Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/leonel-hunt/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Spine and back · Patient experiences # Leonel Hunt, MD. *Spine and back reviews.* 15 five-star reviews for Dr. Leonel Hunt discuss spine and back care. Patients share stories of clear explanations and compassionate care. Read their words, learn what mattered to them, and bring the questions that matter to you to your next visit. Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here. [Hear from patients ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/leonel-hunt/#review-browser) [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [Read this page as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/leonel-hunt/index.md) ![Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/leonel-hunt.jpg) A person behind your care ## Get to know *Leonel Hunt.* Dr. Leonel Hunt is a nationally recognized, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with deep expertise in both adult and pediatric deformity, motion-preserving techniques, and minimally invasive spine surgery. From advanced cervical disc replacements to complex spinal cord injury protocols, Dr. Hunt has helped shape the evolution of modern spine care—especially in shifting major procedures to same-day, outpatient settings. He treats patients of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on helping older kids, young adults, and aging patients stay active longer. His philosophy is clear: care should be personal, precise, and focused on the whole patient—not just the scans. Whether it’s a small incision for a fast recovery or a complex reconstruction for a life-changing result, patients trust his skill, honesty, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for them. For more than a decade, Dr. Hunt served as Director of Spine Trauma at Cedars-Sinai. Today, no longer in that role, he continues to lead with empathy, innovation, and impact—one patient at a time. Outside the OR, he’s a self-described exercise enthusiast, foodie, globe-trotter, and podcast host. Adult & pediatric spinal deformity Cervical artificial disc replacement Lumbar artificial disc replacement Spinal fusion Microsurgery Minimally invasive techniques [Meet Leonel Hunt at Commons Clinic ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) ## Keep getting to know us. [All reviews for Leonel Hunt →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [Spine and back experiences across our team →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/) [Pain experiences reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/pain-symptoms/leonel-hunt/) [Compassion and bedside manner reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/compassion/leonel-hunt/) [Imaging and diagnosis conversations reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/imaging-diagnosis/leonel-hunt/) [Staff and office experience reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/staff/leonel-hunt/) [Listening and clear explanations reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/communication/leonel-hunt/) [Recovery and return to activity reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/recovery/leonel-hunt/) Bring what matters to you ## Your questions *belong in the conversation.* Choosing someone to talk to about your back or spine is personal. Read how patients describe their care and conversations, with each account connected to the clinician’s portrait, profile and original review source. - What would I like a spine clinician to understand about my day-to-day concerns? - Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about? In their own words ## Care feels personal. *So do these stories.* These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result. This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that mention spine and back. You can read every rating and written review on [the full clinician profile](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) . 15 written reviews Highest rated first · Newest within each rating > Dr.Leonel Hunt > I live in the Los Angeles area and was referred to Dr. Leonel Hunt by a local physician. I was referred for a very painful, complex, and difficult to diagnose cervical spine disorder. > Dr. Hunt was able to make the correct diagnosis, based on his physical examination, the meticulous history that he took, the imaging that he reviewed, as well as his extensive experience as an orthopedic surgeon . > He explained the reasoning behind his thinking, and explained how he came to the conclusion that he did. He answered all my questions fully. > The decision to proceed with immediate surgery was a collaborative decision between Dr. Hunt, myself and my spouse. > I had surgery the following day at Cedars-Sinai , with everything going uneventfully. Dr.Hunt > found a herniated disk , as he expected, which he removed. > My pain symptoms ,which had kept me out of work for 2 1/2 weeks ,markedly improved immediately after the surgery. Some diminished pain persisted postoperatively, however, > five months post surgery, my pain was completely gone. > I highly recommend Dr. Leonel Hunt. He is the best. > D. C. > Los Angeles D. C Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: 36 weeks ago [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116321206120760068543/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Best decision of my life to have Dr. Hunt do my back surgery. It has completely given me my life back. His professionalism and bed side manor is top tier. I am 99.9% pain free everyday and back to living life to its fullest. C. LANGFORD Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: 42 weeks ago [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112112638351702705072/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > We just saw Dr. Hunt for some cervical spine issues and was prepared to discuss surgical options. He was so kind, attentive, warm and patient with us, and full of thoughtful guidance. He quickly steered us away from surgery and advised us how to move forward with more Pilates and exercise. We can't thank him enough for his amazing demeanor and kindness. If we ever need a spine doc again, he'll absolutely be the very first we will visit. Well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive from the desert to see him in LA! C. Mazer Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: 52 weeks ago [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101162456196760270947/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > A rainmaker Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Hunt saved my life. I suffered from 30 years of debilitating back pain. Eight compression vertebrae fractures. Six surgeries. Dr. Hunt recommended a Kyphoplasty procedure. He set me up with Dr Marcel Maya, Interventional Radiologist. > > Also a rainmaker. Dr. Maya performed this breakthrough procedure. