We found Dr Bonati 6 years ago and I cannot articulate the miracle they have been to us. My husband was injured in 2012 and was in daily excruciating pain. We went to Duke University Spine Center, which did not help at all. We then went to Mayo Clinic, who performed a vertibroplasty, which was successful in reducing his pain by about 20%. He was still in chronic horrible pain and on high doses of pain pills just to semi-function. When we first saw Dr Bonati, he reviewed the MRIs, talked to us at length about my husband's pain and prior treatments then said 'I can fix you'. I cried! He had multiple surgeries, each with marked improvement. After his last procedure, my husband who could not walk 50 feet some days was able to rejoin the Sheriff's Office, passing all of the physical requirements with ease. We just returned to Bonati in December to address sciatic pain...once again 100% success. Bonati Spine Institute an Dr. Alfred Bonati have been nothing short of a God-send, he gave my husband his quality of life and his career he is called to back. read more

Flew to Florida twice for Bonati's "procedures." The first time, his equipment wasn't functioning, so we had to come back from Las Vegas for the second attempt. Took 7 days to complete 3 procedures because he caused a "bleeder" on the first day and had to rest in bed for 2 full days before number 2, then the weekend, and number 3 on Monday. Bonati said we could come back in a couple of months to finish. Overcharged us $20,000 and now won't even respond to the lawyer. After months of PT, I still can't walk; actually worse than before any procedures. Good luck, you'll need it. read more

This place is horrible. They drilled and sawed on my bones and ending up disabling me and kept doing unnecessary surgeries to get more money. He made a million dollars on disabling me for life. Im surprised I can still walk at all. I had to have another major surgery and everyone knows this place is horrible and should be shut down! read more

All other forms of treatment for me had failed. I tired physical therapy, pain control injections and nothing worked. When surgery was my final option I was naturally very apprehensive. The Bonati Institute put all of my fears to rest. They explained the procedures they'd be doing and made sure I was comfortable and that all of my questions were answered. The surgery itself was so much easier than I had anticipated. I was awake for the entire time and was walking immediately after the surgery. Incredible!! I have my life back. read more

I went to the Bonati Spine Institute hoping to avoid fusion and treat cervical disc pain with a minimally invasive posterior approach. A posterior foraminotomy was recommended as a motion-preserving solution. The surgery was the wrong type for my type of herniation and my original issues were never resolved, and I later developed chronic posterior neck pain involving the muscles, facet region, and small sensory nerves behind the spine, particularly the dorsal ramus nerves, which are disrupted during posterior approaches and are not well visualized on MRI or X-ray. I also experienced a posterior cervical hematoma, which led to new neurologic symptoms affecting my previously unaffected arm. Years later, after multiple independent evaluations, it became clear that my original problem was an anterior cervical disc herniation, which is most definitively treated with ACDF fusion. I ultimately required ACDF elsewhere, which corrected the original disc pathology and alignment but because I had to been altered posteriorly from the Bonati procedure, it took 10 years to find a surgeon willing to perform the ACDF for they do not like to do surgery after another surgeons bad outcome. However, it's important to understand that while ACDF fixed the disc issue, it does not undo prior changes to posterior structures. Altered posterior muscles, facet anatomy, and dorsal ramus nerve sensitization from the earlier posterior surgery that disrupts these structures have resulted in ongoing unnecessary chronic pain. The long-term impact has been significant. Chronic posterior tethered nerve pain from altered lamina and facet joints, structural integrity changes, limited my ability to sit, walk any distance, maintain posture, and tolerate computer work, leading to loss of endurance with mousing and contributing to job instability. I feel the risk of long-term posterior pain from posterior element changes, the sensitivity and lack of visual imaging of posterior dorsal ramus nerve injury and scare tissue tethering and altered mechanic risks of this procedure was not fully explained. I also feel this procedure is recommended for all types of cervical spine pathology even when it is clear that the issue is an anterior problem. I strongly recommend seeking independent opinions and having detailed discussions about posterior nerve risks and long-term outcomes before proceeding. read more

I recently had spine surgery with Dr. Bonati. I was a little skeptical but I was afraid of the other spine surgeons because they like to fuse the back or install cages that take several months to recover. Dr. Bonati, and his team did 3 minor surgeries, while I was sedated yet still awake. After each surgery I got up and walked back to the car. The final results were more than I prayed for. One more thing. I had polio when I was a child which affected my right leg. For years I had to wear a brace to keep my foot from not lifting up. Dr. Bonati did another proceedure with a nerve, and now I can lift my foot and no longer need a brace. Thank God for Dr. Bonati and his staff. read more

