Spinal Deformity magazine included a paper by spine surgeon Fred Sweet, MD, of Rockford (Ill.) Spine Center, in its 50th Anniversary edition.
Here are five highlights:
1. The magazine only printed 10 surgeons' papers.
2. Attendees of the Scoliosis Research Society Annual Meeting and Course in Minneapolis received the magazine and details of the study.
3. Dr. Sweet's paper focused on a two-year study of the transforaminal anterior release for the treatment of fixed sagittal imbalance and segmental kyphosis. The TFAR method is designed to correct severe deformities of the spine.
4. Since Dr. Sweet developed the TFAR technique in 2005, he and his colleagues Michael Roh, MD, and Christopher Sliva, MD, have used the method on more than 70 patients.
5. The technique involves straightening the spine by going through the disc sans blood vessels, as opposed to cutting through the bone. It allows shorter OR times and less blood loss.
"It's an honor to be recognized and we're pleased at how TFAR is changing lives," said Dr. Sweet. "This method puts less stress on the patient and leads to an easier recovery."