Dr. Marios Lykissas

Dr. Marios Lykissas, MD, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in spine surgery, spinal deformities and pediatric orthopaedics. He serves as Director of the Spine Surgery Department at Metropolitan Hospital in Athens and is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Crete Medical School.

With extensive clinical training in Greece and the United States, Dr. Lykissas has developed particular expertise in the surgical treatment of complex spinal conditions affecting both adults and children.

His professional background includes specialist training at internationally recognized medical institutions, such as Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, as well as an academic association with Weill Cornell Medical College.

Alongside his clinical responsibilities, he maintains an active presence in medical research, postgraduate education and international humanitarian initiatives focused on providing specialized surgical care to underserved communities.

Profile Overview

Marios Lykissas is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon whose professional career combines advanced surgical training, academic research and extensive experience in the management of spinal disorders.

He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2000 and subsequently completed his specialist training in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Ioannina.

Following his initial medical education in Greece, Dr. Marios Lykissas pursued further specialization in the United States, focusing on spine surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, microsurgery and upper-limb reconstruction.

His international clinical experience includes training and professional activity at Hospital for Special Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

A central focus of his clinical work is the surgical management of spinal deformities, including scoliosis and other complex conditions that may affect spinal alignment, mobility and neurological function.

Since 2019, Dr. Marios Lykissas has served as Director of the Spine Surgery Department at Metropolitan Hospital, where he provides specialized assessment and surgical treatment for adult and pediatric patients.

He is also affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and maintains an active academic role in Greece, contributing to medical education and research in orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

Current Positions

• Director of the Spine Surgery Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens.
• Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Crete Medical School.
• Clinical Associate, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.
• Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in adult and pediatric spinal disorders.

His clinical practice focuses particularly on spinal deformity correction, complex reconstructive surgery and the management of conditions requiring specialized spinal treatment.

Education & International Training of Dr. Marios Lykissas

The medical education of Marios Lykissas includes specialist training in Greece and advanced clinical experience at major healthcare institutions in the United States.

His academic and professional training includes:

• Medical Degree, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2000.
• Specialist training in Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina.
• Advanced training in Spine Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery, New York.
• Specialist training in Pediatric Orthopaedics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Ohio.
• Clinical experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
• Clinical training and professional activity at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Westchester Hospital.
• Advanced training in Hand and Upper-Limb Surgery through an educational programme supported by the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand.
• Additional specialist training in Microsurgery.

His educational experience in the United States provided exposure to complex spinal pathology, pediatric musculoskeletal disorders, reconstructive techniques and multidisciplinary approaches to orthopaedic care.

The combination of adult spine surgery and pediatric orthopaedic training is particularly relevant to the treatment of spinal deformities, which may present different clinical challenges depending on the patient’s age and skeletal development.

Clinical Expertise

Spine Surgery

Spine surgery represents the principal area of clinical specialization of Marios Lykissas. His practice encompasses the diagnosis and surgical management of spinal disorders affecting both children and adults, including degenerative conditions, structural deformities and complex spinal pathology.

The spine is a highly specialized anatomical structure that provides mechanical support while protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots. Surgical treatment therefore requires careful assessment of spinal alignment, neurological function and the structural characteristics of each condition.

Dr. Marios Lykissas approaches spinal surgery through individualized treatment planning, taking into consideration the patient’s symptoms, imaging findings, functional limitations and overall health.

His clinical interests include spinal reconstruction, deformity correction and the management of conditions that may require advanced surgical intervention.

Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is one of the central areas of expertise of Dr. Marios Lykissas, particularly in cases involving complex spinal deformities in children, adolescents and adults.

Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal three-dimensional curvature of the spine. Its progression and clinical significance depend on several factors, including the patient’s age, skeletal maturity, the degree of curvature and the underlying cause.

In younger patients, scoliosis may become more pronounced during periods of rapid skeletal growth. In adults, spinal curvature may be associated with degenerative changes, structural imbalance or the progression of a pre-existing deformity.

Dr. Marios Lykissas’ combined experience in pediatric orthopaedics and adult spine surgery allows him to assess spinal deformities across different age groups, taking into account both immediate treatment needs and long-term spinal function.

