Back or leg symptoms?
Understand your options.
Review your lower-back symptoms, imaging and prior treatment to understand whether nonsurgical care, decompression, TLIF or another treatment fits your diagnosis.
Request a Lumbar Evaluation (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A careful review before a surgical decision.
A lumbar evaluation considers your symptoms, imaging and previous treatment before discussing surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, options may include nonsurgical care, decompression or a fusion approach.
Bring your imaging
Bring available lumbar MRI or CT images, reports and prior operative records.
Discuss the alternatives
Review previous care, nonsurgical options, expected benefits, limitations and risks.
Choose the appropriate next step
Surgery is discussed when symptoms, examination and imaging support it. No outcome is guaranteed.
Experience & careful judgment
Meet Dr. Cornacchia.
Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS
A board-certified neurosurgeon with 30 years of spinal cord stimulation experience.
More about Dr. Cornacchia’s experience and SCS device decisions
Spinal cord stimulation experience
Experienced neurosurgical judgment before device decisions.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device decision, but it is also a diagnosis decision. Apteum’s evaluation is designed to clarify whether SCS is reasonable, whether another spine problem needs attention, and what goals should define success for you.
He works with a community of experienced pain-management doctors and with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and other manufacturers.
Manufacturer relationships do not imply endorsement of a specific device for every patient. Brand and system selection should be based on clinical need, anatomy, MRI considerations, programming goals, prior device history, and shared decision-making.
Additional systems as clinically appropriateYour evaluation reviews your lower-back condition and helps you understand whether TLIF, a robotic-assisted approach or another treatment is appropriate. Booking a visit does not commit you to surgery.
Your evaluation focuses on your diagnosis, prior care and goals. Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before choosing your next step. An evaluation is not a commitment to surgery or an implant.
Read Dr. Cornacchia’s training and experience →How spinal cord stimulation works
Watch this explanation created by Dr. Cornacchia. Spinal cord stimulation is one option for selected patients after evaluation; it is not appropriate for every cause of pain and does not replace the discussion of the treatment on this page.
Lumbar Surgery
TLIF & Robotic TLIF Evaluation
Robotic-assisted precision. Surgeon-led care.
Considering lumbar fusion? Review your symptoms, imaging, and treatment options.
Your Evaluation at Apteum Spine
Meet with Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS, a board-certified neurosurgeon, to discuss whether TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion), a robotic-assisted approach, or another treatment fits your lower-back condition. Your evaluation considers your symptoms, imaging, and prior treatment. Request an evaluation to understand your options; booking a visit does not commit you to surgery.
What We Offer
Dr. Cornacchia’s Experience
All Services
Need Help?
Request a lumbar evaluation. Bring available MRI or CT images, reports, and a list of treatments you have tried.
Lumbar (Lower Back) Spine Surgery
The lumbar spine bears much of the body’s weight and is a frequent source of back and leg pain. When a lower-back condition causes persistent pain, sciatica, or nerve compression that hasn’t improved with conservative care, lumbar spine surgery can relieve pressure and restore stability. At Apteum Spine, surgery is recommended only when truly necessary, with a strong preference for minimally invasive techniques.
Conditions Treated
• Lumbar herniated disc and sciatica
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis and instability
• Degenerative disc disease
Understanding TLIF and Your Options
TLIF: A lumbar fusion approach that removes a damaged disc through the back and supports fusion between adjacent vertebrae.
How robotic precision works: In suitable instrumented spine procedures, three-dimensional imaging and computer navigation help plan screw trajectories. A robotic arm can guide instruments along those planned paths to support precise placement. The surgeon remains in control and checks navigation accuracy throughout the procedure. This supports technical precision; it does not guarantee pain relief or eliminate surgical risks. Learn more about robotic guidance.
Is a robotic-assisted approach right for me? Ask whether robotic assistance is appropriate for your anatomy and surgical plan. It is not necessary for every patient.
Other options: Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include nonsurgical care, decompression, or a different fusion approach. Discuss expected benefits, risks, and recovery before deciding.
Request a TLIF / robotic TLIF evaluation (Form) or call (609) 831-0998.
When to Seek Care
See a specialist for leg pain or weakness, numbness, or back pain that persists beyond a few weeks. Seek emergency care for sudden severe weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need a fusion?
Not always. Many lumbar conditions are treated with decompression alone; fusion is added only when there is instability.
How soon can I return to activity?
Recovery varies by procedure; minimally invasive surgery often allows a quicker return. We’ll outline a plan for your case.
Physician: Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS — board-certified neurosurgeon. Content updated: October 12, 2026. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call (609) 831-0998 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Review your lower-back treatment options.
Request an evaluation to review your symptoms, imaging, goals and prior treatment history.
The team will contact you to discuss your request. No outcome is guaranteed.