CemLIF™
Traditional lumbar fusion requires permanent rods and screws. CemLIF™ — invented and patented by Dr. Mark Frenkel — achieves the same goal through an entirely different approach: spinal fusion without the traditional hardware construct. Available exclusively at Dr. Frenkel’s practice in Naples, Florida.
Inventor of CemLIF™
Neuroscience and Spine Associates · Naples, FL
What Is CemLIF™ — And Why Does It Matter?
Lumbar fusion has been performed the same way for decades: bilateral pedicle screws and connecting rods. CemLIF™ is a genuinely different approach — one that Dr. Frenkel invented, patented, and performs exclusively at his Naples, Florida practice.
A Paradigm Shift in How the Spine Is Fused
Traditional lumbar fusion — whether TLIF, ALIF, PLIF, or LLIF — follows the same fundamental construct: a cage or graft fills the disc space, and bilateral pedicle screws with connecting rods are placed on both sides of the spine to provide rigid fixation during healing. This technique requires significant dissection of the back muscles to place the screws, leaves permanent metal hardware in the spine, and carries the associated risks of hardware-related complications.
CemLIF™ achieves spinal fusion and stabilization without the rods and pedicle screw construct. Instead of bilateral posterior instrumentation, CemLIF™ uses an alternative fixation approach that eliminates the need for the traditional hardware — while still achieving the goal of spinal fusion and stability.
This is not a minor refinement — it is a fundamentally different approach to the same surgical problem. Dr. Frenkel holds patents pending on CemLIF™ and its associated techniques and instruments. No other surgeon in the world performs CemLIF™.
Featured on WINK News: Dr. Frenkel’s CemLIF™ innovation was featured by WINK News as a breakthrough in spinal surgery technique — highlighting the potential benefits for patients who need lumbar fusion but want to minimize traditional hardware. Learn more at cemlif.com
Both techniques achieve the same goal: spinal fusion and stabilization. The difference is in the approach and hardware construct. CemLIF™ candidacy is determined on an individualized basis — not all patients requiring fusion are CemLIF™ candidates.
Who Is — and Who Is Not — a CemLIF™ Candidate
CemLIF™ is not appropriate for every patient requiring lumbar fusion. Dr. Frenkel determines candidacy on a thoroughly individualized basis at every consultation.
Typical CemLIF™ Candidates May Include
- One or two level lumbar instability (spondylolisthesis) requiring fusion
- Lumbar spinal stenosis with associated segmental instability
- Degenerative disc disease requiring fusion at one or two levels
- Patients with adequate bone density for the alternative fixation approach
- Patients preferring to minimize posterior hardware
- Appropriate anatomy for the CemLIF™ technique as assessed on imaging
- Patients willing to travel to Naples, Florida for this exclusive procedure
When Traditional Fusion May Be More Appropriate
- Multi-level deformity requiring long-segment instrumentation
- Significant osteoporosis where alternative fixation is insufficient
- Complex spinal reconstruction with significant instability
- Revision cases with prior hardware that complicates anatomy
- Anatomy not amenable to the CemLIF™ technique on imaging assessment
- Cases requiring supplemental posterior fixation for biomechanical reasons
Dr. Frenkel performs traditional lumbar fusion techniques for cases not appropriate for CemLIF™. The goal is the right procedure for each patient — not CemLIF™ for every patient.
CemLIF™ in Context — Innovation Within Rigorous Training
The Training That Made This Innovation Possible
Dr. Frenkel trained at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic), graduating with Honors and Distinction in Research — where his research on anterior cervical surgery was performed at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. His 7-year neurosurgery residency at Wake Forest University under Dr. Charles Branch, a pioneer in spinal surgery, provided the deep technical foundation for surgical innovation. He was appointed Chief Resident for two consecutive years — a distinction held by very few surgeons — and achieved one of the highest Neurosurgery Board scores in the country.
CemLIF™ did not emerge from a moment of inspiration — it emerged from thousands of hours of surgical training, deep understanding of spinal biomechanics, and a commitment to improving on the established standard of care.
How CemLIF™ Fits Within the Full Fusion Spectrum
Dr. Frenkel performs the complete spectrum of lumbar fusion techniques — ALIF, TLIF, LLIF/XLIF, PLIF, and traditional posterior instrumented fusion — for patients whose anatomy and clinical situation calls for them. CemLIF™ is an additional technique available for appropriately selected patients, not a replacement for all other fusion approaches. The goal is always the right procedure for each patient’s specific anatomy and clinical needs.
When a patient is evaluated for lumbar fusion, Dr. Frenkel reviews the complete imaging, bone density, level of disease, degree of instability, and patient goals — and recommends whichever fusion approach produces the optimal outcome for that patient. Some of those patients will be CemLIF™ candidates; others will be better served by traditional instrumented fusion. Both outcomes are excellent — they simply use different constructs.
Multiple Patents Pending — A Pipeline of Innovation
CemLIF™ is one of several innovations in Dr. Frenkel’s patent pipeline. He holds multiple patents pending for new spinal surgery techniques, implants, and minimally invasive retractors. He was also the first surgeon in the world to develop and use augmented reality intraoperative navigation for spinal surgery. Dr. Frenkel is regularly consulted by medical device companies for the development of next-generation surgical instruments — a recognition of his status as a thought leader in surgical innovation as well as clinical excellence.
