Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for March 20, 2014.
Using vancomycin during spinal surgery has big cost-saving potential
A new study examined the cost savings of using intrawound vancomycin during posterior instrumented spine surgery. None of the patients who received vancomycin — at a cost of $12 per dose — returned for surgery due to surgical site infection.
7 trends in spinal fusion BMP use from 2002 to 2011
Bone morphogenetic protein use was found to have increased significantly from 2002 to 2011, with off-label use accounting for a majority of BMP utilization. BMP use increased from 1,116 procedures to 79,294 procedures by 2011 and BMP represented 26.9 percent of all spinal fusion procedures in 2011.
K2M Group files for IPO of up to $100 million
The company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering and plans to list on the NASDAQ under the symbol KTWO. Piper Jaffray, Barclays and Wells Fargo Securities are the joint underwriters on the deal.
Three-pronged approach reduces complications in spinal deformity procedures
A group of Seattle spine surgeons recently compiled data on scoliosis patients managed with and without specific protocol to providing multidisciplinary care. Researchers found complication rates significantly lower in the group managed with the three-pronged approach, including lower rates of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and lower rates of postoperative neurological complications.
Integra LifeSciences announced first U.S. implant with laminoplasty system
The system is designed for use after open-door laminoplasty procedures in the cervical and thoracic spine — C3-T3. It is used to treat patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, cervical myelopathy and degenerative spinal canal stenosis.
Dr. Zoher Ghogawala to lead 3-year cervical spondolytic myelopathy study
The study will be conducted at 10 U.S. medical centers to compare three different surgical techniques to treat cervical spondolytic myelopathy and will result in the creation of a national outcomes registry to serve as a guide for surgeons performing CSM procedures. The investigators have received funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute as well as the National Institutes of Health and a private foundation.
AAOS elected Dr. Raj Rao to board of directors
Dr. Rao has served AAOS in several leadership positions, including AAOS Diversity Advisory Board chair. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin and has a special interest in spinal disorders.
66% of Americans are satisfied with the U.S. healthcare system
A recent Gallup poll found that two-thirds of Americans say they're satisfied with the U.S. healthcare system today. However, only 33 percent of those without health insurance reported being satisfied with how the healthcare system works for them, compared with 72 percent of those with insurance.
More Articles on Spine:
Anterior Spine Surgery for Disc Herniation at C7-T1: Outcomes Analysis
Orthopedic, Neurosurgeon Roles: Medical Teaching, Administrative & Research
Growing Patient Volume in 2014 & Beyond: 4 Spine Surgeon Initiatives