Steven D. Glassman, M.D., stands as a distinguished figure among the Norton Leatherman Spine Center Doctors. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, Dr. Glassman brings over three decades of experience to his practice. His commitment to advancing spine care is evident through his extensive clinical work, research contributions, and leadership roles within the medical community. Patients seeking expert care from Norton Leatherman Spine Center doctors will find in Dr. Glassman a surgeon deeply dedicated to improving their quality of life.
Dr. Glassman’s journey in medicine began with his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. His foundational training included an internship and residency in general surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, followed by an orthopedic surgery residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, both located in New York. Crucially, his pursuit of specialized expertise led him to Louisville, where he completed the prestigious Leatherman Spine Fellowship Program. This intensive training solidified his path as a leading spine surgeon, now practicing with the esteemed Norton Leatherman Spine Center doctors. His board certification in orthopedic surgery further underscores his qualifications and dedication to the highest standards of patient care.
Beyond his clinical practice within Norton Leatherman Spine Center doctors, Dr. Glassman contributes significantly to academic and professional spheres. He holds the position of Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, shaping the next generation of orthopedic specialists. His leadership extends to national and international organizations, highlighted by his past presidency of the Scoliosis Research Society, a testament to his influence and respected standing among peers in the field of spine surgery.
Dr. Glassman’s dedication to advancing the field is further exemplified by his extensive publications focusing on clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of lumbar spine surgery. His research delves into the nuances of diagnosis-specific outcomes following spinal fusion, including establishing benchmarks for clinically significant improvements for patients. His expertise has made him a key investigator in numerous multicenter studies, including ongoing research funded by the National Institutes of Health into adult spinal deformity. Moreover, Dr. Glassman has actively participated in grants from esteemed organizations such as the Scoliosis Research Society, Norton Healthcare, and AO Spine, contributing to vital research on neurologic complications associated with surgical correction of adult spinal deformity.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Glassman frequently shares his insights at national and international conferences and institutions. His lectures span a range of critical topics within spine care, from the value-based approach in treating spine conditions to the complexities of sagittal balance and the science and politics surrounding bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). He has been invited to present at Yale University School of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, and international meetings such as the Association of Spine Surgeons of India and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, demonstrating his recognized authority and the broad applicability of his expertise to global spine care discussions.
Dr. Glassman’s contributions have been acknowledged through numerous honors and awards. A landmark recognition came in 2024 when the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) bestowed upon him honorary membership, an honor last granted in 2007. This prestigious award celebrates his pivotal role in fostering collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, marking him as the first orthopedic surgeon to receive the Meritorious Service Award from the AANS/Congress of Neurological Surgeons joint section on spinal disorders. His consistent production of impactful research is further evidenced by multiple outstanding paper awards from the Scoliosis Research Society, the North American Spine Society, and the International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques.
Clinically, Dr. Glassman’s interests are wide-ranging within spine surgery. As one of the leading Norton Leatherman Spine Center doctors, he specializes in both adult and pediatric spine deformity surgery, encompassing conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis. His expertise extends to complex revision surgeries and the management of both cervical and lumbar degenerative diseases of the spine. His ongoing research efforts mirror his clinical focus, continuously seeking to refine clinical outcomes and enhance the cost-effectiveness of lumbar spine surgery, ultimately aiming to improve patient care within Norton Leatherman Spine Center and beyond. For patients seeking highly qualified and experienced Norton Leatherman Spine Center doctors, Dr. Glassman represents a pinnacle of expertise and dedication in the field.
