John Assaro

In 2024, I experienced a series of serious injuries. In March, I fractured my pelvis (fortunately, no surgery was required). Then, in August, I suffered a severe herniation of my L3–L4 disc. From that point on, the pain was relentless—shooting from my lower back down my leg - and was excruciating 24/7 from August until my surgery in November 2024.

Before turning to surgery, I tried every possible conservative option. Living in Lake Placid, NY, access to high‑quality specialized healthcare is limited. My first stop was Saratoga Spine, where - despite being the only patient scheduled that day - I never saw the surgeon and met only with a physician assistant. I was told that in 90% of cases like mine, the herniation would “absorb back into the body” and heal on its own within 12–14 weeks.

During that waiting period, I tried physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. None provided even the slightest relief. I personally suggested trying an epidural injection—something that was not initially recommended. During the procedure, the space was so tight that they could not administer even half the medication and had to stop due to extreme pain. The clinician at the hospital reviewed my MRI and described the disc as looking like someone had “stepped on a jelly donut,” telling me there was no chance it would resolve on its own - even in six months.

That was when I knew I needed another opinion. A friend’s brother, who is a spine surgeon in Connecticut, reviewed my MRI and confirmed that I would likely need a microdiscectomy. While Connecticut wasn’t feasible for me logistically, I knew exactly where to turn. I had previously had an outstanding experience at HSS with Dr. Riley Williams for knee surgery, and I trusted HSS completely.

I found Dr. Hughes, and the HSS team got me in for an appointment immediately. Unlike my prior experience, I met directly with Dr. Hughes himself - spending over 20 minutes with him, along with a team of four additional specialists. Dr. Hughes explained that he had performed thousands of these procedures and confidently told me that I would walk out of the hospital the same day. I was also fitted with a back brace to take home.

From that point on, everything moved fast. The HSS staff was incredible - insurance approval and scheduling were completed within two days, a process that would have taken months back home. I had surgery on November 4, 2024, and every promise Dr. Hughes made came true. The leg pain was gone immediately upon waking, and I walked out of the hospital completely pain‑free.

My recovery exceeded all expectations. I was cross‑country skiing again by December and snowboarding by late January 2025. The outcome has been nothing short of life‑changing.

In my opinion, Dr. Hughes is the best. I have since recommended him to three other people without hesitation. I am profoundly grateful for his expertise and have complete trust in him and his outstanding team.

From start to finish - admitting, insurance approvals, surgery, inpatient care, and follow‑up - my experience with Dr. Hughes and HSS was flawless. HSS truly represents best‑in‑class care at every level. There is no other place I would trust with a medical issue of this magnitude.