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Home > DC Providers > Spine Surgeons

Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD

Accepting New Patients

(281 Ratings)

Specializes in: Spine Surgery and Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

Drexel University College of Medicine (2006)

Professional interests include: injuries, kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation), spinal stenosis, and more.

106 Irving Street NW Suite 5000
Washington, DC 20010

(202) 877-3322

Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD is a spine surgeon in Washington, DC specializing in spine surgery and orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2006 and has 19 years of experience. Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD is affiliated with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Health, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, MGMC LLC and MedStar St Mary's Hospital.

Office Locations

Address:

106 Irving Street NW Suite 5000
Washington, DC 20010

Address:

11915 Georgia Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Address:

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007

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Some issues Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD can help you with:

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.

There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion

The sacrum is the wide, triangular bone at the bottom of the spine. It connects to the pelvis on each side in an L-shaped area called the sacroiliac (or SI) joint. Although it is called a joint, this connection does not really move; instead, it transfers weight from the spine to the legs and helps cushion the spinal column. In some cases, surgery is performed to fuse the joint in place and stabilize it. This surgery is called sacroiliac joint fusion.

Occasionally, the SI joint can become irritated, painful, or arthritic. Problems with the sacroiliac joint can be caused by trauma, infection, or other issues. The main symptom of SI joint damage is pain in the lower back, hips, and thighs. This pain may become worse when rising from a sitting position. When non-surgical treatments such as medications and physical therapy are not effective at relieving pain, surgery may be considered as an option.

During SI joint fusion, a small incision is made on the side of the buttock near the hip. The surgeon removes the cartilage, a firm, smooth substance between the bones. Then the joint is fused by the placement of rods, screws, or plates that hold the sacrum and the pelvis together. This reinforces the joint, stabilizing the pelvis and helping to support the upper body. Patients may be able to stand and walk the very next day after surgery but will need crutches to get around for the first few weeks. Full recovery and return to normal activities takes up to a year as the tissue around the joint grows and heals.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.

There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.

Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.

Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:

Curvature disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis, a disorder that causes vertebrae to slip over each other
Significant spinal fractures that cause instability
Weakened spine due to infection or tumor
Some cases of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column
Chronic lower back pain (although the use of fusion to treat this is controversial)

Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.

**Gender**
Male	47
Female	48

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	72
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	26
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	40

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	22
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	26
Dementia	0
Cancer	14

**Gender**
Male	58
Female	56

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	86
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	31
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	14
Less than 65	51

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	34
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	11
doctor visit	267
hospital care	19
inpatient care	19

**Gender**
Male	148
Female	170

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	230
Black	62
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	112
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	116

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	23
Diabetes	38
Dementia	9
Cancer	17

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	18
decompression surgery	10
doctor visit	224
hospital care	37
inpatient care	37
nerve procedures	10
spinal procedures	9

**Gender**
Male	80
Female	95

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	125
Black	35
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	59
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	14
Less than 65	68

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	29
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	38
Dementia	14
Cancer	16

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	14
decompression surgery	17
doctor visit	291
hospital care	23
inpatient care	23
nerve procedures	17
spinal procedures	16

**Gender**
Male	91
Female	99

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	152
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	67
From 75 to 84	41
85 and over	13
Less than 65	69

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	29
Dementia	15
Cancer	15

doctor visit	333
hospital care	21
inpatient care	21

**Gender**
Male	93
Female	120

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	178
Black	19
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	78
From 75 to 84	47
85 and over	11
Less than 65	77

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	31
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

doctor visit	221
hospital care	13
inpatient care	13

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	88

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	126
Black	16
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	70
From 75 to 84	20
85 and over	13
Less than 65	60

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	21
Dementia	8
Cancer	19

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	10
doctor visit	234
hospital care	28
inpatient care	28
spinal procedures	12

**Gender**
Male	88
Female	88

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	147
Black	12
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	72
From 75 to 84	33
85 and over	12
Less than 65	59

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	32
Dementia	10
Cancer	19

decompression surgery	10
doctor visit	507
hospital care	32
inpatient care	32
nerve procedures	10
spinal procedures	23

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Washington, DC were hospital care, inpatient care, spinal procedures and emergency care.

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	12
decompression surgery	12
doctor visit	265
emergency care	13
hospital care	23
inpatient care	23
nerve procedures	12
spinal procedures	15

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD.

**Gender**
Female	76
Male	68

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	14
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	111
Hispanic	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	7
75 to 84	19
Less than 65	54
65 to 74	51

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	11
Osteoporosis	13
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	24
Atrial Fibrillation	7
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

Education & Training

Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2006. He completed residency at Johns Hopkins University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and has a state license in Missouri.

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine (2006)

Residency: Johns Hopkins University Affiliated Hospitals (2011)

Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery

Licensed In: Missouri

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

MedStar Health

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

MGMC LLC

MedStar St Mary's Hospital

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Choice Fund PPO, MAMSI, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Golden Rule, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Community Care Network (CCN), Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Anthem, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Beech Street PPO, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Select, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA Indemnity, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Coventry National Network PPO, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Virginia Premier Health Plan, WellPoint, Aetna, CIGNA Network Open Access, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), HealthyBlue PPO, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Traditional Medicare Fee for Service, United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Carefirst EPO, Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus, United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, United Select HMO - EPO/NPP, United MD IPA Preferred (POS), United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO), Innovation Health: Network Only Plus, United MD IPA (HMO), United Choice Plus, CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans), Innovation Health: PPO, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, United Choice, United Optimum Choice, Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Innovation Health: POS, Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, United Select Plus (POS), CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced, United Erickson Advantage Plans, Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS), Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN), D-SNP), I-SNP, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, United Core Essential (HMO), Innovation Health: POS Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP, Innovation Health: Open POS II, Innovation Health: Indemnity, United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, United Navigate, Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO, Police and Fire Clinic and CareFirst MedStar Select PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA Choice Fund PPO

MAMSI

First Health PPO

Blue Choice

Golden Rule

Great-West Healthcare

TRICARE

Community Care Network (CCN)

Coventry

TRICARE Reserve Select

Anthem

Aetna Managed Choice POS

Beech Street PPO

Aetna HMO

Kaiser Select

Kaiser Permanente

CIGNA EPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

CIGNA Indemnity

AARP

Medicare Advantage

Coventry National Network PPO

United Healthcare

Medicaid

Humana

Cigna

Virginia Premier Health Plan

WellPoint

Aetna

CIGNA Network Open Access

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)

HealthyBlue PPO

MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst NASCO

CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO

Traditional Medicare Fee for Service

United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)

Innovation Health: Open POS Plus

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families

Carefirst EPO

Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus

United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program

CareFirst Administrators

United Student Resources

United Select HMO - EPO/NPP

United MD IPA Preferred (POS)

United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO)

Innovation Health: Network Only Plus

United MD IPA (HMO)

United Choice Plus

CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans)

Innovation Health: PPO

HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance

United Choice

United Optimum Choice

Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)

Innovation Health: POS

Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)

Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus

United Select Plus (POS)

CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced

United Erickson Advantage Plans

Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS)

Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)

D-SNP)

I-SNP

CareFirst MedStar PPO

CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity

United Core Essential (HMO)

Innovation Health: POS Plus

HumanaChoice PPO

United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP

Innovation Health: Open POS II

Innovation Health: Indemnity

United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose

Veterans Affairs Community Care Network

United Navigate

Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO

Police and Fire Clinic

CareFirst MedStar Select PPO

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 281 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Addisu Mesfin, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC.

4.6

Overall Rating

(281 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 4.0 2024-08-05