Areas of Expertise

Skull Base & Cranial Procedures

Skull Base Surgery

Surgery at the base of the skull targeting tumours, vascular lesions, and structural abnormalities. Dr. Duff completed a dedicated skull base fellowship with Dr. Laligam Sekhar at George Washington Hospital, one of the world's leading centres for this subspeciality.

Tumours Vascular Lesions Fellowship Trained

Craniovertebral Junction Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the highly complex junction between the base of the skull and the upper cervical spine. One of Dr. Duff's primary research and clinical interests, addressing instability, malformations, trauma, and tumours at this anatomically demanding region.

CVJ Instability Malformations Occipitocervical Fusion

Brain Tumour Surgery

Surgical resection of malignant and benign brain tumours using intraoperative navigation and neuromonitoring. While open cranial surgery is reserved for cases where less invasive options are insufficient, Dr. Duff brings extensive experience to these complex procedures.

Malignant Tumours Benign Tumours Navigation Guided

Intradural Spinal Tumours

Resection of tumours located within the dural sac, including schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. Dr. Duff has published his IMTAR technique — Image Merge Tailored Access Resection — for minimally invasive removal of these lesions.

Schwannoma Meningioma IMTAR Technique

CSF & Dural Procedures

Management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, dural tears, and related complications. Dr. Duff has published on the prevalence and management of unintentional dural tears and CSF fistulas, which carry significant risk if untreated including meningitis.

CSF Fistula Dural Repair Meningitis Prevention
Dr. John M. Duff

Patient Education

Numb and Clumsy Hands: When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?

Numbness, weakness, or clumsiness in the hands can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem affecting the nerves or spinal cord. In this short video, Dr. Duff explains when these symptoms may warrant specialist assessment and when it may be appropriate to seek a neurosurgical opinion.

Watch the video →