Benjamin D. Elder, M.D., Ph.D.

  1. Neurosurgeon

Departments

  1. Neurosurgery
  2. Surgery

Specialty Groups

  1. Spine Care

Location

  1. Rochester, Minnesota

Languages

English

Benjamin Elder, M.D., Ph.D., is a neurosurgeon who is fellowship-trained in complex spinal surgery and spinal oncology. Additionally, he completed an orthopedic surgery fellowship in spinal deformity surgery. He specializes in the treatment of adult spinal deformity, scoliosis surgery, and revision spine surgery of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He also has extensive experience in the surgical management of a variety of spinal conditions, including spinal tumors, spinal stenosis, neck and back pain, herniated discs, and pinched nerves, and holds particular expertise in the treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus. His goal is to work with each patient individually to develop the least invasive treatment to improve their pain and function, ranging from nonsurgical management to major reconstructive surgeries. His clinical interests are focused on the following areas:

  • Degenerative spine pathology
  • Complex adult spinal deformities
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Scoliosis/kyphosis
  • Flat-back syndrome
  • Spine tumors
  • Spinal cord tumors
  • Spinal fusion
  • Herniated discs
  • Craniocervical junction pathology
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  • Tissue engineering strategies for spinal fusion
  • Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies for the spine

Dr. Elder is a neurosurgeon clinician-scientist, and is the principal investigator of the Mayo Clinic Stem Cell Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory. His research is focused on developing new regenerative medicine and tissue engineering approaches using stem cells and biomaterials for repair of the bone and cartilage of the spine. Additionally, he has significant expertise in the management and optimization of bone health and osteoporosis for patients undergoing spinal surgery in order to maximize the benefits of surgery.

  1. Cervical herniated disk
  2. Cervical kyphosis
  3. Cervical myelopathy
  4. Cervical radiculopathy
  5. Cervical spinal stenosis
  6. Cervical spine deformity
  7. Cervical spondylolisthesis
  8. Cervical spondylosis
  9. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
  10. Chiari malformation
  11. Degenerative disk disease
  12. Herniated disk
  13. Hydrocephalus
  14. Lumbar radiculopathy
  15. Lumbar spinal stenosis
  16. Lumbar spondylosis
  17. Myelopathy
  18. Pseudarthrosis
  19. Radiculopathy
  20. Scoliosis
  21. Spinal arteriovenous malformation
  22. Spinal cord metastasis
  23. Spinal stenosis
  24. Spine deformity
  25. Spine tumor
  26. Thoracic herniated disk
  27. Thoracic myelopathy
  28. Thoracic radiculopathy
  1. Cervical disk replacement
  2. Cervical diskectomy
  3. Cervical laminectomy
  4. Cervical pseudoarthrosis procedure
  5. Cervical scoliosis surgery
  6. Cervical spine fusion
  7. Cervical spine surgery
  8. Diskectomy
  9. Hemivertebra resection
  10. Laminectomy
  11. Laminoplasty
  12. Laminotomy
  13. Lumbar diskectomy
  14. Lumbar fusion
  15. Lumbar laminectomy
  16. Lumbar pseudoarthrosis procedure
  17. Lumbar scoliosis surgery
  18. Lumbar spinal fusion (Deprecated)
  19. Minimally invasive spine surgery
  20. Spinal deformity correction surgery
  21. Spinal fusion
  22. Spinal stabilization surgery
  23. Spine tumor surgery
  24. Thoracic diskectomy
  25. Thoracic fusion
  26. Thoracic laminectomy
  27. Thoracic pseudoarthrosis procedure
  28. Thoracic scoliosis surgery
  • Degenerative spine pathology
  • Complex adult spinal deformities
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Scoliosis/kyphosis
  • Flat-back syndrome
  • Spine tumors
  • Spinal cord tumors
  • Spinal fusion
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  • Brain tumor surgery
  • Chiari malformation
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  • Tissue engineering strategies for spinal fusion
  • Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies for spinal cord injury
Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota
  1. 2017
    Fellowship - Orthopedic Surgery-Adult Spinal Deformity (Khaled Kebaish, M.B.B.Ch.)The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  2. 2017
    Residency - Department of NeurosurgeryThe Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  3. 2016
    Fellowship - Enfolded Fellowship, Complex Spine Surgery, Department of NeurosurgeryThe Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  4. 2010
    MD - M.D./Ph.D. Combined Program.Baylor College of Medicine
  5. 2009
    Ph.D. - Bioengineering, Advisor: Kyriacos Athanasiou, Ph.D., “Optimizing a Scaffoldless Approach for Cartilage Tissue Engineering”Rice University
  6. 2003
    MS - Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Advisor: Gerald Shulman, M.D./Ph.D., “Using Mitochondrial Uncoupling to Prevent Diet Induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance”Yale University
  7. 2003
    BS - Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (with distinction), Magna cum Laude, Phi Beta KappaYale University

