Conditions
From neck pain to neurogenic claudication, we evaluate symptoms in context and build a plan that matches your goals.
View conditions →Houston & multi-state spine care
Minimally invasive.
Maximally effective.
MIBSI · University Spine and Neurosurgery
Advanced spine and neurosurgical care focused on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based options, and faster return to motion when clinically appropriate.
Thank you for choosing MIBSI
Choosing a spine or neurosurgical provider is deeply personal—especially when surgery is on the table. Our team is committed to compassionate, transparent communication so you can make informed decisions and pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.
Our commitment
- Evidence-based pathways tailored to your diagnosis
- Clear discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Coordination across locations for continuity of care
Providers
Fellowship-trained specialists focused on thoughtful indications and technical excellence.
About Dr. Li →Support
From your first visit through follow-up, our staff is available to answer questions and help you navigate care.
Contact us →Special offers
Programs may change; eligibility is determined at consultation. Contact us for current availability.
Free second opinion
Bring outside imaging and notes—we will review whether additional evaluation or treatment aligns with your diagnosis.
Free MRI / CT review
Structured review of outside imaging can clarify anatomy and whether surgical or non-surgical care is reasonable to consider.
Meet our physician
Dr. Y. Michael Li, MD, PhD
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Yan Michael Li is an award-winning, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine disease and brain & spine tumors—with strong interests in minimally invasive spine surgery, navigation, and robotic-assisted techniques when appropriate.
- Director & Clinical Assistant Professor, MIBSI — University Spine and Neurosurgery
- Fellowship-trained spine and tumor neurosurgeon
Clinical interests include simple and complex spine surgery, minimally invasive approaches, and computer-assisted navigation to improve accuracy. Your candidacy for any technology is determined individually.
Why minimally invasive surgery? →Treatments
Educational overview of common procedures. Not all options apply to every patient; final recommendations are made after evaluation.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a class of surgery that uses advanced technology to treat spine-related neck and back pain while minimizing injury to the patient.
Learn more →Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy, or simply discectomy, is a surgical procedure to treat a herniated disc.
Learn more →Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF stands for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. It is a surgical approach from the front of the neck to remove a slipped or ruptured disc, thus decompressing the spinal cord and nerves, followed by a fusion of the vertebrae to prevent future problems at that level.
Learn more →Posterior Spinal Fusion
Posterior spinal fusion surgery can be used to treat neck pain (Posterior Cervical Fusion, PCF) or lower back pain (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, PLIF). Like the newer TLIF technique, PLIF is designed to treat the pain caused by the movement of the spinal vertebrae.
Learn more →Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
TLIF stands for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. This fusion surgery treats conditions affecting the lumbar spine. It is done when the vertebral bodies of the spine are out of alignment, either from a fracture, injury, or degeneration.
Learn more →Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
ALIF stands for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. This fusion surgery treats conditions affecting the lumbar spine. It is designed to treat lower back pain caused by the movement of the spinal vertebrae.
Learn more →Insurance information
We participate with many major insurance plans. Coverage varies by policy; our team can help you understand benefits and authorization requirements when applicable.
Testimonials
Patient experiences are individual; results vary. These comments do not guarantee outcomes.
“Dr. Li and his staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and work excellent together, which is a plus for me; I benefit from this too. His expertise gets me moving and enjoying my life with the least pain, so I feel empowered again.”
“Thrilled I found Dr Li! Finally, a doctor who identified my multiple spine and SI joint problems and recommended a minimally invasive surgery. He explained everything and answered all my questions well. I'm having him do the needed surgery this month. His unique education, skills and experience inspire total confidence in me for Dr Li, a personable, friendly doctor who did not rush me. His staff, Scarlet, was also very helpful. He's a 5 STAR neurosurgeon!”
“The best dr I've had since my catastrophic injury in 2019”
Locations
Dr. Li and partners see patients across multiple offices. Hours may vary; weekend visits are by appointment.
Houston Office
1880 S Dairy Ashford Rd Suite 260
Ashford Crossing II 6 Fl.Bldg
Houston TX 77077
7601 W Sam Houston Pkwy S STE 300
Houston TX 77072
837 Cypress Creek Pkwy
#105
Houston TX 77090
Ashford Crossing II 6 Fl.Bldg
Houston TX 77077
7601 W Sam Houston Pkwy S STE 300
Houston TX 77072
837 Cypress Creek Pkwy
#105
Houston TX 77090
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: By appointment only
San Antonio Office
4910 Golden Quail, Ste 170San Antonio TX 78240
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: By appointment only
Dallas-Fort Worth Office
310 S Clark Rd, Ste DDuncanville TX 75116
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: By appointment only