It was about 12 years ago that my husband started having severe pain in the middle of his back. He had diskitis from MRSA. Was on IV antibiotics for 3 months but the back abscess was very large and was sent to Dr Tortoloni for back surgery. It was located in the thoracic area of his back so it required an extensive surgery. We were both very upset.
Preop Dr T did a preop chest CAT scan which revealed a small lung nodule. He sent us for a biopsy. Husband never smoked so never imagined it could be cancer.
Dr T called me the day after New Year’s and told me over the phone that my husband had lung cancer. I will never forget the feeling I had upon hearing this. Dr T was just so comforting.
Husband had a 10 hour operation with Dr T and a thoracic surgeon at GBMC. He came over from St Joseph’s because that is where I wanted the surgery done. Kept me updated throughout the day. Met with me at 10 pm when he finally got out of surgery.
My husband is doing great. No return of any cancer.
This doctor is absolutely the greatest doctor. Explains everything. Takes time with you and most importantly he truly cares!!

Submitted July 23, 2022

My primary care doctor at Mercy/ Lutherville Physicians recently referred me to Dr. Tortolani after sustaining neck injuries in a car accident that resulted in a dislocated disc between the C5-C6 vertebrae. To sum it up, I had to undergo Single Level Fusion surgery with Disectomy - placement of titanium rods and bone graft. Dr. Tortolani and his staff are the BEST. When I received the call from Deb to schedule the consultation with Dr. Tortolani I knew that I was in good hands. I truly felt that I would receive in the best in healthcare care from that moment. And when I met with Dr. Tortolani to discuss the surgery he was very thorough in explaining each phase of the procedure, again, the BEST. He and his team are very compassionate and caring. I appreciate all that they have done to help me get back to living a good life! :)

Submitted Aug. 11, 2021

I have know Dr. Tortolani for over 15 years. He has worked on both my back and neck. I was injured in a 1989 work accident. My family made mistakes with my original injury and eventually my first fusion fell apart. I saw Dr. McAfee for two spinal fusions and revisions. Dr. Tortolani took over my direct care about 2003. Dr. T. is a ROCK, he is my ROCK and if I had not been put into his care I have no idea where I would be now. He is the best doctor I have ever known. He spends more time with his patients and goes over everything top to bottom. He is so calm and under control I have never had an issue, I knew and know that he would do his absolute best. I have put my life in his hands 4 different times and every time I was beyond happy that my life would restart again. Unfortunately my body does not like or want the fixes and hardware. Its all genetics as I have very tight muscles, ligaments and tendons and they fight with the titanium. I am doing well now and lower to mid back surgery free for the last three years. My entire family is grateful for all the work that Dr. T has done in his past learning how to treat the most difficult of cases. How many Doctors will lose track of time in a pre-op curtained "room" because he was sitting on the floor talking with my family? It's unheard of, but is SOP when it comes to my ROCK, Dr. P Justin Tortolani. R Harkins

Submitted July 13, 2019

Dr. Tortolani literally saved my life. For an entire 6 months in 2012, I couldn’t move my legs, had terrible pain, numbness and weakness. I went to P/T, injections, & they unfortunately did not work. Being only 25 at the time, my parents were a little apprehensive but after sitting down with Dr. T and his staff we were confident in his ability and determination to have me on my feet again with a micodiscetomy of L4-L5-S1. He advised me that I had to change careers(construction) & being young, i did NOT listen BUT should have. Almost 2 years to the day later in 2014( i was fully recovered), my back went out again. Dr. T exhausted all of our resources, and ultimately decided that due to my condition it was best to have a revision surgery. I followed strict regimen of PT and made a quick recovery in 2-3 months. In late 2015, I picked our newborn up out of the truck car seat and immediately felt my back “pop”. Well again.... after being through it 2x already, I knew this was not a good scenario. I saw Dr. T and again my L4 L5 L6 and S1 were completely gone. We decided that the best method this time around was a spinal fusion. It was a painful, long recogery(6 mos) but Dr. T made us fully aware of the process prior. I can honestly say to this day it was the BEST decision i’ve ever made as i am virtually pain free, although I am slightly limited in my movement. I would definitely recommend Dr. T and his staff at any time. My family and I can not express enough gratitude at how much he has helped. Thank you again! Victor Marchese

Submitted Nov. 16, 2017

I had spinal stenosis at L4-5 and Dr. Tortolani recommended a bilateral laminotomy but only after we tried injections first. Unfortunately the injections didn't work as well as we had hoped so surgery became my option. But it was my decision. Dr. Tortolani never pushed it or forced me into it. Even though my surgery wasn't as complicated as some ot the procedures that he does, he treated me like I was the most important patient in his practice. I will be forever grateful. Rob Brocato

Submitted Aug. 19, 2017

The best most compassionate doctor we have met. Outstanding spine skills

Submitted July 8, 2015

I found Dr. T to be Competent and knowledgable, kind and easy to talk to about my spine surgery. I had two rods and twelve screws implanted to straighen my severely curved spine last year. I have experienced discomfort at the most and am able to walk without falling down! I am a 56 year old wan

Submitted Dec. 14, 2013

I have seen this doctor off and on for ten years now for mild scoliosis and currently minor stress fracture. He has always been great, nice, caring, knowledgeable, on time, patient, most of all he listens. Explains everything fully. He has never rushed. Love the staff at lutherville office. Xray done in house with instant explanations.

Submitted Aug. 7, 2013

Dr. Tortolani performed a discectomy on my l4-5 & s1 in March of 2012. He took the time to explain the entire procedure in depth and our concerns. To this day I am so grateful Dr. T operated on me. I wouldn't want anyone else to touch my back. Everyone has commented on how fast the recovery was. Thanks again Dr. Tortolani, I am forever grateuful to you & your staff.

Submitted March 1, 2013

Dr. Tortolani performed a 2 level discectomy (C5/C6, C6/C7)and procedures to clean bone spurs and alleviate nerve pressure. The surgery was a huge success, and Dr. Tortolani took the time to explain everything about the procedure and he was an extreme pleasure to deal with throughout the process. I would strogly recommend him in a heartbeat to anyone.

Submitted Dec. 10, 2011