Christopher J. Winfree, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Winfree grew up in Jupiter, FL, and attended Dartmouth College where he graduated with High Honors in Chemistry.  After completing medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, he joined their Department of Neurological Surgery as a resident.  Following residency he completed a fellowship in Peripheral Nerve Surgery in New Orleans, LA, and then a second fellowship in Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery in Portland, OR. Currently, Dr. Winfree is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, where he specializes in the surgical management of peripheral nerve disorders and chronic pain.  One of his research interests is the use of peripheral nerve transfers to treat spinal cord injury.

Within the field of peripheral nerve surgery, the most common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, peroneal neuropathy, other entrapment neuropathies, traumatic nerve injuries, and peripheral nerve tumors. Dr. Winfree utilizes microneurosurgical techniques to repair damaged nerves and safely remove nerve tumors so that patients may maximize their potential for recovery.

Within the field of pain neurosurgery, common conditions include failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and facial pain, all of which may respond quite well to neurosurgical intervention. Neurostimulation and implantable infusion pumps are powerful tools that pain neurosurgeons may use to ameliorate severe, chronic pain.

Many chronic pain conditions are actually caused by peripheral nerve injuries. Thus, the combination of peripheral nerve and pain neurosurgical techniques allows for the optimal management of these disorders.

Dr. Winfree has integrated his practice with the Comprehensive Pain Management Center, the Center for Chronic Pelvic Pain, and the Headache Center here at Columbia. His philosophy is that patients with chronic pain syndromes are most effectively treated via a multidisciplinary approach. This allows professionals from many different fields to bring their diverse abilities to bear upon the needs of each individual patient.

This allows professionals from many different fields to bring their diverse abilities to bear upon the needs of each individual patient.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Forms