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An out patient procedure. He injected a targeted vertebrae with cement. I have been pain free since this procedure was done. 30 years of severe back pain and addiction to painkillers. I awoke pain-free. I was in a very dark place. All the credit goes to Dr. Hunt. He recommended this procedure and referred me to Dr. Maya and together, they performed a miracle. God bless them both! T. (THP) Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Nov 7, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114709896070600278138/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > I am 74 year old. For a long time I had severe pain in right hip and leg due to the pinching of the sciatic nerve between 4 and 5 vertebrae of the spine. Physiotherapy and multiple pain relief injections did not help me. On the advice of doctors Zalkinder and Kievsky I contacted with doctor Leonel Hunt for concultation. Doctor Hunt explained to me in great detail how the surgery would be performed to free the nerve from the pinching. On July 18th this year doctor Hunt did surgery of LUMBAR LAMINOTOMY/FORAMINOTOMY, after which pains in my right hip and leg disappeared. Now I can walk freely, do housework, I will be able to walk with my dog after full recovery and look to the future with optimism and hope.I thank doctor Leonel Hunt from my heart. I wish him success in his work and advise everyone who has problems with spine to contact him for help. I'm saying it again thank so much. V. Zavorotny Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Jul 27, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111875649142066528501/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > I had back surgery with dr hunt & he made my back worse, please be aware , I had to have my back redone three months later with good results!! > > Do not use him !! J. H Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Jun 10, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115043381901096839433/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > One-Star Review – Extremely Unprofessional Experience > > I am leaving this review again as my previous one was removed, but my experience with Dr. Hunt is valid and deserves to be shared. > > I saw Dr. Hunt in 2022 for severe spine pain. Unfortunately, he was dismissive and unprofessional, disregarding my concerns and attributing my pain solely to weight issues, recommending only physical therapy. More concerningly, I later discovered that he allegedly accessed and incorporated outdated, sensitive, and confidential records from past Cedars-Sinai visits into his notes without my consent. I had to contact Cedars multiple times to have this information removed from my after-visit summaries, as these notes are automatically populated for future visits with any provider once added. > > I would not recommend Dr. Hunt under any circumstances. His approach to my care was not only dismissive but also unethical. After seeking opinions from multiple specialists, I was properly diagnosed with a pars fracture that requires surgery—something physical therapy alone could never have addressed. > > If you are looking for a thorough, ethical, and competent physician, I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. His actions were inexcusable. I will continue to leave my review if it is removed again in the future as my experience is true and experienced by me. C. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Feb 8, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106814729464648319530/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Horrible bedside manner. Walked into the room smelling like he was about to go out clubbing and with an open button down shirt where you could see his chest and "gold bling". Never listened to my issues, never looked at my imaging with him. He said, "why do I need to look for something another Dr saw? I make my fortune on operations like yours and this is something I cannot help you with." Dismissive and a MAJOR God complex. Did not even wash his hands when he entered my room nor sanitized. > Fyi go to Beverly Hills Spine/DOCS on 3rd Street 8th Floor Dr Hill, Siddeque and the rest are far better choice in your health and spinal surgeries. J. Vincent Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 29, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113386511577196497369/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > It is not often that you will meet a Dr. who will remind you of the good old days in the South, where you had friends to laugh and banter around with; that was my experience with Dr. Leonel Hunt. > He not only understood the issue I was having with my back, he was honest and willing to help me get better and he also knew how to take a joke and to reply back with the same humor...Bravo Dr. Hunt!!! > I'm usually very nervous the day of surgery you know, because of the risks involved!!! Well this Dr. made me feel so comfortable with his friendly banter, that I completely forgot that I was scared, I trusted him completely with my life... Thank you is never enough but Thank You again Dr. Leonel Hunt for choosing to be my surgeon, for choosing to perform my surgery and for being the beautiful, friendly, down to earth person your parents raised you to be, you're a true jewel and anyone who if fortunate enough to have you as their back surgeon will have found themselves and precious gem. > > With Much Respect... The Best Patient You Ever Had!!!