8 things for spine surgeons to know for Thursday — Feb. 5

Spine

Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Feb. 5, 2015.

Fitbit could help predict when patients will recover after spine surgery
Northwestern University researchers are studying physical activity of patients after spine surgery using Fitbit activity trackers, according to a MobiHealthNews report. The information could help surgeons monitor recovery time in the future.

 

FTC makes second request for additional information on Wright Medical-Tornier merger
The company received the request on Jan. 28, which extends the waiting period until 30 days after both parties have substantially complied with the second request. However, Wright Medical still believes they could close the transaction in the second quarter of 2015, regardless of the second request resolution.

 

Stryker shares down 1.7% last week
Stryker shares dropped 1.78 percent over the over the past week and 3.13 percent over the past four weeks. The company outperformed the S&P 500 by 1.02 percent in the past week, but over the past four weeks the company’s shares underperformed the index by 0.06 percent.

 

BCBS of North Carolina's new price tool could make a difference for spine
The new tool makes cost information available. Daniel Murrey, MD, a spine surgeon and CEO of OrthoCarolina, was quoted in an article praising BCBSNC for their transparency efforts, but also recognized it could be misleading. For example, hospital bills are more expensive than outpatient surgery center bills, even when the same surgeons are performing the procedures.

 

More than 3/4ths of U.S. neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine
The survey study includes responses from 1,026 board-certified neurosurgeons. More than 80 percent of surgeons said they had ordered imaging tests solely for defensive reasons. Up to half said they ordered more medications and procedures out of fear of being sued.


 
NuVasive COO sells 15k shares
NuVasive COO Patrick Miles sold 15,000 company shares at an average price of $45.53. The total transaction value was $682,950.

 

Pain sensitivity impacts spine surgery outcomes
Patients with high pain sensitivity may report worse outcomes after lumbar spine surgery, according to a study published in Spine. The Oswestry Disability Index score one year after surgery was significantly lower in patients who had scored low in the pain sensitivity questionnaire.

 

Louisiana hospital offers joint replacement guarantee
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, La., launched a new program to guarantee hip and knee replacement surgeries for 30 days after the procedure. However, the guarantee doesn't cover implant failure costs.

More articles on spine:

St. Vincent Charity Medical Center's physician group adds spine surgeon, neurosurgeon
The Mayfield Clinic plans new 45k-sq-ft headquarters
Pain sensitivity impacts spine surgery outcomes — 5 key findings

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