Once physical therapy, medication and other nonsurgical treatment options have been tried and your back or neck pain is still too much, your physician may recommend surgery. You may be relieved that a solution is in sight, but you’d be right to have reservations. That’s why Norton Leatherman Spine surgeons welcome the opportunity to offer a second opinion.

Our specialists have decades of experience, specialized training and a worldwide reputation to help you get back to living your best life. Our surgeons’ experience with thousands of spinal surgeries every year makes them uniquely qualified to determine whether a condition requires surgery and, if so, which technique offers the best chances of pain relief and restored spine health. We encourage patients who aren’t sure about our recommended treatment plan to seek the opinion of other surgeons.

Our specialists are leaders in minimally invasive techniques, often with the aid of robotic precision that reduces the need to disturb healthy tissue.

Questions About Spine Surgery

Can a Second Opinion Lead to Better Outcomes?

Spinal surgery is not to be taken lightly. A second opinion from our specialists can help you feel confident about treating your back or neck pain. If you’re not sure surgery is the right next step, a second opinion can help clarify whether to move forward and whether you are comfortable with your surgeon’s approach to your care .

Second opinions provide peace of mind and can ensure your initial diagnosis was correct. Sometimes, another look by a surgeon can uncover a unique aspect of your condition, leading to a different approach, perhaps a different surgical procedure and better recovery prospects.

Second opinions help make you aware of your options. If surgery is needed, Norton Leatherman Spine specialists will consider advanced, minimally invasive procedures that allow for less postoperative pain and a faster recovery.

When Is It Time to Consider a Second Opinion?

You may need to consider a second opinion for spine surgery if:

• You still have questions about your condition or reason for surgery.
• You don’t feel your spine surgeon fully understands your preferences.
• Your initial surgeon won’t perform the surgery in an accredited, properly equipped hospital.
• You already have had one spine surgery that did not adequately alleviate your symptoms.
• Your surgeon recommended you seek a second opinion.

How Do I Get a Second Opinion?

To schedule an appointment, call (502) 629-2225 (BACK). You will be asked to provide the initial diagnosis and some additional details. We’ll work with your initial surgeon’s office to have medical records transferred electronically with your permission.

Why Get a Second Opinion From Norton Leatherman Spine?

Norton Leatherman Spine is a combined team of orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists who provide care for adults and children from Louisville and Southern Indiana, as well as from across the region, nation and world.

• Our team approach means you get the benefit of viewpoints from your primary care provider and other specialists. We’ll work with you to determine the right treatment option and give you a detailed treatment plan so you can make a better-informed decision.
• Our specialists are at the leading edge of new treatment options. They are active researchers, exploring innovative treatments for spinal disorders and actively leading clinical trials of new treatments.
• For appropriate patients, we use the EOS Imaging system to evaluate their spine condition. The system collects high-resolution images while exposing the patient to far less radiation: up to 85% less than traditional X-rays and 95% less than basic CT scans. That’s especially significant for scoliosis patients who often need repeated imaging to monitor their progress.
• We offer minimally invasive spine surgery and robotic-assisted procedures that carry less risk and can speed your recovery.

Our rich history traces back to Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., who more than 50 years ago became the first orthopedic surgeon in Kentucky to specialize in spine care. A University of Louisville School of Medicine graduate, he developed leading-edge approaches to treating scoliosis after World War II.

Spine Care From World-renowned Specialists

Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures.

• Nationally recognized spine surgery fellowship program with over 150 trained fellows
• First in the world to perform robotic spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition, demonstrating leadership in surgical innovations
• First health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV
• First in the state of Kentucky to use the EOS Imaging system, a high-resolution image system with 50% to 85% less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays and CT scans
• More than 4,000 surgeries performed each year
• Recognized as a national benchmark for patient-reported outcome measures against spine surgeons across the nation, ensuring high-quality, data-driven care
• A team of 45 highly regarded specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists
• Internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more
• Specialists who have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world
• Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., the program namesake, was the first doctor in Kentucky to repair scoliosis surgically