This review is long over due. I was fortunate enough to have Doctor Lewis do a L5-S1 fusion for me 13 years ago. At 50 years of age now I am still playing golf and riding my motorcycle, even with my scoliosis.

After coming across an article from last year on his difficulties getting paid from OHIP I think it's a travesty such a remarkable surgeon, who changes peoples lives, should have to go through such a battle. I hope and pray for himself and his patients the government comes to their senses on this.

Dan C

Submitted April 26, 2024

I'm glad many of his patients were successful. Unfortunately, I drew the short end of the stick. After the huge wait and the very short appointment, I received no help. Worse, he did not even file any notes for the referring Physician. My record is blank - zero. Perhaps he forgets that 100% of referrals are people in pain, not just the ones he chooses to treat.

Submitted Jan. 3, 2024

I had spine surgery for my 70 degree scoliosis curvature with Dr Lewis back in 2016. Super thankful for him. He performed a phenomenal job and the scar on my back is hardly noticeable. Dr Lewis did not operate on my upper back (only my lower to mid spine) with the intention and hope that my spine would straighten itself out. Post surgery, my spine straightened out. Fast forward to 2023, there has been a 10-15 degree increase in my curvature WITH the rods and screws in place. He said he’s not concerned or worried at the moment, but if it bothers me I can get another operation. That’s not a route I’m willing to take. The surgery consists of a very difficult recovery. I’m really hoping the curvature doesn’t worsen. I am happy with having some flexibility and mobility in my upper spine. I really hope the curvature doesn’t reach the point it was at before. I can unfortunately feel my body go in to the same positioning it was in before. If you have scoliosis you’ll understand what I mean by this.

I noticed a lot of people have had similar experiences. I really wonder why he didn’t operate on my whole spine to prevent the curvature from worsening. Getting 2 spine surgeries is atrocious and I hope that patients, including myself, can avoid it.

Dr Lewis is a very knowledgeable surgeon and if I were to get spine fusion again, I would only want him to operate on me. His level of precision, patience, and expertise goes unnoticed.

Submitted Nov. 21, 2023

I literally love and respect Dr.Lewis and his team . I have had four successful surgeries. I have no fear of another when necessary .His nurse practitioner is very qualified as well . His secretary also is great 💕
Dale Kurz Peterborough

Submitted Sept. 7, 2023

Dr Lewis and his team have been very responsive and helpful both before and after surgery. He spends time explaining everything well and allows any questions. He has a great bedside manners and is very relatable.

Submitted Aug. 16, 2023

Stephen Lewis, I wish you the next 5 years the same as my last 5 have been. Today is my five year anniversary since my surgery.

Submitted April 28, 2023

One of if not the top orthopedic spinal surgeon in Canada in my experience and opinion. Technically amazing, but also a great care giver and listener who looks at everything across the spectrum and from start to finish. He’s done lumbar spinal surgery on me twice now and with excellent results.

Submitted March 28, 2023

Dr. Lewis has done complicated lumbar spinal fusion surgery for me twice over past 10 years. He is one of the most knowledgeable, experienced, caring and communicative doctors I’ve ever worked with in any field!

Submitted March 18, 2023

Truly an amazing person and surgeon! Great bed side manner and never makes you feel rushed if you have questions. If it wasn't for Dr. Lewis I probably would not be working anymore due to the severe pain I had pre-surgery. I had spinal fusion surgery done on my lower back in 2015 and within a week of the surgery I already felt a thousand times better than I did prior to the surgery. Thanks to him I got my life back and I was able to function normally again. To this day, I cannot thank him enough and his amazing staff.
Antoniette C.

Submitted Feb. 23, 2023

I had spinal fusion surgery done in 2011 and then re-done in 2014 with Dr Lewis at Sick Kids. In the beginning I was pleased but now looking back on it I am borderline resentful. I remember him telling me that pain was "extremely unusual" with scoliosis which I now know is incorrect. I was never made aware of the very real risks such as paralysis either. The initial fusion was only the top half of my curve with the idea being the bottom would straighten itself out. It actually ended up curving even more. I had chronic pain since the first surgery, but after the second I can no longer feel the skin over my shoulders and upper back. I went back to him in 2016 for my final follow-up and told him I was still in pain. He had me do more xrays and when they came back normal told me unless I wanted to have another surgery that I would have to just live with it. He didn't mention physio after either surgery or any special care past "take it easy for a few weeks".
I was 12 at the time of the initial surgery and am now 24. I use a cane when I walk more than a couple blocks otherwise I will be unable to get out of bed the following day. If I move my hips in a certain way I can feel and people can actually hear the bottom of the rod clicking against bone. I can feel the rods when I tense the muscles in my back. My spine is still crooked, my ribcage is still twisted in such a way that makes one breast nearly 2 cup sizes smaller than the other, my hips are still uneven enough it causes issue with my legs. It was only mentioned once or twice that surgery *may* not fully straighten my spine, but it was stated that it would be "basically straight".

Submitted Sept. 15, 2022