I had lower back pain from the age of 7, so I was used to it. I have a high tolerance to pain, so I was just able to live with it. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I started going when needed, to my father-in-law, a chiropractor to get some relief. However, fast forward to 2019, when I happened to hear radio advertisements for The Bonati Spine Clinic in Las Vegas (which is where I live). I was less than 3 months from retirement, so I decided to find out more about the Bonati spine micro surgery process. I made an appointment and they arranged for an MRI. They reviewed the MRI with me, and confirmed that they could perform the surgery that would eliminate my stenosis (narrowing of the nerve passages between L4 & L5, Also between L5 and the sacrum) and correct my condition. I had two surgeries, two weeks apart. The day after the second surgery, I drove my car from Las Vegas, Nevada to Detroit, Michigan It's been 6 years plus, and at 72 years old, I'm still pain free, play racketball weekly with my 47 year old son. (I'm 6 ft tall and weigh 210 pounds.) The doctors and their staff were all excellent, and changed my life! read more

I had 2 surgeries in 2 days and everything went great. I had heard about Dr. Bonati almost 20 years ago, when some friends came for a visit from Florida to Ohio. They raved about the doctors and procedures they both had at the Bonati Spine Institude. I never forgot that and at 85 years old when I could not walk without serious pain , I called them and made the appointment. All this happened in August 2024. The recovery was no lifting over 5 pounds for 2 weeks. I am walking well and am still living on my own. thank you Dr. WOLFE. read more

While showing my son last July the dolphin kick in the local pool my back went into free fall pain to the point where I couldn't stand up straight. The next few months I, leaning to the right would walk to work in a lot of pain only a few yards, then would have to stop and rest. It was too painful to stand up straight. I could tell I wasn't getting better with time but worse so sent MRI to Dr Bonati who called shortly thereafter to say I was a candidate for surgery. After only the first surgery, I could stand up straight! Dr Wolf did a fantastic job of pre surgery explanation and post surgery followup. The other surgeries went well and although it took more than six weeks for total tissue healing since (6 weeks "per surgery", now really meant 18 weeks 3 surgery effects ) initial painful hamstrings where couldn't walk for than 5 minutes or bend over; now after 18 can bend over, stand up straight, walk 40 minutes &/or 2 miles and last long term symptom of slight inner right hip pain is very slowly dissipating to point that at 6 month mark ,it will be gone. read more

Free Consult. Send in MRI. Dr. Utig reviews & calls: "I believe we can help you". Make appt, Spend 4 hours of my life in this place doing pre-requisites/info on procedure. Finally meet with Dr. & he reviews my very same MRI: "You are not a candidate for this procedure, this is not a good fit". I AM BEING BILLED INSANELY for a visit that if they had actually been honest, done due diligence by reviewing the MRI appropriately, this waste of time and money would not have happened. This feels like a money grab for insurance & now out of pocket expenses. * I will say, Everyone at the facility was very nice. read more

While they have done a lot of good for several of my friends, they were not helpful and worsened my condition. Worse, they were untruthful on some things and once it became apparent that I was not going to be a success story, they ignored me and stop returning calls. I believe their success percentage is highly manipulated. read more

This place is absolutely top notch! From the first day the staff, Doctors have been superb! Some shout outs include , Dr Wolfe a great Doctor who informs you on the details, he is incredible at what he does. Elaine was helping out in pre op and was so wonderful she brings a smile and joy even when in pain. Teresa and -Dr Bob just to mention a few. But all the staff from front door to back door were amazing! Can't say enough good things about this place. Highly recommend! read more

Run from this place. The reason they have such good reviews is they pick and choose who they interview. If anything went wrong you can be assured they will not have you complete a satisfaction survey. They are also involved in insurance fraud. I was left worse than before I went. The man tried to perform a surgery on me that ater other normal physicians said was impossible. I guess that is why I was left a cripple. This facility should not remain open. Bonati continues to file bankruptcy to avoid paying his cases people have brought against him. The news shows the amount of cases but they don't show all of them. Don't risk your spine to these people. read more

