Norton Healthcare is recognized by U.S. News & World Report on its “Best Hospitals” list as No. 1 in the Louisville area, with a “high performing” rating in back surgery through Norton Leatherman Spine.

Norton Leatherman Spine, in collaboration with Norton Neuroscience Institute, treats a broad range of spine conditions with and without surgery. If your condition requires surgery, our specialists have decades of experience, specialized training and a worldwide reputation to help you get back to living your best life.

We first consider nonsurgical treatments and only consider surgery if other treatments aren’t effective.

If surgery is needed, Norton Leatherman Spine specialists will consider advanced, minimally invasive procedures that allow for less postoperative pain and a faster recovery.

Our specialists are leaders in Louisville and Southern Indiana in using minimally invasive techniques. Our surgeons use robotic assistance to more precisely reach and treat diseased tissue.

Bodybuilding chiropractor back to training after successful spinal surgery

The results were dramatic. Bodybuilder David Noonan was nearly pain-free in a matter of weeks and quickly started his rehabilitation schedule.

Read David's Story

Pioneering Surgical Robotics to Improve Precision

Jeffrey L. Gum, M.D., spine surgeon with Norton Leatherman Spine, was first in the world to perform spine surgery using the next-generation Medtronic Stealth AXiS robotic-assisted platform (Autopilot). Dr. Gum played a critical role in its development, contributing to both design and readiness for use in patient surgeries.

Stealth AXiS and Autopilot are designed to deliver greater precision and accuracy than any previous technology. The system integrates artificial intelligence to support seamless planning and execution of screw placement during a spinal surgery. The platform introduces a first-ever real-time alignment tracking system, capable of detecting patient movement and adjusting accordingly. The result is a more patient-specific surgical plan that can improve recovery.

Surgical Procedures

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