Minimally Invasive Back & Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Back & Spine Surgery
Dr. Jared D. Ament is a Board-Certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon known as the “anti-fusion doctor” for his advocacy of motion-preserving spine surgery. He specializes in artificial disc replacement for both the cervical and lumbar spine, offering patients advanced alternatives to spinal fusion.
As Co-Director of Spine Neurosurgery and Director of Outcomes Research at the Neurosurgery & Spine Group (NSG), Dr. Ament practices at West Hills Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Marina Del Rey Hospital, where he also serves as Director of Neurosurgery. Alongside Dr. Amir Vokshoor, he leads three ongoing FDA national trials studying next-generation artificial disc technologies to bring the latest advancements directly to patients. Dr. Ament’s expertise spans complex and minimally invasive brain and spine surgery, including spinal deformity correction, degenerative spine disease, tumors, and facial pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. He combines modern technologies like neuronavigation and robotics with evidence-based surgical precision.
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Dr. Ament earned his MD from the Medical School for International Health, a collaboration between Ben-Gurion University (Israel) and Columbia University (New York). He completed his surgical internship at the University of Massachusetts, followed by a Harvard Medical School post-doctoral fellowship in surgical outcomes and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health, where he later served as adjunct faculty. His neurosurgical training was completed at UC Davis, with a complex and minimally invasive spine fellowship at Cedars-Sinai under Drs. J. Pat Johnson and Todd Lanman.
Dr. Ament’s research focuses on cost-effectiveness, health economics, and decision analysis in neurosurgery. His published economic models have contributed to national healthcare reforms, improving payer support for advanced surgical interventions. He has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, presented internationally, and received prestigious honors including the Mayfield Clinical Science Award and the John Hanbery Award for his work on the cost-effectiveness of artificial disc technology. Committed to global neurosurgical education, Dr. Ament has led international projects in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Ecuador, and Bolivia, including the first Neurosurgical Boot Camp for South American trainees. He is also President and Founder of Neuronomics, specializing in cost-effectiveness research in the neurosciences, and serves on advisory boards for the Institute for NeuroInnovation (INI) and Neurovella Inc.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ament enjoys spending time with his wife and young children, balancing a life devoted to innovation, education, and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Jared Ament’s philosophy centers on one guiding principle, restoring movement, confidence, and quality of life through evidence-based, patient-specific care. With a career that bridges clinical excellence, global impact, and health economics, Dr. Ament approaches spine surgery not only as a technical discipline but as a means of empowering patients to regain the freedom of motion that defines their lives. A strong advocate for motion-preserving spine technologies, Dr. Ament integrates advanced surgical techniques such as artificial cervical and lumbar disc replacements and facet off-loading devices when appropriate.
He believes that maintaining natural movement often leads to better long-term outcomes, physically, emotionally, and economically. His approach is deeply informed by his background in neurosurgical innovation and cost-effectiveness research, ensuring that every intervention offers measurable value to both the patient and the healthcare system. Guided by data but grounded in compassion, Dr. Ament views every case as a collaboration between surgeon and patient.
He takes time to understand each individual’s lifestyle, goals, and expectations, tailoring his care to align with what truly matters most, sustainable recovery and restored quality of life. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Ament’s global work in countries such as Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Bolivia reflects his belief that education and access are vital components of progress in neurosurgery.
Whether developing cost-effectiveness models that influence national health policies or mentoring surgeons through international training programs, his commitment to advancing patient care extends far beyond his own practice. For Dr. Ament, spine surgery is not just about fixing anatomy — it’s about designing outcomes that preserve what makes us human: movement, balance, and purpose.
At Neurosurgery & Spine Group (NSG), motion matters. We specialize in motion-preserving spine surgery, helping patients overcome spinal disorders without sacrificing the natural mobility of the spine. Led by Dr. Amir Vokshoor and Dr. Jared Ament, our team combines advanced surgical techniques with thoughtful, personalized care to restore quality of life—without unnecessary fusion. Whether you’re dealing with disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, trauma, or neurological conditions, our approach is precise, minimally invasive, and rooted in one goal: to preserve what makes you functional, flexible, and free to move.
From artificial disc replacement to cutting-edge facet joint implants like the TOPS system, NSG pioneers techniques that avoid traditional fusion whenever possible. Our surgeons have led national trials and were the first to perform 360° motion-preserving lumbar surgery in the U.S.
Our procedures are designed to reduce tissue damage, shorten recovery time, and get patients back to living—not just healing. When fusion is necessary, we use the least disruptive approach with long-term outcomes in mind.
We pair advanced technology with deeply individualized care. Our patients receive clear guidance, responsive communication, and treatment plans designed around their lifestyle goals—not just their MRI.
Beyond the OR, our surgeons teach, publish, and lead FDA trials in spinal innovation. Through NSG and our education arm INI Studios, we bring the latest thinking in neuroscience and spine health to patients and providers around the world.
At NSG, we are proud to be the first practice in the world to combine lumbar artificial disc replacement with posterior facet replacement devices, offering an innovative 360° solution for spinal motion preservation. This groundbreaking approach is designed to maintain natural movement and stability in the lumbar spine, setting a new standard in spine care.
Currently, this combined procedure is being performed off-label, and we are initiating clinical trials to further evaluate its safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits. By integrating these advanced technologies, we aim to provide a comprehensive alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery.
The Institute of Neuro Innovation (INI) is excited to announce the launch of INI Studios, a dynamic platform dedicated to showcasing our latest advancements in brain and spine health. Through engaging content, INI Studios will provide an inside look at our innovative research initiatives and the collaborative efforts of our diverse board of professionals, all committed to alleviating suffering and enhancing lives.
With over 20 years of experience, NSG is at the forefront of treating the most complex spinal conditions through innovation and precision.
We deploy the most advanced minimally invasive systems focused on motion preservation, optimizing both safety and long-term outcomes.
Our approach is backed by robust clinical data, providing deep insight into patient outcomes and procedural effectiveness.
We continuously evaluate treatment results to refine our methods and demonstrate the measurable advantages of our care.