Certifications

  1. 2020
    Neurological SurgeryAmerican Board of Neurological Surgery

Awards and honors

  1. 2025
    Top Spine Abstract, 2025 Annual MeetingAmerican Academy of Neurological Surgeons
  2. 2023
    Mayo Fellows' Association 2023 Teacher of the Year in Neurologic SurgeryMayo Clinic
  3. 2021
    Best Paper Award, 2021 Annual MeetingNorth American Spine Society
  4. 2017
    Charlie Kuntz Scholar AwardCNS/AANS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  5. 2017
    Frank L. Coulson, Jr. Award for Clinical ExcellenceThe Johns Hopkins Hospital
  6. 2016
    Irving J. Sherman Traveling Fellowship AwardThe Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery
  7. 2016
    Award of Recognition for “Outstanding performance as a Medical Officer evaluating spinal devices through the Medical Device Fellowship Program in the Division of Orthopedic Devices, ODE, CDRH, FDA, and for contributions to the Agency”ODE, CDRH, FDA
  8. 2016
    Inducted into the Distinguished Teaching SocietyJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  9. 2016
    House Staff Council Resident Leadership RecognitionThe Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  10. 2016
    Charlie Kuntz Scholar AwardCNS/AANS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  11. 2016
    Walter Dandy Award for Excellence in Neurosurgery and Clinical Research AchievementsDepartment of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  12. 2016
    Young Investigators AwardInternational Society for Hydrocephalus and Cerebrospinal Fluid Disorders
  13. 2016
    Elected into Alpha Omega AlphaThe Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  14. 2015
    Harvey Cushing Hunterian Research Award.Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  15. 2015
    Award of Recognition for “Clinical leadership while consulting on complex spinal device submissions in the Division of Orthopedic Devices"U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiologic Health, Office of Device Evaluation
  16. 2015
    Elected as departmental representativeHouse Staff Council, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University
  17. 2014
    Employee of the Month, December 2014, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiologic Health, Division of Orthopedic Devices.U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  18. 2014
    Sanford Larson Award for Outstanding Resident ResearchCNS/AANS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  19. 2014
    Sanford Larson Award for Outstanding Resident Research.CNS/AANS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  20. 2013
    Irving J. Sherman Award for Resident Achievement.Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  21. 2013
    Highest score on American Board of Neurological Surgery Primary Examination among Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery residents.American Board of Neurological Surgery
  22. 2012
    Highest score on American Board of Neurological Surgery Primary Examination among Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery residents.American Board of Neurological Surgery
  23. 2010
    Baylor College of Medicine MD/PhD program publications award.Baylor College of Medicine
  24. 2009
    T32 Institutional Training Grant SupportNIH NRSA
  25. 2008
    1st Place, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Summer Bioengineering Conference, Tissue Engineering and Cellular Mechanics Division PhD level paper competition.American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  26. 2008
    Best graduate student poster, Rice University Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering Annual Symposium.Rice University
  27. 2007
    NIH Biotechnology Training Program FellowshipNIH
  28. 2007
    NIH Biotechnology Training Program Fellowship.Rice University
  29. 2005
    Member, MD/PhD Program Operating Committee.Baylor College of Medicine
  30. 2003
    Awarded B.S. Magna cum Laude.Yale University
  31. 2003
    Graduated with Distinction in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry.Yale University
  32. 2003
    Elected into Phi Beta Kappa in Alpha of Connecticut Chapter.Yale University
  33. 2002
    Funded Summer Student Research FellowshipHoward Hughes Medical Institute
  34. 2002
    Scholarship RecipientBarry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program
  35. 2002
    Accepted into 4-year combined MS/BS program at YaleYale University

