Dr. Todd B. Abel, MD | Knoxville, TN | Neurological Surgery

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Dr. Todd B. Abel joined our team in 2005 after serving three years as a neurosurgeon in the US Air Force. He is board eligible and associated with the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and East Tennessee Children's Hospital. He is also a clinical instructor at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine.

Dr. Abel earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University and completed his residency at Indiana University. His special interests are in spine surgery and tethered cord syndrome, and has completed research, presentations and published writing on these topics. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Abel's military background brings a new perspective to our practice.

3.8

77 Ratings
30 years of experience
speaks English, Spanish
Indiana University Hospital
38 written reviews
1 specialty
10 areas of expertise
1 board certification
2 hospital affiliations
2 office locations
Male

Patients commend Dr. Todd Bruce Abel for his exceptional surgical skills, thorough explanations, and patient-focused care. Many highlight his ability to address complex back issues with successful surgery outcomes, praising his professionalism and the clarity with which he communicates medical information. A common concern among patients is occasional long wait times and some difficulties with the administrative process during check-in. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment remains highly positive with patients willing to recommend him for neurosurgical needs.

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77 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 38 reviews

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Dr Abel is great! He takes time to find out your questions and explains what you need to do that would help you. He is not at all pushy. I have had surgery for sciatica pain that nothing else had helped. Very pleased with outcome. I would recommend him without a doubt. Ex

January 31st, 2026

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One of the best doctors I have ever been to. He was efficient and informative. My case was pretty severe, but after the surgery everything went very well. He's the only neurosurgeon I will suggest to anybody. I went through three different neurosurgeons before I was able to get to him and he got me right in and done the surgery within a week or so.

December 19th, 2025

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Very nice, good info, not pushy, explained everything very well

October 19th, 2025

1 person found this helpful

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Helpful staff that was friendly 5 minutes waiting time to go back to exam room Great follow up care

July 25th, 2025

1 person found this helpful

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Dr Abel is a top notch neurosurgeon. I have had excruciating back pain for over 2 years. He basically rebuilt my back in February 2025 and now I have absolutely no pain. I credit this to my God who guided Dr. Abel’s hand and the superior knowledge of him and his wonderful team. He has seen me for my follow-ups himself and taken the time to show me my X-rays and explain my forward path. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a neurosurgeon as he is THE ABSOLUTE BEST.

May 18th, 2025

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Dr. Abel is an excellent professional that provided to me a superb service. Not only he vastly knows about his area of expertise, but he spent considerable time patiently explaining in detail what my problems in my back (L3/L4 vertebrae) where at a level i could understand. Contrary to many other doctors, that seem in a hurry, dr. Abel wanted the patient (me!) to comprehend what was going on whatever time that may require. Not only that, but all our interaction was extremely pleasant. Never hurried as most other doctors. Always with a smile. I strongly recommend Dr Abel for any problem you may have in your back.

April 13th, 2025

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Great individualized care. Spent time with me and addressed all my concerns.

March 30th, 2025

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Dr. Abel is a wonderful doctor. He helped me immensely with my back surgery. I had heard he was the best and I made sure I got Dr. Abel to do the surgery. He is pleasant and very easy to talk to about what is bothering you and what kind of pain you are experiencing. He follows up with you after your surgery. I would highly recommend Dr.Abel.i have friends that have also been cured by Dr. Abel of their back pain.

March 16th, 2025

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Dr. Abel was great after I finally got checked in. I think the lady at the front desk must have been new. I had problems checking in on my phone. She wasn't very helpful and insisted I check in using my phone. I finally gave up and she did get me check me in. It was a busy day so maybe I caught her on a bad day. I won't let this incident keep me from using Dr. Abel again, if needed.

February 12th, 2025

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Dr Abel is is great. I have told all my friends with back problems that they need to come see him. It took a little time to see him but that's OK. If I need any other back surgery done, he my doctor.

January 19th, 2025

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

1901 W Clinch AveKnoxville, TN 37916

Tel: (865) 331-1111

University Of Tennessee Medical Center

1924 Alcoa HwyKnoxville, TN 37920

Tel: (865) 305-9000


Dr. Todd Bruce Abel, MD	Dr. Kent Lamar Sauter, MD	Dr. Raymond Kevin Ryan, MD	Ann E Cole
Neurological Surgery	Neurological Surgery	Neurology	Nurse Practitioner
	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
3.8 (77 Ratings)	3.9 (24 Ratings)	5 (3 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)
30 Years of Experience	37 Years of Experience	27 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English	Speaks English, Spanish
Knoxville , TN	Knoxville , TN	Dorchester Center , MA	Knoxville , TN
Med School: Loma Linda University School Of Medicine	Med School: University Of South Alabama College Of Medicine	Med School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

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Neurological Surgery

Aneurysm
Brain Surgery
Brain Tumor
Craniotomy
Glioblastoma
Laminectomy
Neurosurgery
Spinal Fractures
Spinal Stenosis
Stroke

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, Tennessee, 2025, Expired

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Residency

Indiana University Hospital

Medical School

Loma Linda University School Of MedicineGraduated in 2002

Loma Linda University School Of MedicineGraduated in 1996

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Does Dr. Todd Abel accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Todd Abel accepts on their Vitals profile.
What languages does Dr. Todd Abel speak?: Dr. Todd Abel speaks English and Spanish.
Where is Dr. Todd Abel's office located?: Dr. Todd Abel's office is located at 1901 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37916.
Is Dr. Todd Abel accepting new patients?: Dr. Todd Abel has not indicated that they accept new patients. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Todd Abel?: You can find contact information for Dr. Todd Abel here on Vitals.

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