Norton Leatherman Spine is respected around the world as a leading provider of spine care. We also are the premier destination for patients in Louisville, Southern Indiana and beyond with spondylolisthesis.

Pain and difficulty with walking doesn’t need to limit activities.

Our skilled physicians have the experience to identify the right treatment for a broad range of spinal conditions — including the most complicated problems and more common problems, like lumbar spondylolisthesis, that affect patients of all ages.

Our specialists know that surgery isn’t right for everyone. If simpler treatments don’t work, and relief will come only from an operation, you’ll want surgeons with the most experience and expertise.

International Reputation for Excellence

Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., pioneered new approaches to spine care after World War II. His commitment to bring the best and most innovative care to his patients provides the foundation for today’s practice. Our orthopedic and neurosurgical spine physicians combine proven treatments that have built our reputation for over 25 years with new developments at the leading edge of innovative care.

Norton Leatherman Spine surgeons are recognized experts in the evaluation and treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis, having published extensively on this important topic:

• Charles H. Crawford III, M.D., was the principal author for the Scoliosis Research Society systematic review “The Current Evidence on the Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.”
• John R. Dimar II, M.D., helped develop an innovative and widely regarded classification for spinal alignment in patients with spinal deformity secondary to lumbar spondylolisthesis.
• Steven D. Glassman, M.D., has published extensively on the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis, and recently served as a New England Journal of Medicine expert panel member on this topic.

We’ll evaluate your case and give you a treatment plan customized for you.

Spine Care that Spans Childhood to Older Age

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is one of several spinal disorders that may become symptomatic at different periods in a patient’s lifetime. Norton Leatherman Spine is the only institution in the region that provides spine care to patients of all ages. This experience allows us to better implement the full range of nonsurgical and surgical options, with a full understanding of how decisions made today may impact a patient’s function and quality of life in the future.

Spondylolisthesis in Children and Adolescents

Some degree of spondylolisthesis is common in children and is most often treated with temporary activity restriction or bracing.  If surgery is required, Norton Leatherman Spine surgeons have the experience to know whether a limited procedure to repair the bony defect (pars repair) will be sufficient, or whether a more extensive correction of alignment is necessary.

Midline Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MidLIF)

In older patients, the need for surgical treatment usually is related to associated spinal stenosis causing leg pain and difficultly walking. Recent studies have questioned the extent of surgery necessary to treat this problem effectively. Norton Leatherman Spine is one of the leading centers in a nationwide study designed to inform this decision.  When fusion is necessary, Norton Leatherman Spine surgeons have the most regional experience with innovative minimally invasive techniques, such as MidLIF, that provide high quality outcomes and facilitate more rapid recovery.

Making It Easy to Get Back to Your Life

• With six Norton Leatherman Spine locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana, we have specialists near you.
• We use minimally invasive procedures that can reduce recovery time and reduce the risk of complications.
• Sophisticated pain management aims to keep you comfortable and safe.
• Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free MyNortonChart account.

About Norton Leatherman Spine

Norton Leatherman Spine in Louisville and Southern Indiana offers world-class care from surgeons who are recognized nationally and internationally for their innovation, expertise and skill. Norton Leatherman Spine is one of the premier research and education programs in the United States for spinal surgeons.

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.

• The board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine are among the most experienced in the country, treating conditions like yours for an average of 20 years.
• We have orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons providing care from our offices in downtown Louisville and surrounding counties.
• Our physicians pinpoint your diagnosis to come up with the right treatment plan, including surgical and nonsurgical options as appropriate.
• We offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures that carry less risk and can speed your recovery. Norton Leatherman Spine surgeons are actively involved in the development of next generation minimally invasive technologies.
• The physicians at Norton Leatherman are leaders in their field and train the next generation of specialists. Norton Leatherman Spine’s physicians trained more than 100 of the leading spine surgeons practicing throughout the U.S. today.
• Techniques developed at Norton Leatherman Spine have produced better outcomes for patients with fewer side effects and are routinely performed around the world today.
• Our team performs more than 4,000 surgeries a year, and patients come to our providers more than 30,000 times a year.