Professional memberships

  1. 2025 - 2026
    IMAST Abstract ReviewScoliosis Research Society
  2. 2025 - 2026
    Chair, Social Media CommitteeScoliosis Research Society
  3. 2025 - 2026
    L.E.A.D. ProgramScoliosis Research Society
  4. 2025 - present
    Executive Committee, MemberDepartment of Neurosurgery
  5. 2025 - present
    MemberThe Society of Neurological Surgeons
  6. 2025 - present
    Co-Chair, Research CommitteeLumbar Spine Research Society
  7. 2025 - present
    Vice ChairSurgical Equipment and Supply Subcommittee - Rochester, Surgical and Procedural Committee - Rochester, Clinical Practice Committee - Rochester
  8. 2024 - present
    MemberAcademic Appointments and Promotions
  9. 2024 - 2025
    Annual Meeting Abstract ReviewScoliosis Research Society
  10. 2024 - 2025
    Vice chair-social media committeeScoliosis Research Society
  11. 2024 - present
    Executive Leadership CommitteeSpine Center, Mayo Clinic Rochester
  12. 2024 - present
    Scientific Program CommitteeLumbar Spine Research Society
  13. 2024 - present
    Chair, Rules and Regulations SubcommitteeCNS/AANS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  14. 2024 - present
    Executive CommitteeCNS/AANS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  15. 2024 - present
    Education Committee MemberHydrocephalus Society
  16. 2024 - present
    Nominating Committee MemberHydrocephalus Society
  17. 2024 - present
    Industry Relations Committee MemberHydrocephalus Society
  18. 2023 - present
    Ad Hoc Grant ReviewerNeurosurgery Research and Education Foundation
  19. 2023 - present
    Scientific Advisory Board MemberNational Spine Health Foundation
  20. 2023 - 2027
    Social Media Committee MemberScoliosis Research Society
  21. 2023 - present
    Drugs and Devices Committee MemberAANS/CNS
  22. 2023 - present
    Vanguard Leadership InstituteCongress of Neurological Surgeons
  23. 2022 - present
    NEXUS Committee-Spine Co-chairCongress of Neurological Surgeons
  24. 2022 - present
    Deformity Committee MemberNorth American Spine Society
  25. 2022 - 2023
    Education Committee MemberScoliosis Research Society
  26. 2022 - present
    Co-DirectorSpinopelvic Study Group
  27. 2022 - present
    Membership Commmittee MemberLumbar Spine Research Society
  28. 2022 - present
    Research and Awards Committee MemberCNS/AANS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  29. 2021 - present
    MemberAmerican College of Surgeons
  30. 2021 - present
    Executive Board MemberHydrocephalus Society
  31. 2021 - 2024
    Mentorship FamilyMayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
  32. 2021 - present
    Chair, Clinical Competency CommitteeDepartment of Neurosurgery
  33. 2021 - present
    MemberNeuroscience Mortality Huddles, Department of Neurosurgery
  34. 2020 - present
    MemberMidwest Surgical Equipment and Supply Subcommittee (SESC), Mayo Surgical and Procedural Committee, Mayo Clinic Rochester Committees
  35. 2020 - present
    MemberNorth American Spine Society
  36. 2020 - present
    Scientific Program CommitteeCNS/AANS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  37. 2020 - 2021
    Research Promotion & Oversight CommitteeScoliosis Research Society
  38. 2020 - present
    Section on Biologics and Basic ResearchNorth American Spine Society
  39. 2020 - present
    Clinical Events CommitteeSI BONE-SILVIA Study
  40. 2020 - 2022
    MemberMayo SMART committee for COVID response
  41. 2019 - present
    MemberNeurosurgery Enterprise Research Committee
  42. 2019 - 2020
    Research Grants CommitteeScoliosis Research Society
  43. 2019 - present
    MemberNeurosurgery Education Committee
  44. 2019 - present
    Residency Associate Program DirectorDepartment of Neurosurgery
  45. 2019 - present
    MemberLumbar Spine Research Society
  46. 2019 - present
    MemberScoliosis Research Society
  47. 2018 - present
    MemberAmerican Association of Neurological Surgeons
  48. 2017 - present
    Temporary voting memberUS Food and Drug Administration Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel
  49. 2017 - present
    MemberCongress of Neurological Surgery
  50. 2017 - present
    MemberAmerican Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons/Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
  51. 2015 - present
    MemberInternational Society for Hydrocephalus and CSF Disorders