Dr Neil Cleaver

Dr Neil Cleaver is a highly accomplished Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises as an Orthopaedic Spinal Specialist. Based in Southport, Australia, he focuses on the comprehensive surgical and non-surgical management of adult spinal conditions. Dr Cleaver is dedicated to providing patient-centred care, utilising advanced techniques to address complex spinal issues and help patients regain their mobility and quality of life. His clinical approach is characterised by a strong commitment to utilising motion-preservation technologies and minimally invasive procedures, ensuring that patients receive the most modern and least disruptive treatments available.

Dr Cleaver completed his medical education in London, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. Following his initial training and internship in the United Kingdom, he relocated to Australia, where he completed his advanced training in orthopaedic surgery through the Queensland branch of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Orthopaedic Surgery and has completed a specialised Fellowship in Anterior Spine Surgery. Additionally, Dr Cleaver is a Master Certified Independent Medical Examiner and serves on the Board of Advisers of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.

With a clinical practice heavily focused on minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr Cleaver pioneered the use of the minimally invasive extreme lateral total disc replacement and the extreme lateral interbody fusion technique in Australia. He remains actively involved in research and development to further advance these surgical reconstructions. In addition to his surgical work, Dr Cleaver has a significant interest in medico-legal assessments, providing detailed independent reports for complex spinal pathologies, work-related injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. His expertise spans a wide range of treatments, including spinal decompression, total disc replacement, and anterior lumbar reconstruction, helping patients find relief from debilitating back, neck, and leg pain.