Planning your visit: FAQ's
About The Bonati Procedures℠
How are The Bonati Procedures different from “open” or fusion spine surgeries?
- The Bonati Procedures are outpatient surgeries that do not require overnight hospitalization.
- The procedures are performed through the smallest incisions possible, resulting in far less trauma to the surrounding muscles and soft tissue, minimal blood loss, less scarring, and much faster recovery times.
Can you help people who have had previous “open” spine surgery or fusion surgery that wasn’t successful?
- Approximately 40% of the patients who come to The Bonati Spine Institute have had previous “open” spine surgery that has failed.
- “Open” spine surgery often produces massive scar tissue, and this scar tissue can then begin producing radicular pain as it presses on nerve roots.
- Likewise, the hardware inserted in fusion surgeries can eventually become a problem, in that it produces scar tissue, or it can become loosened and move into a position where it compresses a nerve.
- In many cases, the problematic hardware can be removed, relieving the radicular pain it was causing.
What areas of the spine do you work on?
We can treat problems in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
How do I know if I need surgery?
If you have tried more “conservative” treatments, such as physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation, yet your pain has lasted more than 3 months, is persistent, and seems to be ruining your life, then you should investigate a surgical solution for your pain.
What if I need more than one procedure?
Each surgical procedure is separated by a short interim to allow for a post-operative MRI and physical therapy.
Why is the patient awake during the surgery?
One of the primary advantages of The Bonati Procedures over old-fashioned “open” spine surgery is that the patient remains conscious and can communicate directly to the surgeon whether their pain in a particular area is resolved.
Why do you need to review my MRI in advance?
- Not everyone with a spine problem is a candidate for The Bonati Procedures.
- Our surgeons will review your MRI within 48 hours of receipt. We will then provide you with a written opinion of any abnormalities found and inform you as to whether you are a candidate for The Bonati Procedures.
- There is no charge or obligation associated with this MRI review.
Why do you need to verify insurance coverage in advance?
- The Bonati Spine Institute works with dozens of insurance companies, each offering a variety of plans.
- As a service to our patients, we will verify all insurance coverage well in advance of scheduling any surgery. There is no charge or obligation associated with this insurance coverage verification.
About The Bonati Spine Institute®
How long has The Bonati Spine Institute been performing arthroscopic surgery?
The Bonati Spine Institute has been performing surgery for 28 years.
How many surgeries using The Bonati procedures have been performed?
More than 35,000 Bonati procedures have been performed successfully.
What are some of The Bonati Spine Institute’s credentials?
- The Bonati Spine Institute encompasses a comprehensive, state-of-the-art 11 acre medical campus, with 115 employees and 12 physicians on staff and treats patients from throughout the United States, Europe and South America.
- Dr. Bonati holds 7 U.S. Patents on advanced spinal surgery instruments and methods and was the first to develop the application and obtain FDA approval of the Holmium YAG laser for spine surgery.
- Dr. Bonati has conducted teaching presentations to nearly 20 worldwide professional medical associations. while The Bonati Spine Institute has conducted more than 400 patient seminars since 1996.
Where else are these procedures performed?
- The Bonati Procedures are performed only at The Bonati Spine Institute in Hudson, Florida.
- Dr. Bonati developed and patented the instrumentation, methods and developed protocols for these procedures.
Why should I choose The Bonati Spine Institute over other facilities performing similar procedures?
- Dr. Bonati developed and patented the instrumentation and methods and The Bonati Spine Institute has performed over 35,000 procedures successfully.
- It makes sense to go with the facility with the most experience in laser spine surgery.
What facilities and services are offered at The Bonati Spine Institute?
- Our 11-acre medical campus in Hudson, Florida, offers the full range of pre-operative, surgical and post-operative services, including medical testing and clearances, clinical services, imaging, recovery, and physical therapy.
- We are a wholly self-contained Ambulatory Service Center allowing us to complete all medical care without having to “hand off” or sub-contract any responsibilities to third parties.
How many surgeons are on the staff of The Bonati Spine Institute?
Presently there are five (5) surgeons performing The Bonati Procedures.
Can I speak with former patients?
The Bonati Spine Institute maintains an active list of patients, each willing to share their experiences at The Bonati Spine Institute. To obtain a list of reference patients, simply call us at (866) 298-7513.