“Wherever possible, I opt for minimally invasive treatment, but when necessary I do not shy away from complex spinal surgery. Always with the aim of restoring patients’ confidence in their own bodies”
Paul van Urk is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal disorders. During his medical studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, he developed a strong interest in the spine and the significant impact back problems can have on daily life. To further deepen his expertise, he completed an intensive scientific and clinical training program at the internationally renowned Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute in Bologna.
After completing his orthopedic surgery training at UMC Utrecht, he specialized further in spine surgery during a fellowship under the supervision of Prof. Dr. F.C. Öner. Since 2020, he has been working at Acibadem – Spine Center Amsterdam. Between 2020 and 2024, he also worked part-time as a staff member at UMC Utrecht, remaining closely involved in complex spine care, education, and multidisciplinary decision-making. He now works exclusively at Acibadem.
Paul van Urk focuses strongly on minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. These techniques use very small incisions and a camera, often resulting in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. In addition, he has extensive experience in complex and revision spine surgery, including patients who have undergone previous spinal procedures and developed recurrent symptoms. He has performed this work for many years at Acibadem together with his former mentor, Prof. Dr. F.C. Öner. Together with the team, they form a dedicated center of expertise where innovation, experience, and personal attention come together.
Paul van Urk is known for his careful and personal approach. He takes the time to thoroughly understand each patient’s concerns and clearly explains all treatment options, enabling shared decision-making. His goal is not only to relieve pain, but above all to improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
Specialization/Areas of interest
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Back and leg pain caused by a herniated disc
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Spinal canal narrowing (spinal stenosis)
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Endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery
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Spinal instability (vertebral slippage / spondylolisthesis)
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Degenerative spine conditions (osteoarthritis)
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Vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis
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Back problems following trauma or infection
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Complex and revision spine surgery
Languages
Dutch, English
Work experience
2021–2024 Orthopedic (Spine) Surgeon, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht
2020–present Orthopedic (Spine) Surgeon, ACIBADEM IMC, Amsterdam
2019–2020 Spine Surgery Fellow, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht
2018–2019 Orthopedic Surgeon (in training), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht
2017–2018 Orthopedic Surgeon (in training), Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht
2016–2017 Orthopedic Surgeon (in training), St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein and Utrecht
2015–2016 Orthopedic Surgeon (in training), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht
2013–2015 Orthopedic Surgeon (in training), St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein and Utrecht
2013 Intensive Care Physician, Westfries Gasthuis, Hoorn
2012–2013 Surgical Resident (General Surgery), MCA, Alkmaar
2011–2012 Orthopedic Resident, MCA, Alkmaar
Education
2019-2020 Sub-Specialization Spine surgery. University Medical Center Utrecht. UMCU. Utrecht
2013-2019 Orthopedic surgery residency. ROGO Utrecht
2003-2011 Medical school including a scientific traineeship spinal surgery at the Rizzoli institue. Bologna. Italy.
Extracurricular positions/memberships
Dutch orthopaedic association (NOV)
Eurospine
Dutch Spine Society (DSS)
AO Spine
Medical Publications
2024 Duits AAA, van Urk PR, Lehr AM, Nutzinger D, Reijnders MRL, Weinans H, Foppen W, Oner FC, van Gaalen SM, Kruyt MC. Radiologic Assessment of Interbody Fusion: A Systematic Review on the Use, Reliability, and Accuracy of Current Fusion Criteria. JBJS Rev. 2024 Jan 9;12(1).
2020 van Urk PR, Bollen CW, Lequin MH, Kruyt MC. The atonic stomach: a dangerous condition prior to scoliosis surgery. Spine Deform. 2022 Jul;10(4):965-967
2019 Pielkenrood BJ, van Urk PR, van der Velden JM, Kasperts N, Verhoeff JJC, Bol G, Verkooijen HM, Verlaan JJ. Impact of body fat distribution and sarcopenia on the overall survival in patients with bone metastases receiving radiotherapy treatment: A prospective cohort study. Acta Oncologica.
2019 van Urk PR, Littooij AS, van Gestel JPJ, Kruyt MC. Reply to Letter to Editor Rare Complications Require Clinical Vigilance and Thorough Knowledge of Previous Reported Complications for Optimal Management. Spine Deformity. 7(2019): 176-179
2018 van Urk PR, Littooij AS, van Gestel JPJ, Kruyt MC. Celiac artery syndrome after correction of kyphoscoliosis. Spine Deformity. Jan; 7(1): 176-179
2014 van Urk PR, van den Berg MP, van Royen BJ, Smeets EEJ, Curfs LMG. Rett Syndroom. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde. Feb; 158(3). 2014
2013 van Urk PR, Mollema R, Schreurs WH. Rectaal melanoom. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Heelkunde. Feb; 22:1: 48-9. 2013
2012 van Urk PR, Engelsma Y, Stavenuiter MHJ, Operatieve behandeling van een avulsiefractuur van de spina iliaca anterior inferior. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Orthopaedie. Mrt; 19: 17-9. 2012.
2011 Gasbarrini A, Cappuccio M, Bandiera S, Stefano MD, Amendola L, van Urk PR, Boriani S. Osteoid Osteoma of the mobile Spine: Surgical outcomes in 81 patients. Spine. Jan; 31:1-1. 2011.
2008 Cappuccio M, Gasbarrini A, van Urk PR, Bandiera S, Boriani S. Spinal metastasis: a retrospective study validating the treatment algorithm. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2008 May-Jun; 12(3): 155-60.
