Dr. Johnson specializes in several areas of spine surgery and treats people with a wide range in spinal conditions that often result in chronic pain. Through cervical and lumbar arthroplasty, Dr. Johnson helps his patients regain a better chance of a more active lifestyle with less future complications and follow-up procedures.

In addition, Dr. Johnson is experienced in using advanced robotic equipment during spine surgery, allowing him to have great precision and make smaller incisions. This results in shorter hospital stays, better outcomes, and quicker recovery for his patients. He also teaches surgeons various procedures ranging from robotics to the most advanced minimally invasive procedures for back pain.

Spine surgery combines the knowledge and physical ability to help patients gain relief from their pain and maintain their active lifestyle. “My goals as a physician are not only to help patients obtain some relief from their aliments, but to help keep them doing what they love. I passionately believe that you will love living life if you live doing what you love, whether that is getting down on the ground to play with the grandkids or being a high-level athlete.”

Dr. Johnson found his passion for helping others with spine surgery from his own experiences of seeing how spinal injuries can impact people's quality of life, as he saw with his mother. She wasn't able to do a lot of the things that she enjoyed because of injuries she sustained in car accidents at a younger age and the surgeries that went with them.  

“However, with the advancements in medicine, we now have superior options to help people get back to doing what they love. That’s why I love what I do. I have the privilege to help people in similar situations.”

Meet Dr. Johnson

Medical Education

• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine,
• Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois.
• Orthopedic residency at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Completed a six month rotation in pediatric orthopedics at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and a six month rotation in Trauma/Hand/Foot and Ankle at Tampa General Hospital—in association with Florida Orthopedic Institute—in Tampa Bay, Florida.
• Completed a prestigious spine fellowship at the Texas Back Institute in Plano, Texas, where he was trained by the premier authorities on spine arthroplasty and robotic spine surgery in conjunction with traditional surgical techniques.

When not practicing medicine, Dr. Johnson loves to spend time with his wife, Tiffany, and their three children. He enjoys restoring cars and trucks and loves cycling, all water activities (waterskiing, boating, wakeboardnig, etc), and hunting. Se habla Español.

Dr. Johnson Is One of the Most Experienced Disc Replacement Surgeons in the Country

Dr. Robert Johnson, D.O., is a recognized leader in spine surgery with extensive experience in lumbar artificial disc replacements. In 2023 alone, he performed more than 120 of these procedures and achieved a global milestone by completing the world’s first four-level keeled Activ L surgery. Dr. Johnson frequently lectures across the United States and internationally, sharing his expertise on lumbar artificial disc replacement techniques. He also authored the definitive chapter on the subject for spine surgeons in the Rothman-Simeone and Herkowitz 7th edition textbook and continues to train and mentor other spine surgeons in advanced disc replacement methods.

Patient Testimonial

Jesse

Debbie

Megan

"Dr. Johnson at Summit Orthopaedics saved my life! I had suffered with severe back pain and a list of increasing issues for years. I had begun losing hope that anyone would be able to help me until I was fortunate enough to get an appointment with this amazing group of people. My pain had become so severe that it began to affect my work and relationships. I was no longer able to attend my children's sports activities, family vacations, or complete daily activities due to the fact of not being able to sit or stand for a sustained amount of time. Prior to my first visit to Summit, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had seen more physicians than I could count, attended physical therapy, received multiple injections, treated by chiropractors and had undergone countless MRIs. I was ready to give up. Dr. Johnson took the time to listen to me, and was attentive to all of my needs and concerns. He was extremely thorough when answering questions I had and made sure to give me every fact available when it came to procedure options. I never felt pressured and was always reassured that they would support whichever decision I made when it came to my treatment. Last year I received an Artificial Disk Replacement from Dr. Johnson. I truly am back to 100%. I do not know how I lived my life in such pain for so long. I had forgotten what it was like to sleep through the night, and function during the day without having to fight back tears. This disk replacement has truly changed my life and given me back my smile! I will forever be grateful to Dr. Johnson and his staff!" — Megan