Dr. Isaac Karikari, MD

Dr, Karikari performed an urgent Lumbar Transforaminal Interbody Fusion on L2-3 and L3-4. He is kind, caring , and extremely talented. Wouldn’t want anyone else to do my Spine surgery!

Would have preferred someone more personal. And someone to follow through after surgery

I had to have a very difficult neck surgery. I had one surgeon tell me that there was not a doctor in the United States that could correct my neck. I consulted a Neurosurgeon in OKC to help me. He recommend Dr. Karikari to do the surgery. I am so glad he did my surgery. He explained every detail of the surgery, answered all my questions and explained the after-surgery process to me. While I was in the hospital, he checked on me every morning. He is a very skilled surgeon, compassionate and an overall very nice person to have as your doctor. Dr. Karikari saved my life, if he had not done my surgery my vertebra in my neck would have shut off my spinal column.

Dr Karikari was my savior when I was in great pain. After three months of taking all other non surgical options of treatment for my pain which I describe as more than 10 of pain score, I finally decided to try my luck with him. He is an honest surgeon and will tell you whether or not you needed surgery. After three months of sleeping with ice over my leg despite all the treatments(epidural injections, oral steroids, nerve pain pills, muscle relaxants, acupuncture, and chiropractor) which gave no relief, I finally gave up and asked his opinion about my condition(over the phone). After my MRI, he called me right away to tell me the result. I asked him what is the best option for treatment and he said that surgery is the only option to that I will be relieved with the pain. Everything went smooth after that. He did everything virtual due to the pandemic and I got my surgery in two weeks. Hands down, he is an excellent surgeon indeed! My leg pain went away immediately after I woke up!

I went to Dr. Karikari to have a second opinion for spine surgery, we talked about my condition, pain, and expectations. He wanted to understand my personal goals and what expectations I had for the outcome of the surgery. His professionalism and confidence reassured me that I was in good hands. After my visit with him, I was convinced he was the person to perform my surgery. When I woke up from surgery, Dr. Karikari was there to talk with my directly about my surgery and to deliver great news of success. I have never had surgery and woke up to the surgeon being right there beside me. That tells you a great deal about how much he cares for his patients and his work ethic! I couldn't be more pleased with the results of my fusion. ALL pain is gone! I'm am recovering quite well and have him and his team to thank. If you are looking for a surgeon that cares about you and results, he is the right person.

I recently had an L3-L5 laminectomy at Duke, performed by Dr Karikari. I could not be more pleased with both the experience & outcome. He was excellent at explaining the cause of my symptoms, reviewing my MRI images in a way I could understand what I was looking at, and clarifying what outcomes I could expect and the potential risks (without either over- or underselling). His staff provided excellent teaching materials to assist in preparing for surgery. My surgery went very smoothly and, despite the expected surgical site pain, my other symptoms (pain, numbness extending into my hips and legs) were immediately resolved. The surgical team at Duke, including nurses, advanced practice providers, PT/OT, anesthesia, worked well together and made for an optimal surgical experience. As someone with a healthcare background (retired), who sought out Dr. Karikari as a second opinion after dissatisfaction with my first consultation, I would highly recommend Dr. Karikari for spine surgery.

To describe Dr. Karikari as a great physician is an understatement. He is fantastic and extremely gifted. His level of skill is only exceeded by his caring attitude and humble spirit. He is the type of physician that patients pray for. I will recommend him to everyone in need of his help.

Dr. Karikari is an outstanding and brilliant doctor. Dr. Karikari performed a laminectomy and spinal fusion on my back. He explained in depth what the surgery encompassed. He was very kind and had so much patience in answering all my questions. He did an excellent job on my spine. I am recuperating so well and quickly. I am grateful for his excellent staff, particularly Teresa Clayton.Dr. Karikari is an outstanding doctor. I am so grateful to him.