---Tressa T. Fields Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Jan 18, 2022 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114141335579483061957/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dr. Hunt and his office are terrific. I had had great pain and trouble walking any distance. He quickly diagnosed my problem, spinal stenosis, with a vertebrae pressing against my spinal cord. He was able to schedule surgery around my work and it was quick and the result was excellent.In and out the same day, and a speedy recovery. I could not be happier and recommend him to any friends in need. J. O'HARA Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Nov 13, 2021 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110140510137563744761/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dr Leonel Hunt is a nurturing caring but most of all an amazing surgeon. I have had two very serious operations one in which he helped save my life from a brain tumor and another spinal surgery to remove a spinal cord tumor which left me in the best of shape to go back to my regular lifestyle and running again J. Plummer Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Feb 16, 2021 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100017974364182267999/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dr. Leonel corrected a very painful neck surgery that almost left me paralyzed. He was also able to discern that I was traumatized and needed help with this and made my primary aware of it. He is a very talented and highly professional and qualified surgeon. Especially using technology to explain MRIs, scans, and x-rays in consultation with a patient. He's very understanding with authorizing time off of work and helping with disability benefits. He's very cautious and warns you sternly about postoperative care. I really like the way he dresses and his style because after all he is a Beverly Hills doctor. His staff and office environment is very calming and organized. I highly recommend this doctor and Cedars Sinai Hospital. J. W Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Sep 9, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117837026194174179995/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > - Visited Dr Hunt for 2nd opinion after another ( top, top rated spine doctor) recommended surgery for a herniated disc L3-L4. > - Dr. Hunt reviewed the MRI and examined me and told me there was nothing wrong with my disc. The pain I was having was from my Sacroiliac joint and PT was all I needed. No surgery. > - I'm writing this review 3 months after finishing PT; my pain issue has been successfully addressed. > ** When I visited Dr.Hunt he took the time and explained very carefully what exactly was going on with me and answered all of my questions. He is a very confident and competent doctor. He is my guy going forward. P. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Jan 6, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110725624379560948575/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > A pure Golden Genius.> Dr. Leonel Hunt's background alone speaks for himself. If anyone! believes this doctor is not one of the most " Thoughtful, Brilliant, Dedicated" Orthopedic Spine Surgeon's across America, then they should look at his achievements, his hard-work, and long-suffering that he put into his career, and his patients. > I alone, appreciate the time and effort he put into my back surgery. He's a caring doctor too. I was able to call him between 1:00am to 4:00am if I had a concern about my back once I returned home. He did not reject one call. Dr. Hunt knew I was very scared; but, he assured me that everything would be ok being that this was my second (Lumber S1-L5 Discectomy) that didn't go so well the first time, at another location. I knew that God had blessed Dr. L Hunt with wisdom and a good heart. > > After looking at a few of your reviews, I thought I'd needed to validate who you are. > > Well done! Dr. L Hunt...….. > T.Q. T. coder Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Sep 9, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102928525982946980763/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dear Dr. Hunt, I want to thank you so much for making me enjoy life again. My hip was hurting so much when I came to see you I could hardly stand for any length of time. You diagnosed the problem, It was coming from my spine. You said > one of my discs was wearing out and was on an angle that was pinching a nerve . > I have been completly free of pain since the Surgery. > Thankfully, H. Ader. Los Angeles, Ca. H. Ader Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: Apr 27, 2014 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107225544038378498902/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD A little more understanding ## Feel ready for *your next conversation.* Spine ### [8 things to compare before choosing a spine surgeon](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-spine-surgeon/) Build your shortlist around your condition, the explanation you receive, and the care you will need. These eight comparisons can help you turn a broad search into a useful consultation. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-spine-surgeon/) ## Complete review collection [Read all 15 written reviews in this collection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/leonel-hunt/all.md) ## Review pages in Markdown Previous: This is the first review page. Next: This is the last review page. - [Page 1](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/leonel-hunt/index.md) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.