Julian Lugo-Pico Emory Faculty
Julian Lugo-Pico Emory Faculty

Julian Lugo-Pico, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

4.9 - 199 Ratings

Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center - Atlanta

21 Ortho Lane, Atlanta, GA 30329

Availability within 30 days*

Book Online (404) 778-7000

About

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.

Languages

  • Spanish
  • English

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Emory Physician Group Practice
  • Emory Healthcare Network

Year Started Practicing

  • 2022

Locations

Similar providers at these locations

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 overall rating 199 ratings

The 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.

4.9 Provider showed concern
4.9 Provider explained things clearly
4.9 Provider discussed treatment options
4.9 Provider included you in decisions
4.9 Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-06-10

The doctor used simple words and explanations for each phase of my procedure without making me feel stupid.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-05-05

I was very impressed with the doctor. He explained everything thoroughly and answered all my questions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-29

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 Reviewed on 2026-04-29

Very good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-29

I was extremely impressed with Dr. Lugo-Pico. He has a wonderful bedside manner.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-16

Would definitely recommend to all family friends anyone that would listen to me EXCELLENT DR & STAFF

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-15

Outstanding encounter!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-08

Very impressed with clarity and thououghness in discussing all details of my issues.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-31

Dr Lugo-Pico and his staff are top notch!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-31

My surgeon Dr. Lugo Pico is a Rembrandt of spines I haven't felt this good in seven years

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-25

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-25

Good education of condition and intervention. Thanks

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-04

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 Reviewed on 2026-02-25

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-25

I would recommend Emory

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-25

Dr Pico took time to show me on x-rays his rationale for proposed course of action

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-05

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-03

Excellent staff! Dr. Lugo-Pico is fantastic!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-23

I was extremely satisfied with Dr. Pico.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-17

Dr. Lugo-Pico was excellent throughout our consultation.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-14

Good

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-07

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-31

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-31

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 Reviewed on 2025-12-31

Again everything was extremely professional and all of my concerns were addressed

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-16

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 Reviewed on 2025-12-03

Thanks

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-17

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-05

Provided great service, very knowledgeable concerning the problem I am having.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-05

Very informative great experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-21

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 Reviewed on 2025-10-19

Everyone is very professiona.l

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-01

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 Reviewed on 2025-10-01

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 Reviewed on 2025-09-25

Dr. Lugo-Pico always attentive and through. Answered all my questions. Never felt rushed.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-25

First person in 15 years with good advice!!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-16

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 Reviewed on 2025-08-26

Was a pleasure to meet Dr Lugo-Pico

Credentials

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