The nation’s first two-level patient-specific spinal fusion.

Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery, including spinal tumors and deformities. He earned his medical degree at the University of Kentucky and completed his neurological surgery residency at the University of Chicago, serving as chief resident in his final year. He practices at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute.

No. Dr. Hobbs believes nonsurgical solutions should be explored first whenever appropriate, including physical therapy, injections, and pain management. Surgery is considered once conservative options have been exhausted or when a condition clearly requires it.

Yes. On September 28, 2026, Becker's Spine Review reported that Jonathan G. Hobbs, M.D. performed the nation's first two-level spinal fusion combining patient-specific aprevo TLIF cages with patient-specific UNiD rods, at Northwest Health – Porter in Valparaiso. Both implants were designed from the patient's own imaging and manufactured before surgery. He also performed the first robotic spine surgery in Northwest Indiana on September 14, 2026. Read about the case.

In an October 9, 2026 interview with Becker's Spine Review, Dr. Hobbs said patient-specific implants, so far used mostly in complex deformity surgery at academic centers, can benefit appropriately selected patients with degenerative conditions in community hospitals, and that cost, infrastructure, and reimbursement rather than the technology are the main barriers to access. He called the evidence early and largely industry-supported, favors measured adoption with rigorous follow-up, and sees implants matched to a patient's bone quality as the next frontier. Read the coverage.

As of October 9, 2026, Dr. Hobbs has 328 Google reviews across his 4 office listings, averaging 4.9 out of 5: Chesterton 5.0 (35 reviews), Portage 5.0 (125), Crown Point 4.9 (157), Michigan City 4.9 (11). Each office has its own Google listing, so any single listing shows only part of the total. He also has 496 verified patient ratings on rater8, 270 of them written reviews, averaging 5.0. His Birdeye profile (170 reviews, 4.9) mirrors the Crown Point Google listing rather than adding to the total. See the breakdown by office.

Dr. Hobbs diagnoses and treats the full range of spinal conditions, including herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and — as a specialty-trained neurosurgeon — spinal tumors and deformities.

Dr. Hobbs sees patients at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute offices in Crown Point and Chesterton. Crown Point: 500 E 109th Avenue, IN 46307. Chesterton: 601 Gateway Boulevard, IN 46304. Office details. Call (219) 250-5010 to confirm your appointment location.

Depending on the procedure, many patients can go home the day of surgery or the day after. While you are in the hospital, your care team remains in close contact with hospital staff. Following an uneventful overnight stay, you may be able to go home in the morning.

In the hospital, any medications you are already taking will be resumed (except blood thinners like Plavix, aspirin, or Coumadin, which are restarted later). Ice may be placed on your incision to reduce swelling. After discharge, patients are usually given a pain medication, muscle relaxant, and stool softener. The initial prescription should last at least two weeks until your first office visit.

Shower: typically about 2 days after surgery (hot tubs and baths are prohibited).
Driving: no driving for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on your surgery.
Strenuous activities: gradually resume with medical clearance. Walk with moderation once home and avoid heavy lifting and frequent bending.
Return to work: most patients return between two and six weeks. Always follow the specific instructions Dr. Hobbs gives you.

Watch for increased redness or drainage from the surgical site, increased pain at the surgical site, or fever. Although these are common signs, having any of them may not necessarily indicate an infection. If you have any concerns, please call the office at (219) 250-5010.

Sleep: you may sleep in any comfortable position. After cervical surgery, you may find it comfortable to sleep with your collar on, but it is not mandatory. For lumbar surgery, sleeping on your back or side is fine.
Dressing: the outer dressing may be removed when you get home, but steri-strips should remain in place. Ice is recommended on the incision site.
Diet: a balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamins supports recovery.

It is common for patients to experience some "rebound" in their symptoms or even some persistence of symptoms after surgery. However, these symptoms should gradually diminish. If you are concerned, please call the office at (219) 250-5010 so the appropriate action can be taken.