Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Nov. 5, 2015.
Dr. Steven Meier performs 1st stem cell/PRP injection for back pain at La Peer Health System
Orthopedic surgeon Steven Meier, MD, performed the first stem cell/platelet-rich plasma lumbar intradiscal injection in conjunction with La Peer Health Systems. Dr. Meier performed the injection under fluoroscopic guidance. After the disc injection, Dr. Meier treated the sacroiliac joints with PRP prolotherapy, which has been shown to induce collagen production to stimulate healing and ligament regeneration.
Sparks Health System opens $3M orthopedic, spine center
Fort Smith, Ark.-based Sparks Health System opened its new $3 million orthopedic and spine center. The center will include nine beds and a therapy space.
Smith & Nephew to acquire Blue Belt Technologies
Smith & Nephew has agreed to acquire Blue Belt Technologies for $275 million. Following the acquisition, Smith & Nephew will focus on expanding Blue Belt's Navio system into indications beyond partial knees. The deal is expected to close around the year end, and approximately 120 employees will be joining Smith & Nephew.
1st use of OsteoSelect PLUS DBM Putty in spinal fusion successful
The first surgical implantation of Xtant Medical's OsteoSelect PLUS Demineralized Bone Matrix Putty, developed by its wholly owned subsidiary Bacterin, was successful. Ali Araghi, DO, was the first surgeon to utilize OsteoSelect PLUS DBM Putty in a spinal fusion procedure.
Scoliosis cost: Magnetically-controlled growing rods vs. traditional rods
A new study published in Spinal Deformity compares the cost of traditional growing rods with magnetically-controlled growing rods for early onset scoliosis treatment. The magnetically-controlled growing rods were projected to cost $61 more per patient over the six-year episode when compared with the traditional growing rod. The researchers concluded the extra cost for magnetically-controlled growing rods was offset by eliminating the repeated traditional growing rod lengthening.
FDA approves Cerapedics bone graft for cervical spine
Cerapedics, a Westminster, Colo.-based orthobiologics company, received FDA approval to use the company's i-FACTOR Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures. This is the first bone graft approved for use in the cervical spine. Based on synthetic small peptide technology, the i-FACTOR bone graft is designed to promote bone growth through cell attachment and activation.
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center opens brain, spine center
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash., opened its neurosciences inpatient unit for treating patients with brain and spine issues. The 2,600-square-foot Thomas and Sandra Young Neurosciences Center includes 32 beds.
Elite Spine Centers adds 4 new locations in Houston
Elite Spine Centers, a specialty practice treating spinal complications, is expanding its reach in Houston. The company opened four new locations in Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza and Sugar Land on Nov. 1. The center has partnerships with many spine surgeons and pain management physicians in Houston.