Pediatric Spine Surgery

Pediatric spinal disorders require a specialized approach because the spine continues to develop throughout childhood and adolescence.

Dr. Lykissas completed advanced training in Pediatric Orthopaedics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, gaining experience in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions affecting younger patients.

His clinical background includes the management of spinal deformities and pediatric conditions that may influence skeletal growth, posture and physical development.

When evaluating a child or adolescent with a spinal disorder, several factors must be considered, including remaining growth potential, the nature of the deformity and the possible long-term implications of treatment.

The objective is to determine an appropriate strategy that addresses the underlying condition while taking the child’s development and future functional needs into account.

Degenerative Spinal Disorders

Dr. Lykissas also treats degenerative conditions affecting the adult spine.

Age-related changes in the intervertebral discs, vertebral joints and surrounding structures can contribute to persistent pain, spinal instability or compression of neurological structures.

Common degenerative conditions include lumbar and cervical disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and adult degenerative scoliosis.

Symptoms may include persistent back or neck pain, radiating discomfort, numbness, muscle weakness or difficulty walking.

An accurate diagnosis is essential because similar symptoms may arise from different spinal or non-spinal conditions.

Depending on the clinical findings, treatment may involve conservative management, targeted rehabilitation or surgical intervention when appropriate.

Complex Spinal Reconstruction

Complex spinal deformities and certain degenerative or traumatic conditions may require advanced reconstructive procedures.

These operations can involve the correction of abnormal spinal alignment, stabilization of unstable segments or decompression of affected neurological structures.

In selected cases, surgical reconstruction may require spinal instrumentation or fusion to achieve adequate stability.

Treatment planning must account for the patient’s anatomy, bone quality, neurological status and overall spinal balance.

Dr. Lykissas’ specialist training and clinical experience in spinal deformity surgery support his involvement in the management of these challenging cases.

Spinal Oncology

Another area included in his specialist background is the management of spinal conditions associated with oncological disease.

His international clinical experience includes professional activity at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, a medical institution dedicated to cancer treatment and research.

Tumours affecting the vertebrae or surrounding spinal structures may require specialist evaluation when they cause instability, pain, spinal deformity or compression of neurological structures.

Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumour, the extent of the disease, the patient’s neurological condition and the overall oncological treatment plan.

Surgical intervention may be considered in selected cases to address spinal instability, relieve neurological compression or support other aspects of cancer treatment.

Microsurgery & Reconstructive Techniques

In addition to his specialization in spine surgery, Marios Lykissas has developed a significant academic and research interest in Microsurgery.

Microsurgical techniques involve the use of specialized instruments and magnification to perform precise procedures on delicate anatomical structures.

His training in this field has contributed to a broader understanding of reconstructive surgery and the importance of preserving critical tissues during complex orthopaedic procedures.

Dr. Marios Lykissas has participated in scientific research and educational activities related to microsurgical techniques and is an active member of the Microsurgery Laboratory at the University of Ioannina.

He has also served on the editorial board of Microsurgery, an international scientific journal dedicated to developments in microsurgical and reconstructive techniques.

His involvement in this field complements his broader surgical background and reflects an interest in precision-based approaches to complex orthopaedic conditions.

Professional Career of Dr. Marios Lykissas

Throughout his medical career, Dr. Marios Lykissas has combined clinical practice with specialist training and academic activity in Greece and the United States.

His professional background includes:

• Director of the Spine Surgery Department, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, since 2019.
• Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Crete Medical School.
• Clinical Associate, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.
• Specialist training and clinical activity in Spine Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery, New York.
• Pediatric Orthopaedic training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
• Clinical experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and other major medical institutions in New York.
• Orthopaedic specialist training at the University of Ioannina.

His international experience has contributed to his clinical approach to complex spinal conditions and the integration of contemporary surgical techniques into specialized patient care.

Academic & Scientific Activity

Alongside his surgical practice, Marios Lykissas maintains an extensive academic and research profile.

His teaching activities have included medical education at the University of Crete, the University of Ioannina and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

His scientific interests encompass spine surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, spinal deformities and microsurgery.

He has contributed to numerous publications in international medical journals and has participated in scientific presentations and educational activities at major orthopaedic conferences.