Dr Karikari and his staff are very professional. Dr Karikari is a very personable doctor who genuinely cares for the patient and wants the best outcome for the patient. He answers all questions and explains the procedure step by step. I had surgery in February 2019 and have waited till now to be sure the pain is still gone, and it is. I have TOTAL confidence and respect for Dr.Karikari, he is caring ,compassionate and VERY knowledgeable. Thank you, Dr Karikari and your staff, for being such a blessing to me and may God bless you in your work. Marvin Ferguson, Jefferson North Carolina

I came across Neurosurgeon, Dr. Isaac Karikari's profile video after deciding to get a second opinion on my recurrent back problems.  After my very first meeting with him, I was sure I was in the right place.       My biggest apprehension for another surgery was the potential for post-operative infection. After my second back surgery with my previous surgeon, I developed surgical site infection which was a horrifying experience.     Dr. Karikari was compassionate, understood my anxiety, and was proactive in making sure there was no recurrence of surgical site infection.     It's been six weeks since my surgery with Dr. Karikari. He performed Ext of fusion L2/3, L3, 4, TLIF.  Today I can honestly say that I haven't felt this well in years.      Dr. Isaac Karikari has truly been God-sent and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone. He's an asset to Duke University Medical Center and I'm blessed that his gifted hands restored my life. Thank you, Dr. Karikari.

Dr.Karikari was a miracle worker ! He told us what to expect and ever thing he told us came to be. 7.5 hour surgery, 7 days at Duke,3 weeks in rehab, home now. NO PAIN!!!!! Would recommend him to anyone.

I have a great respect for Dr. Karikari. I HIGHLY recommend him! I researched many surgeons concerning my scoliosis correction. Dr. Karikari took his time with me at my appointment. I was able to express my thoughts and concerns. I wanted to hear what he had to say concerning my condition (idiopathic scoliosis). He shared his expertise. I wouldn't trust just any doctor to do this type of spinal surgery. Dr. K has an outstanding reputation and I can see why. He is professional, kind, so knowledgable. He said he needed to be able to go to sleep after a surgery; so he will take in consideration a hope... ultimately, he will do what he knows (and he does know) what should be done. My experience with Duke Hospital was excellent! I enjoyed meeting the other doctors that worked with Karikari in the surgery room. My recovery has been textbook perfect. My S curve decreased more than I could have hoped. Thank you Dr. Karikari for your care and your gift! I'm so thankful!

I highly recommend Dr. Karikari. After doing extensive research on neurosurgeons in North Carolina I decided to choose Dr. Karikari to do a long and detailed procedure on my spine. His communication prior to, and after, the surgery was thorough. I have confidence in the professionals he surrounds himself with. I also received replies to any questions or concerns, both before and after surgery, within 36 hours. The results of my surgery are beyond what I had anticipated. He is a gifted surgeon and I would return to him if needing further neurological surgery in the future.

Dr Karikari explained my surgery questions in great detail. Surgery went well . Would recommend Dr Karikari for all spinal surgeries...

Dr. Karikari did an amazing job through the process of making a decision as to whether to have surgery, through the surgery and recovery and follow up appointments. He explains things well, is compassionate, and the surgery was very successful. If I have future issues, I plan to return to him and have already recommended him to a friend. Excellent surgeon!

I am two years out from my extensive spinal surgery to repair deteriorated disks and correct scoliosis that was detected 40 yrs. ago. I am so glad I chose Dr. Karikari to do the surgery. He tells it like it is and let’s you know how important your roll is in the recovery process. His team is very helpful and kind.

I highly recommend Dr Karikari for neurological care. My husband has had back surgery in Charleston and had some serious post op issues. He was losing feeling in both his legs and was having painful leg cramps. His original surgeon recommended two more surgical procedures equaling 10 hours in the OR. Dr Karikari was knowledgeable had a nice manner and was able to treat him with microsurgery which only took an hour and a half. My husband now has feeling in his legs and is able to get back to golf

Dr. Karikari provides excellent care. Every question I ask, he answers with medical terms but also in a way that makes sense to an everyday person. He is very patient and has never made me feel rushed in an appointment. Before having spinal fusion every surgeon (including Dr. Karikari) told me they couldn't guarantee to take away my back pain due to scoliosis, but I am now at one year post op and have no pain whatsoever. I have already recommended him to a friend looking to have spinal fusion!

That video of him on Duke is very misleading. I visited him all the way from Connecticut and had no concern about my back injury, came into the appointment short and dismissive. It was my first appointment and it was literally 20 minutes, if that.

I am honored to recommend Dr. Karikari to anyone seeking care for a life altering spinal condition. Prior to the development of my debilitating diagnosis, I had lead an active life. For the first time in my life I experienced pain and fear that I could not overcome. In Dr. Karikari I found someone who genuinely cared. He took time to explain the possible outcomes and risks with my surgery. Today I am greatly improved. I am grateful for his display of talent and skill. He is a wonderful man.