What customers say about The Bonati Spine Institute
Recent reviews
Scott Heidbuurt2026.10.15
After discovering very limited options in Canada for my spinal compression issues, we decided, with the help of a supportive community, to look to The Bonati Spine Institute for help. After speaking with Dr Bonati and then travelling to Florida, I had a fantastic experience with Dr Bonati and his team, having decompression procedures on 5 areas of my lumbar spine, and went from being unable to stand or walk at all for 2 years, to now being able to stand and walk with a walker, and can get to places I previously could not. Still in the healing process post-op after three months, I am gainlng strength every day. The team was very professional and efficient , the procedure was comfortable, and the Bonati protocol led to minimal scarring and life changing results. Thank you, Doctor Bonati and the whole team at the Bonati Spine Institute, for your wisdom and compassion.
Dr. Bonati both knows his field and has a great patient manner. Came across to me as he really cares about my health and results. He cleaned up three discs. Immediate relief from the pain i experienced. i highly recommend to take "have someone with you" seriously. one disc per day over three days. needed help in the evening post surgery although overall recovery time was much faster than i expected.
Dr. Bonati and his team provided an outstanding experience from start to finish. Dr. Bonati took the time to thoroughly explain my condition, answer all of my questions, and discuss my treatment options in a way that made me feel comfortable and confident. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine concern for his patients is very clear.
The office staff was friendly, organized, and attentive, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I am grateful for the care I received and would highly recommend Dr. Bonati to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate spine specialist.
Absolute life-changer – Dr. Bonati and the Bonati Spine Institute saved my military career
I was active duty and my back had deteriorated to the point that medical discharge was being seriously discussed. Every other doctor I saw pushed the same options: open the back up or install hardware. None of that sat right with me. It just didn’t feel true in my spirit.
Then I met Dr. Bonati. He calmly explained his procedure — the one he pioneered — and for the first time something actually made sense. No major cutting, no hardware, no general anesthesia. I was awake the entire time, able to communicate with the team. When it was over, I stood up and walked out of the office essentially pain-free.
Three weeks later I was working out and running again. That procedure didn’t just fix my back — it allowed me to finish what I started. I went on to complete a full 28 years of service instead of being forced out early.
If you’re a service member, veteran, or anyone who’s been told the only answer is major open surgery or rods and screws, do yourself a favor and talk to Dr. Bonati first. He and his team at the Bonati Spine Institute gave me my career, my mobility, and my life back. Highest possible recommendation.
I give Dr. bonati a full 10 out of ten for 2 different procedures! I had one almost 20 yrs ago and another about 8 years ago. I need one last procedure soon. I am going to be 90 soon and without his help I would not be walking still. Each one helped me very much. Dr Bonati was honest and did exactly what he said he would do. I thank him and staff and look forward to get some relief again at a different level. I have had some unrelated health issues but his care has giving me my active life back many times!
A year ago in the March/April time frame of 2021 I had 3 procedures on my right lumbar region resulting in outstanding results. In January of 2022 I started experiencing additional problems which manifested in the left side of my lumbar region resulting in 3 additional procedures the last occurred 4 weeks ago in June of 2022. School is still out as to the results as instead of getting better I seem to be getting worse. Presently I’m in the process of an additional MRI to determine if additional surgery’s are required. That being said, I have the utmost confidence in the Bonati procedures to finding the solution to my well being.
It is now August of 2026 and I now am free of the pain I suffered 5 years ago and able to walk without an aid of any kind. My balance is good and I'm able to do chores around the household as needed. Five years ago I felt my life was over but after my procedures I'm proud to say that I have no metal in my back, travel and sleep comfortable and function like a normal human being at the age of 92. Thanks to the Binoti Spine Institute and their Staff
I am a nurse with more than a decade of experience in bedside nursing at a large hospital, caring for patients on a post neurosurgical spine unit. Throughout my nursing career, I have seen countless patients before and after major spine and neurological procedures.
Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time touring the Bonati Spine Institute, and what I witnessed was nothing short of amazing.
I witnessed patients arrive for their Bonati procedures in wheelchairs, in debilitating pain and struggling with basic activities of daily living. These were people whose quality of life had clearly been deeply affected by their conditions. Then I saw those same patients after their procedures, up and walking, moving in ways they could not before and overwhelmed with emotion by the changes they were experiencing. I watched patients and their families cry tears of joy while sharing their stories and talking about getting pieces of their lives back.
As a nurse, this was incredibly powerful to witness. I spent years caring for post neurosurgical patients in a hospital setting, and I can genuinely say I have never seen anything quite like what I witnessed at the Bonati Spine Institute.
Beyond the procedures themselves, I was equally impressed by the staff and the way patients are treated. There is an incredible amount of attention, compassion and professionalism throughout the facility. You can see how deeply invested the doctors, nurses and staff are in the people they care for.
While talking with Eileen, the institute’s nurse practitioner, about some of the patients and their success stories, I felt like she was talking about family members, not patients. That really stayed with me. No one seemed like a number or simply a treatment plan. The team looks at each patient as a whole person, and you can see how much it means to them when someone gets their quality of life back.