His academic work also includes involvement in research projects exploring modern surgical techniques and the development of new approaches to complex musculoskeletal conditions.

Through his scientific activity, he contributes to the exchange of medical knowledge and the continuing education of younger orthopaedic surgeons.

Awards & Distinctions

Dr. Marios Lykissas has received international recognition for his scientific work in orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

His distinctions include:

• The Spine Journal Outstanding Paper Award, 2013, recognizing scientific research published in the field of spine surgery.
• North American Spine Society Outstanding Paper Award, 2013, for research presented within the field of spinal disorders and surgical treatment.
• AO Spine Global Spine Congress Best Paper Award, 2013, for scientific work presented at the international congress in Hong Kong.
• Goldstein Award, Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting, 2012, recognizing research in the field of spinal deformities.
• Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand Travelling Fellowship Award, 2011, supporting advanced international surgical training.

These distinctions form part of his broader academic record and reflect his participation in internationally recognized scientific research and educational programmes.

Memberships & Scientific Associations

Dr. Marios Lykissas is affiliated with international scientific organizations dedicated to spine surgery, orthopaedics and pediatric musculoskeletal disorders.

His professional memberships include:

• Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).
• North American Spine Society (NASS).
• Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).
• International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS).
• AO Spine.
• Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS).

His participation in these organizations supports his ongoing engagement with developments in spinal surgery, pediatric orthopaedics and international clinical research.

International Humanitarian Work

An important aspect of the professional activity of Marios Lykissas is his involvement in humanitarian medical initiatives.

For several years, Marios Lykissas has participated in voluntary surgical missions aimed at improving access to specialized orthopaedic and spinal care in developing countries.

His humanitarian work has included medical missions in India, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

These initiatives are particularly important in regions where access to specialist surgical treatment for complex spinal deformities may be limited.

Dr. Marios Lykissas is also a founding member of Upright Africa, a New York-based nonprofit organization involved in providing specialized surgical care and supporting healthcare initiatives in African countries, including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Through these activities, he contributes to efforts to expand access to surgical treatment for patients who might otherwise face significant difficulties obtaining specialized medical care.

His international humanitarian involvement forms an important part of his professional identity, complementing his clinical, academic and research responsibilities.

An Individualized Approach to Spine Surgery

The treatment of spinal disorders requires careful consideration of several factors, including the underlying diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, spinal alignment and the patient’s functional needs.

Dr. Marios Lykissas emphasizes individualized treatment planning and the application of evidence-based medical principles.

Not every spinal condition requires surgical intervention. In many cases, appropriate conservative management may provide adequate symptom relief and functional improvement.

When surgery is indicated, the choice of procedure depends on the clinical findings, the complexity of the condition and the expected benefits for the individual patient.

This approach is particularly important in scoliosis and complex spinal deformities, where surgical decisions may influence long-term mobility, spinal balance and overall function.

The objective is to develop a treatment strategy that addresses the underlying problem while minimizing unnecessary intervention and considering the patient’s long-term quality of life.

Why Choose Dr. Marios Lykissas?

Dr. Marios Lykissas combines specialized international training with extensive clinical experience in the surgical management of spinal disorders affecting adults and children.

His professional background includes training at major medical institutions in the United States, such as Hospital for Special Surgery and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, as well as clinical experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

His role as Director of the Spine Surgery Department at Metropolitan Hospital reflects his particular focus on complex spinal pathology, scoliosis correction and reconstructive spine surgery.

His academic activity at the University of Crete and his association with Weill Cornell Medical College further complement his clinical experience, while his international scientific awards reflect his contribution to research in orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

Beyond his hospital and academic responsibilities, his participation in humanitarian surgical missions demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving access to specialist care in underserved communities.

For patients seeking specialized assessment and treatment of scoliosis, degenerative spinal conditions or complex spinal deformities, Marios Lykissas offers a clinical approach that combines international surgical training, evidence-based decision-making and individualized treatment planning.

He is also featured in the guide to the Best Spine Surgeon in Athens and the Best Scoliosis Surgeon in Athens, which presents his professional background, international education and experience in specialized spinal surgery.