I love Dr. Molinari he is awesome and a very excellent dr. and surgeon.

Jul 28, 2022

5.0

Dr. Molinari was down to earth, friendly and easy to understand. Explained options for treatment along w/pros & cons.

Jul 19, 2022

5.0

Dr. Molinari is an excellent doctor, with a very positive attitude.

Jun 23, 2022

5.0

Dr. Molinari it's not only a world renowned back surgeon, but he's also very friendly, very down to earth, very unrushed, and very willing to spend whatever time necessary to discuss my back issues. This was the second occasion I had to meet with Dr. MoIinari, and I found him to be just as wonderful and friendly and approachable as the first time I met him. In every sense of the word, it is truly a blessing for me to have access to someone that has served his country and fellow soldier as an army surgeon and now serves his fellow man as a back surgeon for the general public. I'm indeed truly grateful to him for his example of excellence and humility and service to others.

Apr 25, 2022

5.0

Dr. Molinari demonstrates concern and empathy and works to provide the most effective and efficient outcome possible. I am extremely happy with my surgery and its outcome. He also has an excellent and supportive staff who all work toward the common goal of providing great patient care.

Mar 26, 2022

5.0

Doctor Molinari is the most wonderful as doctors that I ever met God-bless him

Feb 24, 2022