BEWARE OF ANY CONTACT WITH BONATI SPINE INSTITUTE ANYWHERE!!! He has RUINED THE REST OF MY LIFE !!! He performed 8 Surgeries in 10 weeks One year ago , and there is NO reverse treatment for paralysis from my waist down . Dr Bonati has destroyed my back !! I can barely make it from day to day , and hooked on pain medication for the rest of my life as well . I'm on the hook for $119K on a widow's Salary. I can't work, and this hole nightmare has effected me and my family. Please do your back ground check on this meat market of a joke advertising 97% success rate . I'm totally DISGUSTED and totaly embarrassed he practices in the Great State of Florida!! read more

left me with permanent nerve damage! horrible with patient care and owns up to nothing

The Bonati Institute was a God send! Dr. Wolff was incredible as well as the entire staff. I cannot express the life changing difference it has made. read more

I had a terrible experience at Bonati Spine Institute....I had cervical surgery there in 2022 after a fall. I paid $20,000. for the one surgery that was supposedly going to be minimal invasive surgery. The morning of the surgery my husband went in with me when they got me prepared. The anesthesiologist hit a vein that bled all over me and he and the prep nurse got into a heated argument and my husband right then wanted me to get dressed and leave and I said no. How I wish I would have listened to him! I was rolled into the surgery room and I was in a light twilight. I only saw feet because I was on my stomach and I went out but I was still aware of what was going on. I felt Bonati hammering a pin in my bone and I heard myself crying "ow" over and over..then I went out again. I was awakened in the middle by Bonati's mad voice saying "is she sleeping"? It woke me up and I heard myself saying that no I am awake...and then I was out again. The next time I woke up a lady told me to get up and get my clothes on and I told her I couldn't pull myself up. She pulled me up to sitting up position and handed me my clothes. I was an absolute wreck, I was shaking and hurting and I didn't realize that I was traumatized. She wheeled me to my husband waiting for me by our car and he had to do everything to get me in the car and out of the car at the motel. He literally had to hold me up to walk into the hotel room and I was crying because the pain was unbearable. and I couldn't move me head or arm. He laid me down on the bed and I didn't move from about noon until the next morning he said we have to take you back still wearing the same clothes. Getting in the car was horrible and I was a mess. When we got to the Institute they took me into a room where a nurse was and one of the doctors. My husband was parking the car and they did not let him come in. The doctor asked the nurse to leave and she did. The doctor then began to tell me that he knew I had a terrible experience with the surgery and he tried to explain to me that Bonati doesn't like his patients to be completely out during surgery and that particular anesthesiologist is afraid of Bonati so he didn't know what to do. I really wanted to sue! This is 2 years since that awful decision and I am no better, I am worse...I have been to several physical therapies, living on medicine, cannot do anything physical, live with vertigo and my neck is always painful and I too have to work on keeping my spirits up. I still have trauma from that day..please do not go to him! I would not take my dog to him! read more

I just wanted to say that I was in so much pain I could not even walk. I went for an evaluation and in 1 week came into the center in pain, when I walked out. I felt like a new man again.no pain at all.was told that I need a fusion and I am too young for that. I would recommend Bonati Spine Institute, they saved my quality of life.you have no idea, nothing can describe. Thank you guys, the most professional and caring people in the field read more

My wife was suffering from severe pain in her knees and hip from an accident in June of 2019. She was in incredible pain to the point where she used a walker or a cane. She could not go for a drive. It hurt her to get in and out of the car. She could not stand in the kitchen. She could not vacuum without paying for it with excruciating pain. In essence, she was immobile. They examined an MRI and recommended two surgeries. The first surgery went well and eliminated the pain in the side of the knee as well as much of the hip pain. The second surgery was longer and wasn't as successful. She continued to be in pain. When they heard that, they immediately took an MRI and identified the locations where pain could still be occurring. She was then scheduled for a third surgery which was very painful but was ultimately successful. While she isn't totally pain free, the difference is amazing. She no longer uses the walker and will only occasionally use a cane. The communication and care which we experienced was top notch. After each surgery, we stayed overnight at a local hotel. A nurse called the evening of the surgery to address any problems. The next morning after the surgery, there was a follow-up visit with the nurse and doctor. We had gone to other places who told us that we had no hope, but these folks did an excellent job. read more

