Charles H Crawford, III, MD
Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout Charles H Crawford, III
Years In Practice
16
Biography/ Philosophy of Care
Since then he has continued to pursue his passion for improving spine patient care through his busy day to day clinical practice, as well as his teaching and research at both the Leatherman Spine Center and the University of Louisville Department of Orthopaedic Surgery where he serves as an Associate Professor. His clinical focus is the surgical treatment of all forms of spine pathology in both children and adults.
Recognition
Publications:
Prevalence and indications for unplanned reoperations following index surgery in the adult symptomatic lumbar scoliosis NIH-Sponsored clinical trial. In Press, Spine Deformity Journal.
Cost-effectiveness of circumferential fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis: propensity-matched comparison of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus anterior-posterior fusion. Spine J. 2018 Apr 26.
Does topical Vancomycin Powder use in instrumented lumbar spine fusions increase the incidence of Vancomycin resistant ""superbug"" infections? JSM Neurosurg Spine. 2018 6(1):1095.
Fusion rates following anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) using Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) - An assessment of the current best available evidence. JSM Neurosurg Spine. 2017 5(2):1091.
Current evidence regarding the diagnostic methods for pediatric lumbar spondylolisthesis: A report from the Scoliosis Research Society Evidence Based Medicine Committee. Spine Deformity. 2018 Mar-Apr;6(2):185-188.
SRS-22R Minimum clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit after adult lumbar scoliosis surgery. Spine Deformity 2018 Jan;6(1):79-83.
Impact of preoperative diagnosis on patient satisfaction following lumbar spine surgery. J Neurosurg Spine. 2017 Mar 24:1-7.
Grants:
AAOS/OREF/ORS Clinician Scientist Development Program. San Antonio, TX, June 19-21, 2006. (Tuition and Travel Expenses)
Fischer-Owen Fund ($2400), Predictors for Passing ABOS Exam Part 1 2004.
NIH Summer Scholar Program ($2800), Temporal Progression of blood vessel loss and revascularization after spinal cord injury. 2000.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Undergraduate Initiative Research Grant ($3000), Gertrude Flora Ribble Undergraduate Research Scholarship ($1500), 1998.
Lectures:
Cost-effectiveness of operative vs. nonoperative treatment of adult symptomatic lumbar scoliosis. North American Spine Society Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL October 2017, Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, September 2017.
Prognostic factors associated with best outcomes following fusion for lumbar degenerative conditions. North American Spine Society Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, October 2017.
Minimally invasive midline posterior interbody fusion with cortical screws decreases blood loss and surgical time compared to open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. International meeting on advanced spine techniques (IMAST) annual meeting, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2017.
Incidence and etiology of unplanned reoperations following index surgery in the adult symptomatic lumbar scoliosis NIH-sponsored clinical trial. SRS annual meeting, Prague, Czech Republic, September 2016, AAOS annual meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2017.
Risk stratification and outcomes. What is the evidence? SRS Annual meeting, Prague, Czech Republic, September 2016.
Back pain improvement after decompression without fusion or stabilization in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and clinically significant pre-operative back pain. International meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 2015; AAOS annual meeting, Orlando, FL, March 2016, Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, September 2015.
Honors & Awards:
Co-Chair, Clinical Leadership Council, Norton Medical Group 2016-2017; Louisville Magazine Top Docs 2014; Administrative Chief Resident, UL Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 2007-2008; Gerhard Kuntscher Award (Orthopaedic Chief Resident, Best Teacher) 2008; Fischer-Owen Resident Research Presentation Award, 1st Place 2008; University of Louisville Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Research Award 2008; O. J. Hurt Award, UL Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (highest OITE score) 2008.
Clinical Interests/Research
Clinical/Research Interests:
Cervical myelopathy, cervical radiculopathy, cervical spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, Isthmic spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, cervical herniated discs, cervical spondylosis, lumbar herniated discs, spine tumors and infections spine deformities, scoliosis, kyphosis
Making spine surgery less invasive.
Patient outcomes and satisfaction after spine surgery.
