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.

About 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.

• A multidisciplinary team of 45 specialists offers a comprehensive array of treatment options that include medication, pain management, rehabilitation and surgery, including minimally invasive procedures and neurosurgical therapies.
• Norton Leatherman Spine physicians are widely renowned and exceptionally experienced, performing more than 4,000 surgeries a year.
• Our specialists are internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, and have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the most prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world.
• Norton Healthcare is the first health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV.
• We use the EOS Imaging system, which collects high-resolution images while exposing the patient to 50% to 85% less radiation than traditional X-rays and 95% less than basic CT scans. The system is especially beneficial to scoliosis patients who often need repeated imaging to monitor their progress.
• We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans.
• Use Norton MyChart to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions, get alerted if an earlier appointment becomes available and more, anytime from a mobile device or computer