Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for April 10, 2014.
Spinal cord stimulation can result in voluntary movement for paralyzed patients
Neuromodulating the spinal circuitry with epidural stimulation combined with physical therapy has resulted in three individuals being able to wiggle their toes, flex their legs and even stand independently for moments at a time, according to a new study. Two of the three individuals had complete paraplegia and previously could not move at all.
AANS names Dr. Robert Harbaugh president
Robert Harbaugh, MD, is the director of the Penn State Institute of the Neurosciences and University Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Neurosurgery. He has been a member of AANS since 1986 and served as president-elect last year.
CMS data finds 25 percent of physicians account for most Medicare spending
CMS gave the public unprecedented access to Medicare physician payment data. The New York Times analyzed the data and found a small fraction of physicians account for a significant amount of Medicare spending. About 2 percent of physicians received about $15 billion in Medicare payments. Furthermore, only 25 percent of physicians accounted for 75 percent of Medicare spending. In 2012, 100 physicians — mainly eye and cancer specialists — received a total of $610 million from Medicare, according to the analysis.
Zimmer Spine launches Optio-C Anterior Cervical System
Zimmer Spine, a division of Zimmer, announced the U.S. market launch of the Optio-C Anterior Cervical System, a next generation, stand-alone cervical device that intends to offer the stability and fusion potential of a traditional ACDF.
Global bio-implants market to reach $134.3B by 2017
The market was estimated to be $94.1 billion in 2012 and is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3 percent from 2012 to 2017.
Dr. Robert Watkins performs spine surgery on New Orleans Pelican Ryan Anderson
Dr. Watkins is co-director of the Marina Spine Center in Marina Del Rey, Calif. He performed surgery on Mr. Anderson's cervical spine for a herniated disc.
Cost burden high for C5 palsy patients following PCDF
In the study, the C5 palsy group incurred greater cost for physical and occupational therapy — costing around $2,078 more than the control group.
New legislation introduced to protect sports medicine physicians across state lines
Two U.S. Senators recently introduced a bill that would provide licensure clarity for sports medicine professionals. AAOS supports the bill, which provides protection for sports medicine professionals offering medical services to athletes in a secondary state.
More Articles on Spine:
Hospital for Special Surgery Names Dr. Todd Albert Surgeon-in-Chief
Costs for SI Joint Disruption, Sacroiliitis About $270M Over 5 Years
The Robotic Difference: How New Technology Could Impact Spine