Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Dec. 10, 2015.
Orthopedics among top 3 most-sued specialties
Orthopedics is one of the top three specialties with the highest percentage of physicians who have been sued, according to the Medscape Malpractice Report 2015: Why Most Doctors Get Sued. The specialty ranks behind OB-GYN and women's health and surgery.
Cutting Edge Spine's True Oblique Lordotic implant used in 1st surgeries
The first successful surgical implantations of Cutting Edge Spine's True Oblique Lordotic have been completed. The cases were performed by Michael D. Mitchell, MD, of Mary Black Health System in Spartanburg, S.C. The True Oblique Lordotic implant is made from innovative PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced, offered by Invibio.
FDA panel to review PMA application for Medtronic's spinal stabilization system
A FDA advisory panel will meet to consider Medtronic's pre-market approval application for its DIAM spinal stabilization system. The DIAM (device for intervertebral assisted motion) system is designed to treat lower back pain from moderate lumbar degenerative disc disease, at a single level from the L2 to the L5 vertebrae. The system has had CE Mark approval in the European Union for around 10 years.
What happens when you search 'scoliosis' on YouTube
Researchers searched YouTube for "scoliosis" and examined the first 50 video findings. There were 71,152 views per video on average. They used a JAMA score to determine currency, authorship, disclosure and source as well a scoliosis-specific score to measure the information on diagnosis and treatment options. There was a negative correlation between scoliosis-specific scores and the number of views.
Stem cell, hormone combination therapy may enhance spinal fracture healing
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles combined adult stem cells with parathyroid hormone to see the impact on spinal bone fracture healing. The researchers found the combination therapy attracted the stem cells to the area of bone fracture more quickly, speeding the pace of bone formation. They plan to use their findings to create treatments for osteoporosis and spinal compression fractures.
Combined fusion treatment effective for lower back pain
A recent study, published in The Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine by lead author Ara Deukmedjian, MD, shows a combined fusion can be a safe and effective treatment for lower back pain. The goal of the study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of lumbar fusion in the treatment of lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease.
International Association of HealthCare Professionals adds neurosurgeon Dr. Anthony Alastra
The International Association of HealthCare Professionals welcomes neurological surgeon Anthony J.G. Alastra, MD, to its organization. Dr. Alastra will be published in The Leading Physicians of the World. Dr. Alastra practices at HealthCare Associates in Medicine in Staten Island, N.Y., and is affiliated with Staten University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center.
Where in the US do RNs earn the most?
Registered nurses make the most in the West, with an average annual gross salary of $105,000, according to the Medscape Nurse Salary Report 2015. The Northwest and Southwest or tied at $81,000 and the Southeast comes in last at $74,000.