
Lee H. Riley III, MD
Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Lee H. Riley III
Professional Titles
- Chief Medical Officer, Musculoskeletal Service Line
- Vice Director, Clinical Operations
- Zadek Family Professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Dr. Lee Hunter Riley III is a professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurological surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He serves as vice director of clinical operations in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He specializes in surgical treatments for spinal disorders and injuries.
Dr. Riley received his M.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1986. Following a residency in orthopaedic surgery and a fellowship in spinal surgery at Johns Hopkins, he completed a second fellowship in spinal surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1993.
In addition to clinical interests in the cervical spine and adult spinal disorders, his research interests include disc degeneration, metastatic disease, vertebroplasty and cervical spine disorder.
Dr. Riley has authored or co-authored over 100 scholarly publications.
Centers and Institutes
Spine Outcomes Research Center
Videos
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Research Interests
Cervical spine disorder, Disc degeneration, Metastatic disease, Vertebroplasty
PubMed - Publications
Selected Publications
Bian Q, Jain A, Xu X, Kebaish K, Crane JL, Zhang Z, Wan M, Ma L, Riley LH, Sponseller PD, Guo XE, Lu WW, Wang Y, Cao X. Excessive Activation of TGFβ by Spinal Instability Causes Vertebral Endplate Sclerosis. Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 3;6:27093. doi: 10.1038/srep27093. PMID: 27256073
Purvis TE, Andreou E, Neuman BJ, Riley LH 3rd, Skolasky RL. Concurrent Validity and Responsiveness of PROMIS Health Domains Among Patients Presenting for Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2017 Dec 1;42(23):E1357-E1365. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002347. PMID: 28742757
Purvis TE, Neuman BJ, Riley LH 3rd, Skolasky RL. Can Early Patient-Reported Outcomes be Used to Identify Patients at Risk for Poor 1-Year Health Outcomes After Lumbar Laminectomy with Arthrodesis? Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2017 Dec 5. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002522. PMID: 29215506
Skolasky RL, Maggard AM, Li D, Riley LH 3rd, Wegener ST. Health behavior change counseling in surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Part I: improvement in rehabilitation engagement and functional outcomes. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jul;96(7):1200-7. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.03.009. Epub 2015 Mar 28. PMID: 25827657
Wang KY, Idowu O, Thompson CB, Orman G, Myers C, Riley LH 3rd, Carrino JA, Flammang A, Gilson W, Sadowsky CL, Izbudak I. Tract-Specific Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Before and After Decompressive Spinal Surgery: Preliminary Results. Clin Neuroradiol. 2017 Mar;27(1):61-69. doi: 10.1007/s00062-015-0418-7. Epub 2015 Jun 24. PMID: 26104273
Locations
- Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 5009, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 410-614-1451
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2100, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 443-769-1281
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: University of Miami School of Medicine, Spinal Surgery, 1993
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1991
- Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 1986
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1995
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
201 ratings, 81 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr. Riley is trustworthy, and I want to asap reserve a spot with his surgery team for the fusion extension he suggested.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr. Lee Hunter, he is wonderful he explained to you everything. Asked questions, He is the Doctor you want have all the time. I do like [staff] too.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
Skilled, good interpersonal skills
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
I really like Dr Riley. Haven't seen him for 20 years but he was just as good as I remembered
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Very professional and respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
I have always had excellent care from this provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Dr Riley is an exceptional practitioner and deals with me in a personal manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Described the surgery in clear, understandable terms. Listened ro my questions. Feel like he understood my concerns with surgery. I have only had 2 in my lifetime.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
I can't have better
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Very professional and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Great service, guidance & directions. Would highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/16/2026
Riley is a great back doc
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
Known for decades, always superb
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
This is my second time coming to Dr Riley because he is exceptional at what he does.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
He is very kind, listens to patients and is respectful. Such an amazing surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Very patient n efficient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Dr Riley is wonderful, a true professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
Listens carefully, which is great!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Dr Riley is an excellent surgeon,with great clinical experience and manners.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
Dr Riley is absolutely amazing
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
The appointment started right on time and had a very short wait time to see Dr. Riley.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
As always, Dr Riley was wonderful. He is warm and caring and very clear in his information and instructions about my recent spine injury.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
It was awesome very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
Terrific
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
Dr. Riley is personable and knowledgeable. He takes time to listen and ask pertinent questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Kind, helpful, made a good connection
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Love Dr Riley. He epitomizes what a caring surgeon should be
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Excellent surgeon, but wish he spent more time with patients. Feel as though they are overbooked and short staffed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Definitely the best provider or one of the best anywhere concerning the my current medical problem. Knowledgeable and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/15/2025
