Ricardo B. V. Fontes, MD, PhD

My husband has had six spine surgeries beginning in 2014, almost every two years, until he finally saw Dr. Fontes in 2019. Meeting Dr. Fontes changed everything for us. He is truly an exceptional neurosurgeon. He takes his time with you, explains every detail thoroughly, and makes sure you understand what’s happening and why. His bedside manner is outstanding — calm, patient, and genuinely compassionate. For the first time in years, we felt heard and confident in the care my husband was receiving. After years of difficult surgeries and setbacks, Dr. Fontes gave my husband hope and stability again. I believe he is the best, and we are incredibly grateful for the care he provided.

Excellent communicator. Explained the upcoming procedure in terms my sister and I could easily understand. Did not rush into surgery although my sister was in pain. He wanted to be sure she could have the best outcome by allowing her bones to be strengthened.

Excellent

I started having spinal issues in my early 30's. Partly due to heredity but also due to my participation in strenuous sports activities and my manual labor. As the years passed my back and leg pain continued to worsen. I started to experience severe sciatic pain in my legs and back spasms that at times sent me to the floor. Even so, I felt I could tough it out as I became a senior. I'd never had a major surgery and didn't want one. Finally, last year at age 69, I had to concede I had a problem. My right foot started to droop and I would trip over it at times when I walked. Dr. Fontes was recommended to me immediately upon my query for a spinal surgeon to my wife's neurologist, Dr. Armita Bijari. She said there was none better in Chicago. At this point I had no use of my right foot. Her referral got me to see Dr. Fontes in short order. After multiple CT's, MRI's, you name it, I got the diagnosis. No options but surgery. My stenosis, arthritis, deteriorated discs, etc.… meant I'd better have something done pretty soon! 8 1/2 hours on my face in surgery and I was up standing, wobbly, the next day but...ABSOLUTELY NO sciatic or leg pain of any kind! I was out after 4 days in the hospital walking with a cane, but walking! I was able to climb 18 stairs (carefully using railings) from the first floor of my house to the second (where our only bathroom is located!). I had 36 sessions of PT even though the therapists themselves were shocked how well this old man was getting around! Finally, they kicked me out saying they couldn't help me anymore. At this point it's been since my surgery, Jan. 5, 2018 to now, Oct. 12 and I am still progressing. I would say I have 75-80% use of my right foot now with no problems whatsoever with pain. My surgery entailed fusion on both sides of my spine from my pelvis to about 8 or so inches of my cervical spine, 62 staples in all. So. If you want a recommendation for the man to see if you have a spinal condition of any kind, there's only one, Dr. Ricardo Fontes. I've already pointed several people in his direction. The best!

Very patient and understanding. Spent a lot of time with me explaining my options. Very kind.