Spinal Fusion Surgery from the
Surgeon Who Reinvented It
Dr. Mark Frenkel didn’t just train in spinal fusion — he invented a new way to perform it. As the creator of CemLIF™, the world’s first rod-less, screw-less lumbar fusion technique, he brings surgical innovation available nowhere else to patients in Naples, Florida and across the country.
Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon
Neuroscience and Spine Associates
CemLIF™ — The Lumbar Fusion
Dr. Frenkel Invented
CemLIF™ (Cement Lumbar Interbody Fusion) is a rod-less, screw-less lumbar fusion technique patented by Dr. Mark Frenkel — a paradigm shift in how the spine is stabilized and fused. No other surgeon or practice in the world offers this procedure.
- No rods. No pedicle screws. Eliminates the hardware bulk and implant-related complications associated with traditional fusion constructs
- Highly stable fusion achieved through an innovative cement-based interbody technique developed exclusively by Dr. Frenkel
- Multiple patents pending — Dr. Frenkel continues to advance the technique with new instruments and implant designs
- Featured on WINK News as a breakthrough innovation in lumbar spine surgery
- Appropriate for selected patients with lumbar instability, spondylolisthesis, and stenosis requiring fusion
CemLIF™ vs. Traditional Lumbar Fusion
Whether CemLIF™ is appropriate for your specific anatomy and diagnosis is determined during a thorough consultation and imaging review with Dr. Frenkel.
Every Spinal Fusion Approach — Explained Simply
Spinal fusion can be performed through multiple surgical approaches, each suited to different spinal levels, anatomy, and clinical indications. Dr. Frenkel selects the most appropriate technique for each patient individually — including his own patented CemLIF™ for selected lumbar cases.
A revolutionary rod-less, screw-less lumbar fusion invented by Dr. Frenkel. Delivers highly stable fusion without traditional hardware implants. Available exclusively at Dr. Frenkel’s practice. cemlif.com →
Spine accessed from the front (anterior) through a small abdominal incision. Allows placement of a large interbody device, excellent disc height restoration, and significant lumbar lordosis correction. Muscles are not disrupted.
Minimally invasive approach through the patient’s flank — the spine is accessed laterally, avoiding both the back muscles and the abdominal vessels. Excellent for multi-level disease and deformity correction.
Posterior approach through the back. Includes removal of the lamina (laminectomy) and facet joints to access the disc space. Can be performed minimally invasively. Effective for stenosis with instability.
The most common cervical spine fusion — performed through a small incision in the front of the neck. The herniated disc or bone spurs are removed, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused using a bone graft and metal plate.
Dr. Frenkel uses robotic assistance, computer navigation, and his own augmented reality navigation system for all complex fusion procedures — delivering accuracy that exceeds freehand techniques and significantly reduces risk in multi-level and revision cases.
What Sets Dr. Frenkel’s Spinal Fusion Practice Apart
You’ll Receive a Diagnosis Before a Recommendation
Many patients arrive after seeing other surgeons who recommended fusion without a thorough review of their imaging, their neurological exam, or their lifestyle and goals. Dr. Frenkel starts every consultation with a complete review of your MRI, CT, and X-ray imaging combined with an in-depth physical examination.
You will understand your condition, the reason fusion is or is not appropriate, and exactly what to expect — before any surgical recommendation is made.
Minimally Invasive — Always the Preferred Approach
Open fusion surgery traditionally involves large incisions, significant muscle disruption, and lengthy recovery. Dr. Frenkel uses minimally invasive techniques whenever anatomically appropriate — tubular retractors, endoscopic instruments, lateral approaches, and anterolateral approaches that preserve surrounding musculature.
The result is meaningfully less post-operative pain, reduced hospital stay, and faster return to daily life compared to traditional open fusion approaches.
Only Here: CemLIF™ Rod-Less Lumbar Fusion. For appropriate lumbar fusion candidates, Dr. Frenkel may offer his patented CemLIF™ technique — a rod-less, screw-less fusion unavailable at any other surgical practice. Whether CemLIF™ is appropriate for your anatomy is determined at consultation. Learn more at cemlif.com →
Precision Technology: AR Navigation + Robotics
Dr. Frenkel was the first surgeon in the world to use augmented reality intraoperatively for spinal navigation — a system he developed himself. Combined with robotic assistance and computer-guided planning, this allows instrumentation placement at sub-millimeter precision — critical in complex multi-level fusion, revision cases, and procedures near the spinal cord.
Conditions That May Require Spinal Fusion
Fusion is typically recommended when spinal instability — not just nerve compression — is part of the problem. Common indications include:
- → Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
- → Degenerative disc disease with spinal instability
- → Spinal stenosis with associated instability
- → Scoliosis and complex spinal deformity
- → Failed prior spinal surgery requiring revision
- → Cervical disc herniation with myelopathy (ACDF)
- CemLIF™ — Rod-Less, Screw-Less Lumbar Fusion (Dr. Frenkel’s Patent)
- ALIF — Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- PLIF — Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- LLIF / XLIF — Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
- ACDF — Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
- TOPS™ Posterior Arthroplasty (motion-preserving)
- ACDA — Cervical Disc Arthroplasty
- Robotic-Assisted Spinal Fusion
- Complex Multi-Level Deformity Reconstruction
- Revision Fusion Surgery
- Spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Lumbar & Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Instability
- Scoliosis & Complex Deformity
- Cervical Disc Herniation / Myelopathy
- Failed Prior Fusion (Revision Surgery)
- Spinal Tumors
- Spinal Fractures
If another surgeon has recommended fusion and you want a second opinion — or if a prior fusion hasn’t provided the relief you were promised — Dr. Frenkel welcomes complex cases and revision patients. No referral needed.
