Here are seven things for spinal surgeons to know for June 25, 2015.
Zimmer-Biomet $14B merger finally complete
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission granted clearance for Zimmer's acquisition of Biomet. The combined companies' corporate name will be Zimmer Biomet Holdings and is the leading innovator in the $45 billion musculoskeletal healthcare market. Zimmer Biomet's scale will increase competitiveness in core franchises and strengthen its presence in emerging markets.
Medtronic facing product liability lawsuit over Infuse once more
In April, a New Jersey resident filed a filed a product liability and negligence lawsuit against Medtronic for improperly marketing the Infuse Bone Graft. The Infuse product includes rhBMP-2, a recombinant bone morphogenic protein, to achieve a fusion. It was designed to provide an alternative to the traditional method of grafting bone.
Pedicle screw placement: Navigation vs. fluoroscopy
A new study published in The Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques examines navigation and O-arm-guided pedicle screw placement with navigation compared to pedicle screw placement with fluoroscopy. The study found that in the fluoroscopy-guided group, 87.7 percent of the screws were a "grade 0." In the navigation group, 91.9 percent of the screws were "grade 0."
Cedars-Sinai neurosurgery department offers tele-consultations
The new program allows patients to connect virtually with specialists at Cedars-Sinai. The patient only requires a computer, an internet connection as well as a webcam with a microphone or a cell phone. The consultation could be for a routine follow-up appointment, a postoperative follow-up or to review imaging tests.
Brigham and Women's Hospital names Dr. James Kang orthopedics chairman
Dr. Kang most recently served as the executive vice chairman for clinical services, Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Spinal Surgery, as well as director of Ferguson Laboratory Musculoskeletal Research Center for Spine Research at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Earlier this year, he was named president of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine.
StabiLink MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System receives honor
The StabiLink MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System from Southern Spine was recognized with the 18th Annual Medical Design Excellence Awards competition. This technology received the Silver Winner in the Implant and Tissue Replacement category of the awards.
House votes to abolish Medicare cost-control panel
The Independent Payment Advisory Board, created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is tasked with determining Medicare cuts if spending exceeds a certain threshold. It has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. The White House, however, has threatened to veto the House's repeal bill.