Why would 2 negative reviews be posted before my real experience review? I wrote this and it never appeared on this site except way below the negative. Since I had a true full experience following the recommended course of treatment, why is mine after them? . After seeing 2 ridiculous reviews here, The public deserves my input AS A PATIENT who went through the actual procedures my review should be the one that they need. Not false reviews & insinuations. TRUTH from a real patient. My name is Berardino Niro. I am 80 yrs old! I became a patient after suffering with back pain for years. I did not want to have the traditional invasive open back laminectomy (one with a metal fusion) that my wife had twice elsewhere up north. I hesitated seeking relief anywhere until my pain was so intense that I could hardly move. I was on vacation in Italy and that 6 week vacation was totally ruined my debilitating and agonizing back, leg, foot pain. I even tried seeing doctors in Italy since I really was feeling helpless and depressed. Nothing there worked for me. Upon returning, I decided to try the Bonati Procedures. I would need 3 procedures and I was so happy to begin them, knowing it would be a full course of treatments at three different levels. The experience was professional from the start. Everyone at the facility treated me as if I was their only patient. Dr. Bonati assured me that the 3 treatments would help me regain independence and once again enjoy daily activities without the horrendous pain I had been experiencing. He was wonderful and thorough in his total explanations of how he would proceed. I underwent the 3 separate procedures. During each procedure, I was semi-awake and conversed with Dr. Bonati and the attending physicians in the room. My interaction with them allowed me to point out exactly where the pain was.as Dr. Bonati targeted the pain and alleviated it right there. I was walking slowly at first and then after the 3rd, more quickly, Today, when I observe the small incision site, I cannot believe that the small incisions allowed Dr. Bonati access to so much of my pain. Also that he relieved it using instruments! I have 3 tiny incision points one above the other where his skilled hands and instruments did their miracles three times. UNBELIEVABLE! After only 2 months... Scars are hardly visible and I can swim and garden and mow the lawn, weed-wack , play my sax and violin. All of which I sadly had thought would be impossible. I thank Dr. Bonati, the wonderful anesthesiologists and staff. They are professional and yet warm and inviting.. compassionate. My only complaint is with myself that... I waited so long to have the Bonati Procedure. read more

You are not welcome at the Bonati Spine Institute if you are over 65 and have Medicare as you primary insurance. We ended up paying $22,000 for a procedure that left my wife in more pain than when we arrived. Now she is unable to travel and will spend the remainder of her life in pain 24 hours a day. We were told that if we would come back, it would take additional procedures that would end up costing $100,000. My wife is in excruciating pain and has difficulty just getting into a car much less a trip back to a bate and switch facility. He told us to buy an insurance that did not have Medicare as a primary which is impossible in the US if you are over 65. He may be a marvelous surgeon but he has abandoned his hypocritic oath to do no harm. It is evident that his primary goal is profit margins. I will gladly testify to the fact that he has caused the quality of my wife to be intolerable. I have a difficult time leaving her alone as she has said that she can no longer live with this pain. He also removed screws and rods from previous surgeries and now there are two unprotested rods with sharp edges left near her spine. DO NOT GO TO BONATI for anything but stay with a reputable Nero surgeon and a pain management facility. We are on a fixed income and cannot afford the cost of the initial procedure much less an addition $100,000. My wife does not deserve this to be like this the rest of her life. I am so sorry that I took her to that Institute. She will spend the remainder of her life fighting depression. Thank you very much Mr. Bonati. You are definitely not a doctor. read more

I requested a telehealth visit since I live 2 hours away but they insisted I come to the clinic. After driving 2 hours I waited 3 hours to be seen. I left feeling disappointed and disrespected, I will not go back and I would not suggest anyone go there. There equipment is old and outdated. They are more worried about reputation than patient care. read more

Thank you to Dr. Bonati and his staff. I had a herniated bulge that was pushing against a disc and I also had bone spurs. I could hardly walk. Thanks to Dr. Bonati and his team I am now able to walk pain free! I would highly recommend The Bonati Institute to anyone who suffers from these issues! read more