I want to be clear that I am not writing this review as a patient. I am writing it as a nurse who had the wonderful opportunity to walk through this facility, witness the Bonati Spine Institute firsthand, observe the staff and patients, and see these results with my own eyes.
My years in nursing have given me a unique perspective on what I was seeing, and I left genuinely amazed by the experience. After more than a decade in bedside nursing, it takes a lot to leave me speechless. What I witnessed at the Bonati Spine Institute did exactly that.
My wife would have gone crazy with pain if it wasn’t for Dr. Bonati , from the Bonati Spine Institute’s caring and staff’s professionalism using their expert knowledge and precise procedures at Hudson, FL. Dr. Bonati will have you pain free and walking all in the same day .
The Bonati Spine Institute is a godsend for those with back pain. My wife was so relieved of her cervical neck pain, it was like night and day.
Recommend those with back issues contact Dr.Bonati. The Bonati Spine Institute will get you
“back” in the game .They are simply , the best in the biz.
Thank you so much Dr Bonati for getting my husband walking after the first surgery!!! I can only imagine how great it will be after the next three.
I am very grateful
I am blown away by the results I have seen first-hand. The surgical team at the Bonati Spine Institute does amazing work. I have seen patients come in to the clinic using a wheelchair or walker and leave walking on their own the same day, pain-free. Their procedure is truly remarkable!
This medical facility was very professional and Dr. Bonati was unbelievably understanding and kind.
He has performed 2 procedures on me over 8 years time. Both times he explained what was needed and relieved my pain. I had been told by another so called spine surgeon that I needed a fusion and Dr. Bonati told me how he could help me without all the metal and he did it! He has allowed me to live an active life without the hideous pain I had suffered. I have referred several patients and they have all thanked me for doing so! Thank you, Dr. Bonati.
I rarely leave negative reviews, but after more than two years of living with the consequences of my experience, I feel obligated to share my story so others can make informed decisions.
Before choosing any spine surgeon or spine institute, I strongly encourage you to obtain multiple opinions from qualified specialists and thoroughly research all available treatment options. I wish I had done more of that before proceeding.
Over two years ago, I underwent spine surgery at the Bonati Institute. Following that surgery, I experienced a spinal cord stroke that ultimately left me permanently disabled and significantly impaired my ability to walk. The physical, emotional, and financial impact on my life has been profound.
What has been equally disappointing to me has been the lack of meaningful follow-up and communication. I have attempted to address my concerns professionally and privately. My goal was never to attack anyone publicly. I simply wanted a respectful conversation, an opportunity to be heard, and a discussion about what happened, what could be learned from my case, and whether any form of resolution was possible.
It is important for readers to understand that this review was not my first choice. Before posting publicly, I made multiple attempts to communicate directly with the Bonati Institute and its representatives in a respectful and professional manner. My goal was to discuss my concerns privately, understand what happened, and explore whether any form of resolution or meaningful dialogue was possible.
To date, I have not been offered that opportunity. As a result, I am left with the impression that the Institute would rather have these issues discussed in a public forum than engage in a direct and professional conversation with a former patient who has experienced life-altering consequences. Had meaningful communication occurred, this review may never have been necessary.
Another concern prospective patients should carefully research is the institution's bankruptcy history and the potential impact it may have on patients seeking accountability. In my own experience, I have consulted with multiple medical malpractice attorneys regarding my case. Several attorneys expressed reluctance to pursue litigation involving the Bonati Institute because of concerns related to prior bankruptcy proceedings and the challenges those proceedings can create for injured patients seeking legal remedies.
I am not an attorney, and I encourage anyone considering treatment to conduct their own research and seek independent legal advice regarding these matters. However, had I understood these issues beforehand, they would have been an important factor in my decision-making process.
It is my personal belief, based on information I have received since my surgery and opinions I have sought afterward, that different treatment decisions should have been considered in my case. Knowing what I know today, I would have sought additional opinions before moving forward with surgery.
I encourage anyone considering spine surgery to become their own advocate. Ask questions. Seek second and third opinions. Understand every available option. Research the surgeon, the institution, their outcomes, and their history. Your spine is too important to place in anyone's hands without doing extensive due diligence.
The purpose of this review is not retaliation. It is to share my experience and to provide information I wish I had known before making one of the most important medical decisions of my life.
I sincerely hope my experience helps others make informed decisions about their healthcare.
— Jim Kleiser
We understand that you are involved in pre-litigation mediation in Washington State in which you assert claims against Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center and four of its hospitalists and therapists and in which you also assert claims against a radiologist asserting that their treatment of you caused injuries to you in 2024. Thus, we are shocked and dismayed at your malicious review regarding treatment at our facility in 2023. According to your own May 20, 2026 pre-litigation mediation report authored by your lawyer (in which we assume you were being truthful), “Before January 2024, Mr. Kleiser lived an active and highly independent life as a successful business owner who traveled, boated, scuba dived, and worked physically.” What happened in 2024 is totally unknown by us. Our treatment of you ended in 2023 , and we have no record that you ever called or notified us to discuss any situation before seeking out additional care. The surgeon who treated you is no longer at Bonati Spine Institute.