Video
Locations
- Norton Leatherman Spine - Stonestreet Rd
- 9300 Stonestreet Road, Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40272
- Get Directions
- phone: 502-935-8061
- fax: 502-933-7010
- Norton Leatherman Spine - Angies Way
- 9880 Angies Way, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40241
- Get Directions
- phone: 502-584-7525
- fax: 502-584-6851
- Norton Leatherman Spine - Downtown
- 210 East Gray Street, Suite 900, Louisville, KY 40202
- Get Directions
- phone: 502-584-7525
- fax: 502-584-6851
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: University of Washington School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2009
- Residency: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2008
- Medical Education: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, 2003
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2011
Insurance
- Aetna
- Aetna Better Health
- Aetna Medicare Advantage
- Ambetter from MHS
- Ambetter from WellCare of Kentucky
- Anthem
- Anthem Indiana Medicaid
- Anthem MediBlue HMO/PPO
- Anthem Pathway
- Anthem Pathway Transition
- CareSource Indiana Medicaid
- CareSource Marketplace Kentucky and Indiana
- Cigna
- CorVel
- Coventry
- Encore
- Essence
- First Health Group Corp. (First Health)
- HealthSmart
- Hosparus
- Humana Medicaid
- Humana Medicare
- Indiana Health Network
- Indiana Medicaid
- Indiana Medicare
- Kentucky Medicaid
- Kentucky Medicare
- MDwise
- MHS
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- Passport Health Plan Kentucky MCO
- Passport Marketplace
- Provider Net/OMCA
- Sagamore
- Signature Advantage
- SIHO
- TRICARE Humana Military
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare Community Plan Indiana and Kentucky
- United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
- UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
- Veterans Affairs (VA)
- WellCare
- WellCare Medicare
- WellCare of Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky MCO)
- Wellpath
- Workers’ Compensation
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
208 ratings, 53 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Have recommended surgical patients to Dr Crawford for two years.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Dr. Crawford performed cervical spine surgery on me and this was a follow up. My recovery has been far easier than I could have even hoped and the surgery itself was life changing for me. I will never stop singing the praises for Dr. Crawford and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Nice experience with provider & staff - everyone was helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Great team. Pleasant visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr Crawford is a fantastic Surgeon. I have referred many other people to him. Not only Is his clinical expertise 100% but he Is empathetic and responsive to all of my medical questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/11/2026
Dr. Crawford and staff are outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Very good service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Dr Crawford was very attentive, he discussed my test results with me. A highly skilled surgeon. If it wasnt for Dr Crawford's knowledge and his skills as a surgeon I would be confined to a wheelchair I am able to walk without any type of assistance
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
On time
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
My first visit I didn't like what he had to say and I was very rude with him and short but he is a great doctor and he made me feel very comfortable before surgery and I knew I was wrong about him and was not fair to him but I truly likeHim
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr Crawford is a good Doctor. He explained and discussed my many questions and concerns. He is a man who I trust.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Very helpful and kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Thank you for immediately finding my issue, and quickly taking steps to address it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2025
I like Dr. Crawford, he is doing everything in his power to help me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Very caring Doctor, takes the time to listen, and not brush you off like a number, I'm so thankful the Lord put me, In the hands of a wonderful soul and spirit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
He was knowledgeable and explained everything in an easy to understand way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Dr Crawford was very respectful and answered all questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
I was hoping for surgery soon, but De. Crawford said waiting would be less risky. I am grateful to have a conservative surgeon!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/26/2025
Well taken care of
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Well informed information
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Very informative about my condition went over risk & benefits of upcoming needed surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2025
Dr Crawford is the best!!!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2025
Dr Crawford is incredible. His expertise and kindness were above expectations and I could not have been in better hands.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2025
They were always very helpful and respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Charles Crawford is an outstanding, caring, and courteous medical professional. For the last 10+ years he has helped improve my quality of life by providing me the best care possible for my spinal injuries. I am extremely happy that the Army / TRICARE selected him to treat me. He has truly made a lasting impact on my family and me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Very knowledgeable, very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2025
Keep it up good work
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
He's very nice and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Very knowledgeable and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
I couldn't be any happier with Dr Crawford! He took the time to listen and seemed to be generally concerned about my issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Gave me my best options for my care and explained them well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Great team all around.very clean even the restrooms.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
I think the world of Dr Crawford. He has been seeing me for 15 years. This is my 5th back surgery with him & I have had great results every time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
Dr.Crawford is great. He actually has a personality. Seems proud of his post surgery pts. Will never go elsewhere
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Dr Crawford is exceptional [...]
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Everyone at this office was extremely friendly and very helpful. They made me feel very comfortable I didn't even really feel like I was at a doctor's office. My provider is very kind, patient, and seems to care genuinely about my health.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/4/2025
Dr. Crawford is awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr. Crawford and the office is very professional. Dr. Crawford is both efficient and compassionate , which is a great combination for a physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/20/2025
Dr. Crawford is always very professional. He answers my questions in a way that I can understand and sets out his expectations as clearly and concisely as possible. I'm pleased with my care from Dr. Crawford and staff.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Dr Crawford and his staff are great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/4/2025
My most attentive and concerned provider I have. Respect, friendly,patient. Etc.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/4/2025
Dr Crawford is very impressive with his preparation, demeanor, clarity of communication and empathy for the situation. I am confident he will be the best person for the job.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/7/2025
Everything about this appointment was exceptional. The doctor; nurses; entire team worked together to make sure I was cared for and received the necessary treatment. Dr. Crawford was caring, professional, and I am so grateful that he will be doing my surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Excellent care by entire staff
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Doctor Crawford is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2025
LOVE Dr. Crawford and his staff. They saved my life. Everyone was and continues to be so caring and understanding. So glad I found them.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2025
Fantastic surgeon!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
I think Dr. Crawford is phenomenal.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Dr. Crawford and staff have shown me nothing but respect and interest in my well being. I have recommended them to friends that have similar issues like myself.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
Excellent service