I had back surgery at Bonati 8 years ago. It was a terrible experience. The did 3 did procedure so many days apart with a steroid injection in between. The last procedure they did i was having lost of pain when I got back to the hotel room my husband saw I was developing a huge hematoma. I immeditately when back in one of his nurse started pressing hard on my hematoma to get blood out with out in pain control. It was terrible. My husband even got a spider bite in waiting room with his whole arm swelling up. They knew it and didnt offer to help or pay for it. Then at end they gave me another steriod injection so I would feel great for their fake video they do. I ended up having to have a fusion down tge road, which helped. I spent over 12,000 dollars for nothing but misery and no results. And glorified steriod injections you can anywhere. I spent 6,000 for my potion my insurance didnt pay plus all cost if flight fee and hotel for almost 2 weeks for nothing. Why am I just now writing this review is because I am sick of seeing their advertisements of TV like they are so great and all their fake reviews. read more

Dr Bonati should not be practicing in this state or any other state. His methods of treating peoples spine is disgraceful. He does repeated surgeries on you and opens you up over and over , sometimes in the same week. He treated me and left me unable to stand or walk and I had to go to Tampa General Hospital to find out that two of my vertebrae were destroyed by Dr Bonati and my spinal cord had been cut open in two places and I had lost a very dangerous amount of cerebral spinal fluid. It has taken two years and a REAL neurosurgeon with tons of hardwear and rehabilitation to get me out of a wheelchair and walking again. My life will never be the same all because I trusted the lies from one man .... Dr Bonati!!! And after reading kimberlys reply full of lies and deceit I am more convinced that Dr Bonati is running a horrible operation. I received several phone calls while in Tampa General from nurses and other staff wondering what was going on so they could cover their tracks. The dishonesty goes on forever. I refused to sue because taking money from Dr Bonati only buys my silence and I refuse to stay silent if I can stop just one person from the pain I had to endure it's worth it. read more

The people at Bonati were very knowledgeable, friendly and gave me all the information to help make a decision to have the procedure I needed. I have had good results and have since been able to perform my work duties and work around my home with no problems. read more

Dr. Bonati and his team, I cannot thank enough for giving me back my livelihood! I had an accident at the end of November, 2018 where I fell. I didn't realize I had bone spurs, but after my accident it became apparent. I couldn't perform activities of daily living, and had severe sciatic pain into my right leg which resulted in loss of right foot control. I was able to get scheduled for surgery right away over the Christmas holiday. My results were immediate! I was walking without pain the same day, enjoying the remainder of my holiday season. I was also back to work within a full week, with only an inch scar on my lower back. If you are experiencing issues with your back (spine), don't hold off getting it taken care of.....and make it happen with Bonati Institute. You can get back to normalcy, without an extended recovery time. I'm forever grateful! read more

I absolutely enjoyed my experience here, I was treated very kindly by every single staff member I met at this facility. The doctor was very quick to get me into the institute and I am very thankful for this as I am no longer in the pain that I was in when I walked in. I'm still recovering from my neck surgery and the only pain I feel as at the incision site itself. Thank you Dr. Bonati and team for putting me on this path to true recovery, I am very grateful for your work. read more

Fantastic experience from the very first phone call and all the way through. Very nice people . Cutting edge Technology and they make you feel like your family. Everyone was wonderful Got me in Right Away. Really took care of me . They really do care !! read more

Poor experience. After many communications was then to they are booked solid but was invited to go on a wAit list for Vegas facility. Really? I live in Tampa. Awful awful read more

I agreed to and received laser spine surgery at Bonati Spine in Las Vegas with Thomas Nowak, MD, PhD on 26 March, 2018. I wasn't intending to write a review because i was aware that not all outcomes are positive. It's like Las Vegas' business- it's a gamble. I did not receive any pain relief from the day of the surgery to this date, 11 June, 2018. Bonati Spine didn't know that I hadn't received favorable results because no one from the practice ever contacted me to determine my level of pain or satisfaction post surgery. That doesn't speak well for the business practices of this provider and Dr Nowak's unsuccessful attempt to help me means, among other things I suppose, that he either mis-diagnosed my spinal problem or mis-treated the problem with his laser technique. My take-away is that this whole business of "laser spinal surgery" is a really enormous gamble and one needs to look more carefully than I even though I performed diligence on three surgery practices. I get the impression that the only patients who achieved success from Bonati are to two chaps in the television commercial. read more

My mom had surgery with Dr. Bonati and she is doing great! She had a fusion due to a prior accident in her 20's and after many years of suffering due to the complications of the fusion she saw Dr. Bonati who not only addressed her old symptoms but also addressed the new ones she had developed from the fusion. I can't say how grateful we are to the Bonati Family! Thank you!! read more