Robert Johnson, DOBoard-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon · Spine fellowship, Texas Back Institute
Motion-preserving spine surgery
Artificial disc replacement for the neck and low back, here in Idaho Falls.
Not every spine surgeon offers artificial disc replacement. Dr. Robert Johnson has built his practice around it, performing both cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) disc replacement at Summit Orthopaedics. Instead of fusing two vertebrae together, the damaged disc is replaced with an FDA-approved artificial disc designed to keep that level of the spine moving.
- 130+ lumbar disc replacements a yearSummit's reported annual average
- Teaches other surgeonsLectures on lumbar disc replacement nationally and internationally
- Fellowship-trainedTexas Back Institute, Plano, TX
- Robotic-assisted spine surgeryFor precise implant placement
Disc replacement
- Keeps motion at the treated level
- No bone graft or bone fusion needed
- For select patients with 1–2 damaged discs
Fusion
- Joins two vertebrae so they no longer move
- Still the right choice for some conditions
- Dr. Johnson performs both and will explain which fits you
Disc replacement isn't right for everyone. Candidacy depends on your imaging, symptoms, bone quality and overall health, and all surgery carries risks. Dr. Johnson will review the benefits and risks of every option with you. Individual results vary.