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Lee H. Riley III

Lee H. Riley III, MD

Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Johns 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

Logo for 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

Additional Academic Titles

Professor of Neurological Surgery

Research Interests

Cervical spine disorder, Disc degeneration, Metastatic disease, Vertebroplasty

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

  1. Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
    • 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 5009, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Get Directions
  2. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2100, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Get Directions

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

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • 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 reviews

The 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.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 3/9/2026

    Skilled, good interpersonal skills

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 3/2/2026

    Very professional and respectful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/2/2026

    I have always had excellent care from this provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/2/2026

    Dr Riley is an exceptional practitioner and deals with me in a personal manner

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    I can't have better

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    Very professional and answered all my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    Great service, guidance & directions. Would highly recommend.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/16/2026

    Riley is a great back doc

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/9/2026

    Known for decades, always superb

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    He is very kind, listens to patients and is respectful. Such an amazing surgeon.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/2/2026

    Very patient n efficient

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/2/2026

    Dr Riley is wonderful, a true professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Listens carefully, which is great!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/29/2026

    Dr Riley is an excellent surgeon,with great clinical experience and manners.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/26/2026

    Dr Riley is absolutely amazing

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 1/23/2026

    Satisfied

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    It was awesome very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/5/2026

    Terrific

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/5/2026

    Dr. Riley is personable and knowledgeable. He takes time to listen and ask pertinent questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/22/2025

    Kind, helpful, made a good connection

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/22/2025

    Love Dr Riley. He epitomizes what a caring surgeon should be

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 12/15/2025

    Fantastic physician

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/15/2025

    Very professional, confident and focused on my issue.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/12/2025

    Positive experience. I feel I'm in good hands.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    Dr Riley was very thorough

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    Dr. Riley has a great manner and when asked for more details, gives them thoroughly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 11/24/2025

    He is the best

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Pleasant, good bedside mannets

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    First visit. He connected well & listened well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    I appreciated Dr. Riley's expertise, concern and care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/10/2025

    He is an excellent doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Dr. Riley explains and communicate well. Answers questions and listens.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Professional, knowledgeable and very impressive

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 10/10/2025

    Excellent physician. Took time to explain everything well.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Dr. Riley provided an extraordinary first-time visit.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    I'm grateful to have had Dr. Riley as my surgeon.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/22/2025

    Friendly, professional, knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 9/12/2025

    Very accommodating and professional. He is willing and open to what I say.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/8/2025

    Very attentive & thorough

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 8/8/2025

    Excellent

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 8/4/2025

    Excellent diagnostician. Suggested a simpler, less risky surgical procedure than the one recommended by another provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/7/2025

    Would have liked to share more info about my problem

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Very professional. Top notch doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/27/2025

    I feel that I got the very best quality of care from Dr. Riley.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 6/16/2025

    Dr Riley was knowledgeable and caring.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    Informative

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/5/2025

    I would travel from anywhere to have an appointment with Dr. Riley.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/5/2025

    Was right to the point about my issues. Serious.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/28/2025

    Excellent surgeon, communicator, caring

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 4/28/2025

    He is excellent and I complete trust him for my upcoming surgery.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed 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 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2025

    Dr Riley was very informative and professional