
Highlights
Languages
- Spanish
- English
About Julian Lugo-Pico
Emory Affiliation
Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
Emory Physician Group Practice
Emory Healthcare Network
Year Started Practicing
2022
About the Provider
Dr. Julian Lugo-Pico is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with expertise in the evaluation and surgical management of adult spinal disorders. His clinical practice encompasses the full spectrum of spinal pathology, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar degenerative disease, adult spinal deformity, spinal trauma, tumors, infections, and complex revision surgery. He has a particular interest in cervical spine disorders, motion preservation and less invasive surgical techniques.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Lugo-Pico earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and is fluent in both English and Spanish. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Miami, followed by advanced fellowship training in spinal surgery at the Emory University Spine Center. He also holds a master’s degree in clinical investigation from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he gained additional training in evidence-based care and clinical outcomes research.
Dr. Lugo-Pico is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized spine care grounded in the latest surgical techniques. He works together with patients and referring providers to carefully develop individualized treatment plans that prioritize patient safety, a faster recovery, and long-lasting results. His goal is to help patients return to the activities that matter most through thoughtful, precise, and patient-centered care.
Interpretive Services
Locations
- Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center - Atlanta
- 21 Ortho Lane, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Get Directions
- phone: 404-778-7000
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine, Spine Surgery, 2022
- Residency: University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2021
- Internship: University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2017
- Medical Education: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, MD, 2016
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
214 ratingsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2026
He basically said this is what I recommend. You can do it or not. No discussion of other options
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2026
The doctor used simple words and explanations for each phase of my procedure without making me feel stupid.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2026
I was very impressed with the doctor. He explained everything thoroughly and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
I really loved that I could actually see my X-rays and then he explained the areas of concern that needed to be addressed. He then wanted to be certain and ordered another in depth test so that he could make a decision on surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
I was extremely impressed with Dr. Lugo-Pico. He has a wonderful bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2026
Would definitely recommend to all family friends anyone that would listen to me EXCELLENT DR & STAFF
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2026
Outstanding encounter!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2026
Very impressed with clarity and thououghness in discussing all details of my issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
Dr Lugo-Pico and his staff are top notch!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
My surgeon Dr. Lugo Pico is a Rembrandt of spines I haven't felt this good in seven years
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/25/2026
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/25/2026
Good education of condition and intervention. Thanks
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Lugo-Pico from start to finish. He was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly, which made me feel confident and comfortable going into surgery.Before the procedure, I was dealing with constant neck pain and numbness that traveled down my body. Since the surgery, the pain is completely gone and the numbness has disappeared. The relief has honestly been life-changing.Dr. Lugo-Pico and his staff made the entire experience smooth and supportive. I'm extremely grateful for the care and skill he showed throughout the process. I highly recommend Dr. Lugo-Pico to anyone dealing with neck pain or nerve issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
I would recommend Emory
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Dr Pico took time to show me on x-rays his rationale for proposed course of action
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Excellent staff! Dr. Lugo-Pico is fantastic!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
I was extremely satisfied with Dr. Pico.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/17/2026
Dr. Lugo-Pico was excellent throughout our consultation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Good
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/31/2025
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/31/2025
In my experience, spinal surgeons in general don't have an incredibly holistic view of the body. They can be pretty matter of fact, ("Your nerves will likely stop regenerating after 2 years. Don't expect to get full sensation back.") which can feel hopeless. I appreciate Dr Lugo Pico's demeanor more than any other spinal surgeon I have encountered, but I would like to challenge Emory physicians to learn more about the science of brain / body connection and healing (meditation, yoga) and talk about proactive non-pharmaceutical pain management (acupuncture, supplements, and likely other ideas of which I am unaware). I appreciate Dr Lugo Pico's help in writing me the pain scripts that I need, but I wish I had a doctor who would look at non-pharmaceutical approaches, even if there is someone to refer out to. I think that should be integrated vetter into Emory's philosophy as a whole.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/31/2025
Again everything was extremely professional and all of my concerns were addressed
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr. Lugo-Pico was very informative and gave great explanations for the possible sources of my leg and back weakness and the reasons that the previous lumbar injection probably didn't work. Also gave me some good insights into possible further steps after receiving and s1 injection. I felt very good about next steps after our visit!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
Thanks
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2025
Provided great service, very knowledgeable concerning the problem I am having.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2025
Very informative great experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Our first visit and we felt we were in good hands. He listened and was up to date on my chart and concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/19/2025
Everyone is very professiona.l
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2025
Got new info about the damaged fusion I haven't heard before. Matches what I'm feeling in my neck, shoulder.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2025
Dr. Lugo-Pico was professional, took the time to go over MRI results thoroughly. He was patient & answered all of my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Dr. Lugo-Pico always attentive and through. Answered all my questions. Never felt rushed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
First person in 15 years with good advice!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
My doctor was thorough, patient and well informed. Had my wife call into the consult and had a long list of questions, that he handled perfectly. We were both more than pleased with the outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Was a pleasure to meet Dr Lugo-Pico