WINK News Coverage: Dr. Frenkel’s CemLIF™ technique was featured by WINK News in a segment highlighting the breakthrough in hardware-minimizing lumbar fusion. This media recognition reflects the clinical significance of CemLIF™ as a genuine advance in spinal surgery technique — not an incremental modification of existing approaches.
- Lumbar Spondylolisthesis (Vertebral Slippage)
- Lumbar Stenosis + Instability
- Degenerative Disc Disease Requiring Fusion
- Disc Herniation with Associated Instability
- One or Two Level Lumbar Fusion Candidates
- ALIF — Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- TLIF — Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- LLIF / XLIF — Lateral Approaches
- PLIF — Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- Traditional Posterior Instrumented Fusion
- Robotic-Assisted Spinal Fusion
The dedicated CemLIF™ website provides additional clinical detail, innovation background, and media coverage. Visit cemlif.com or schedule a consultation with Dr. Frenkel to discuss your candidacy.
Schedule a ConsultationThe Inventor, the Surgeon, the Standard of Care
The Only Surgeon in the World Who Performs CemLIF™
CemLIF™ is available exclusively at Dr. Frenkel’s practice in Naples, Florida. No other surgeon — anywhere in the world — performs this patented technique. If CemLIF™ is the procedure you are seeking, Dr. Frenkel is the only option. Period.
Academic Credentials Behind the Innovation
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland Clinic-affiliated) — Honors, Distinction in Research. Wake Forest University 7-year residency. Chief Resident twice. One of the highest Neurosurgery Board scores in the country. 2018 CNS SANS Challenge Winner. CemLIF™ was built on this foundation of academic excellence.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor — 3 Consecutive Years
Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2024, 2025, 2026. Healthgrades 99th Percentile. Peer-reviewed publications in Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, World Neurosurgery, and Scientific Reports. The surgeon other surgeons send their most complex cases to.
Concierge Program for Patients Traveling Worldwide
CemLIF™ is available only in Naples, Florida. For patients traveling from out of state or internationally, the Concierge Program provides telehealth consultations, travel coordination, VIP clinic access, and transparent cost information — making access to this exclusive procedure as seamless as possible.
Or call: (239) 649-1662 · cemlif.com →
The Inventor — Recognized as One of the Nation’s Leading Spine Surgeons
Every credential is specific and verifiable — the standard required for YMYL healthcare content.
Education & Training
- MD, MA — Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland Clinic-affiliated) — Honors and Distinction in Research
- 7-Year Neurosurgery Residency — Wake Forest University, under Dr. Charles Branch
- Chief Resident — two consecutive years
- Mentors trained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins
- One of the highest Neurosurgery Board scores in the country
- 2018 CNS SANS Challenge Winner
Innovation, Awards & Affiliations
- Inventor of CemLIF™ — Multiple Patents Pending
- First surgeon to develop augmented reality intraoperative navigation
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors: 2024, 2025, 2026
- Healthgrades 99th Percentile · Naples Illustrated Top Doctor
- Featured on WINK News for CemLIF™ breakthrough
- FAANS · FCNS · Peer-reviewed: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, World Neurosurgery, Scientific Reports
What Patients Are Saying
All reviews are from verified patients who posted on Google or Healthgrades — completely uncensored and unedited.
“The most skilled, caring, and compassionate doctor you will ever meet.”
“The best surgeon by far. You won’t go wrong choosing Dr. Frenkel.”
“The Absolute BEST Neck & Back Surgeon!”
Your information is private and secure. We will never share your personal details.
How It Works — 4 Simple Steps
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact Dr. Frenkel at frenkelmd.com/contact/ or call (239) 649-1662. Out-of-town and international patients: Concierge Program →. Telehealth available. Visit cemlif.com for more information.
Imaging Review & Candidacy Assessment
Bring your MRI, CT, and standing X-rays. Dr. Frenkel reviews your specific anatomy, bone density, level of instability, and fusion requirements to determine whether CemLIF™ is the right approach for your case — or which fusion technique will produce the best outcome.
CemLIF™ Surgery
Performed with Dr. Frenkel’s augmented reality navigation system — the world’s first of its kind — and his minimally invasive retractor systems. Dr. Frenkel personally contacts your family after surgery. Concierge patients have direct email access throughout recovery.
Recovery & Long-Term Support
Recovery follows a similar timeline to traditional lumbar fusion depending on the specific case. Dr. Frenkel’s Nurse Practitioners handle all post-operative questions. Concierge patients have direct email access throughout their recovery.
Common Questions About CemLIF™
Visit Dr. Frenkel in Naples, Florida — The Only Place for CemLIF™
Office Address
Inside Physicians Regional Medical Center6101 Pine Ridge Road
Naples, Florida 34119
Phone & Fax
(239) 649-1662 (main) · (239) 649-7053 (fax)
Schedule & CemLIF™ Inquiry
Schedule Online →
Concierge Program →
cemlif.com — CemLIF™ Information →
Recommended Accommodations
- The Ritz-Carlton Naples
- Inn on Fifth — downtown Naples
- Innovation Hotel — adjacent to Surgery Center
6101 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119
Inside Physicians Regional Medical Center
CemLIF™ Is Available Exclusively in Naples, Florida — and Only from Its Inventor
If you need lumbar fusion and want to explore the world’s only rod-less, screw-less fusion technique, there is one surgeon and one practice in the world where you can do that: Dr. Mark Frenkel at Neuroscience and Spine Associates in Naples, Florida. His schedule fills quickly — contact his office today to discuss whether CemLIF™ is right for you, or which fusion approach will best serve your specific anatomy.