Request a Second OpinionThe Credentials, Innovation, and Experience Your Spine Deserves
When you’re choosing a spinal fusion surgeon, generic claims of “expertise” are not enough. Here are the specific, verifiable reasons patients travel from across Florida and nationwide to choose Dr. Frenkel.
He Invented a New Way to Fuse the Spine
Dr. Frenkel is the inventor of CemLIF™ — a patented rod-less, screw-less lumbar fusion technique that represents a paradigm shift in spinal surgery. He also developed the world’s first augmented reality intraoperative navigation system. These innovations are available exclusively at his practice. cemlif.com →
Academic Training at the Highest Level
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland Clinic-affiliated) — Honors and Distinction in Research. Seven-year neurosurgery residency at Wake Forest University under a pioneer in spinal surgery. Chief Resident for two consecutive years — a rare distinction. Mentors trained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
The Surgeon Other Surgeons Refer To
Dr. Frenkel regularly receives referrals from other spine and orthopedic surgeons for complex multi-level fusion, failed prior fusion, and spinal deformity reconstruction. If another surgeon has turned down your case or a prior fusion has failed, Dr. Frenkel has the training and technology to evaluate your options.
Personalized — Not Protocol-Driven
Every patient receives a complete imaging review, thorough physical examination, and a treatment strategy built around their specific anatomy, spinal level, age, activity goals, and overall health. Dr. Frenkel will not recommend fusion unless it is genuinely the best option for your situation.
Concierge Program for Traveling Patients
Distance is no obstacle to world-class spinal fusion care. Dr. Frenkel’s Concierge Spinal Surgery Program provides telehealth consultations, travel coordination, VIP clinic access, and fully transparent cost information for patients from other states or countries seeking access to CemLIF™ and his full surgical portfolio.
Or call: (239) 649-1662
Recognized as One of the Nation’s Leading Spine Surgeons
Every credential listed below is specific and verifiable — the standard required for YMYL medical 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 (pioneer in spinal surgery)
- Chief Resident — two consecutive years — a rare distinction
- Mentors trained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins
- One of the highest Neurosurgery Board scores in the country
- 2018 CNS SANS Challenge Winner — national neurosurgical competition
Awards, Innovation & Affiliations
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors: 2024, 2025, 2026
- Healthgrades 99th Percentile — Top-Rated Spine Surgeon in Naples FL
- Naples Illustrated Top Doctor — multiple consecutive years
- Inventor of CemLIF™ | Multiple patents pending | First surgeon to use augmented reality in spinal navigation
- Peer-reviewed: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, World Neurosurgery, Scientific Reports | Textbooks: Elsevier & Springer Science
- FAANS · FCNS · Member, Neuroscience and Spine Associates
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
From your first contact to your last follow-up, Dr. Frenkel’s team guides every step of your spinal fusion journey.
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact Dr. Frenkel at frenkelmd.com/contact/ or call (239) 649-1662. Out-of-town patients — including those seeking CemLIF™ — can inquire about the Concierge Program at frenkelmd.com/concierge-contact-form/. Telehealth available.
Imaging Review & Personalized Plan
Bring your MRI, CT, or X-rays. Dr. Frenkel reviews your imaging thoroughly, performs a complete neurological examination, and presents a clear, honest plan. You’ll understand exactly what is happening in your spine and what options — including CemLIF™ — are appropriate for you.
Fusion Surgery
Whether your case calls for CemLIF™, ALIF, LLIF, ACDF, or complex multi-level reconstruction, every procedure is performed with robotic assistance and augmented reality navigation — precision that sets Dr. Frenkel’s outcomes apart.
Recovery & Long-Term Support
Dr. Frenkel personally contacts families after surgery. His Nurse Practitioners handle all post-operative questions. Concierge patients have direct email access throughout recovery. Your care does not end in the operating room.
Common Questions About Spinal Fusion & Dr. Frenkel
Call Dr. Frenkel’s office: (239) 649-1662
Visit Dr. Frenkel in Naples, Florida
Serving Naples, Southwest Florida, and patients nationwide through the Concierge Spinal Surgery Program.
Office Address
Inside Physicians Regional Medical Center6101 Pine Ridge Road
Naples, Florida 34119
Phone & Fax
(239) 649-1662 (main) · (239) 649-7053 (fax)
Schedule & Contact
Schedule Online — Local Patients →
Concierge Program Inquiry →
CemLIF™ Information →
Areas Served
Naples · Bonita Springs · Marco Island · Fort Myers · Estero · Collier County · Southwest Florida
Out-of-state & international patients served via Concierge Program
Recommended Accommodations for Traveling Patients
- The Ritz-Carlton Naples — oceanfront luxury
- Inn on Fifth — downtown Naples boutique hotel
- Innovation Hotel — adjacent to the Surgery Center of Naples
6101 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34119
Inside Physicians Regional Medical Center
You Deserve the Best Possible Outcome from Your Spinal Fusion — Not Just an Average One
Whether you’re considering your first fusion, seeking a second opinion, or recovering from a procedure that didn’t deliver the results you were promised — Dr. Frenkel’s team is ready to review your imaging and give you a clear, honest plan. As the inventor of CemLIF™ and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor three years running, Dr. Frenkel brings surgical capabilities available nowhere else. His schedule fills quickly. Contact his office today.