It is our policy to review and correct any type of dissatisfaction or complication but three years have passed since you were a patient here.
Khalil Abboud2025.11.12
Forgotten but Heartfelt Appreciation for Dr. Bonati
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Alfred Bonati, head of the Bonati Spine Institute in Hudson, Florida. Though long overdue, I haven’t forgotten the honesty, professionalism, and clarity he demonstrated when reviewing my neck MRI results.
Dr. Bonati’s straightforward and caring approach left a lasting impression on me. In a field where trust and integrity mean everything, his commitment to providing accurate diagnoses and honest guidance truly stands out. I remain grateful for his expertise and genuine concern for his patients’ well-being.
With appreciation and respect,
Khalil Abboud
They helped me with my terrible neck and back pain that also affected my arms and legs post a MVA. The pain was unimaginable especially if I wasn’t on serious pain medication or receiving nerve blocks. I could barely hold my neck in a position to look forward or to look people in the eye depending on the location they were in related to my position. I couldn’t sit down and get through a days work. It was difficult for me to get to the restroom on time, many simple task of life simple things weren’t easy for me such as getting in and out of a shower that had a tub designed into it. Now I can hold my neck better and look at people better due to my surgeries here. My confidence is better than it was. I’m able to stand up straight without any involuntary pull down and crook in my back that I was dealing with prior. It get like someone had pliers gripped in my neck and spine as were twisting them and as if an elephant was stand on top of it. No post surgeries I can stay up longer, walk better, walk longer. It was extremely difficult prior and I was so depressed and scared to be alone. Nobody else would care or help at other facilities. They wanted to get straight to pain management such as electrical stimulation and RFA without just addressing the main issues. I’m not perfect and still deal with some issues and pain but I’m much better than I was. I can manage work better now but still can’t go onsite for a long period or stand up very long, but I can manage a shower easier and I can easily make it to the restroom. I can send better to cook a meal. I still need the support of a cane but the before and after were worth it. My medical records had innocent information a d they refused to update it and violated my HIPPA rights with regard to that. Then after manipulating everything and failure to respond I was told that person left the company. So basically a nurse put false notes and spoke on behalf of the doctor which was wrong from the start and the billing person kept giving me the run around and getting involved when she wasn’t supposed to. She gave me contact information to a attorney she claimed could help that never got a response. Then when they were closed temporarily or indefinitely she tried to absolve herself after interfering for so long by saying its not her area when she made it her area voluntarily. So for that reason the three stars because one surgery wasn’t completed timely nor did my records get updated appropriately after countless attempts. Or they could at least add my statement which is the law.
Beware, Dr Bonati may talk like he is concerned although all he is interested in is MORE money. I'm not one to give a bad review unless they practice bad business methods.
After being convinced by Dr Bonati that they "his team" can take care of my pain I had 2 surgeries the week of May 5th 2025. July 16th I get a call from Dr Bonati asking how I'm doing. I said I feel no different with additional pain in another area that I didn't have before. He admitted that the Dr that preformed my surgery didn't do it that way he had taught him & he was fired. He said he can fix it correctly & wanted me to come back. I'll try something once but if I don't get results I'm not one to pay money to try it again. When I told Dr Bonati that I would consider his offer that he could fix what Dr Wolf didn't although I'm not paying additional fees he said he can't do that. He wasn't too interested in continuing a conversation discussing this further. Sorry, that method doesn't work in my profession & won't work in other professions. My recommendation would be if you are considering this procedure with Dr Bonati "Which I wouldn't recommend" you are taking a risk. Bad business methods of degrading "his team" by Dr Bonati. My recommendation would be, don't waste time or money with this institution. I would be willing to discuss this with anyone.
7 failed back surgeries from L1 to S1. Initial 4 failed surgeries done by Dr Wolf . Next 3 failed surgeries done by Dr Bonati with his helper. Over $500,000 plus out of pocket over $50,000. Last time I spoke with Dr Bonati he blamed Dr Wolf. Received post Bonati second opinions that contradict Bonati. I was optimistic Bonati could help me but it was a waste of time and money. I still have same pain and symptoms. VERY DISAPPOINTED
I've had two back surgeries at the Bonati Spine Institute in Tampa, FL this year; March and May. Both were for pain in my legs from a bulging disc as a result of a fall. First was for disc L3/L4 and the second was for L4/L5. Both on the left side of my spine, addressing pain in my left leg.
The experience was absolutely amazing as I walked in with pain and walked out, about 90 minutes later (each time) with it gone. Each disc affected a different area in my leg and combined, the two surgeries addressed my left leg pain completely.
I was in and out of a twilight state of consciousness but felt no pain. Their staff are amazing, caring people and I just can't say enough about how the experience has improved my quality of life. The surgeries barely left a mark on my back (see photo) about an inch long. I'm praying and looking forward to two more surgeries on the opposite side, to free me from the pain in my right leg. I thank God for Dr. Wolfe and for the Bonati Spine Institute.
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