Fantastic physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/15/2025
Very professional, confident and focused on my issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2025
Positive experience. I feel I'm in good hands.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
Dr Riley was wonderful. He explained my injury thoroughly and reduced all of my fears about my full recovery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
Dr. Riley is a great surgeon. Both previous surgeries helped with the pain that I was having at that time. He always make me feel that he will find the problem and give me options to solve it. I've recommended numerous times.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/1/2025
Dr Riley was very thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/1/2025
Dr. Riley has a great manner and when asked for more details, gives them thoroughly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Dr.Riley explained my condition to me clearly and gave me an alternative treatment. I am thankful for his advice, Dr. Riley is great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
He is the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Pleasant, good bedside mannets
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
First visit. He connected well & listened well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
I appreciated Dr. Riley's expertise, concern and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/10/2025
He is an excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2025
Dr. Riley explains and communicate well. Answers questions and listens.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2025
Professional, knowledgeable and very impressive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/27/2025
Dr. Riley has been exceptional. I have been his patient for 14 years, and 3 spinal surgeries. I travel from Hampton, VA to see him because I am confident in his ability and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/20/2025
Dr. Riley is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and does not believe in rushing into surgery for he is willing to try other options first. He is a gentleman from the old school.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/20/2025
Once again, my wife and I were impressed by the cheerful, helpful attitudes of everyone from the schedulers to the receptionist the nurses and the doctors. We deliberately drive from Martinsburg, WV for any serious health-care needs because they are pleasant, knowledgeable and are up to date with current health-care protocols.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Excellent physician. Took time to explain everything well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
I appreciated that both the doctors I saw about my back pain had seen my X-rays and came to me with a plan to get out of pain.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/29/2025
When your appointment is the first one in the morning, you shouldn't have to wait an hour to see the doctor. Time is important to me as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Dr. Riley provided an extraordinary first-time visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
I found the provider to be very caring and empathetic to my issue. He took the time to understand my problem and recommend an action moving forward. I was very pleased.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
I'm grateful to have had Dr. Riley as my surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Friendly, professional, knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2025
I have been a patient of Dr. Riley's for many years. He has performed multiple surgeries on my back. I have an extreme amount of trust and respect for his counsel and decisions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Very accommodating and professional. He is willing and open to what I say.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Very attentive & thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr.Riley is a true Doctor I met him and he put me at ease in going forward with the procedure I felt safe and you know I was not wrong very professional Thak You Doc your one of the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/18/2025
Dr Riley was great I appreciated that he told me that if he operated now he may have to do it again in 2 more years because of how bad my arthritis was that he would rather hold off.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2025
Excellent
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2025
The provider made it very clear that he is a surgeon and was not interested in discussing pain management options or any other options, other than injections.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/4/2025
Excellent diagnostician. Suggested a simpler, less risky surgical procedure than the one recommended by another provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/7/2025
Would have liked to share more info about my problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
Very professional. Top notch doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
I feel that I got the very best quality of care from Dr. Riley.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
[staff] was very helpful and informative. The video visit with Dr. Riley was a good one and resulted in a few more tests. Good advice about the meds that I'm taking to try to ease the pain.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Dr Riley was knowledgeable and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/2/2025
Dr. Lee Riley is amazing. He responded quickly to emails and texts, he accommodated my schedule despite how busy he is, he is patient and caring, and he has deep knowledge and expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Dr Riley is outstanding in every respect, and I have great peace of mind after my appt
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Dr Riley listened and heard my concerns. He was empathic and intelligent and I felt that he provided excellent care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
Informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
I would travel from anywhere to have an appointment with Dr. Riley.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
Was right to the point about my issues. Serious.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
Excellent surgeon, communicator, caring
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
Provider seemed very knowledgeable, tho I felt he formed his opinion a bit too quickly and/ or didn't fully examin or explain the basis of his opinion to me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
He is excellent and I complete trust him for my upcoming surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Informative of my condition by explaining in a way I can understand more clearly. Secure is how I felt when I left the office
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/21/2025
Dr Riley was very informative and professional