Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Feb. 25, 2016.
Orthopedic surgeon starting salaries reached $700k in 2014
In 2009 to 2010, orthopedic surgeons starting salaries ranged between $300,000 and $825,000, according to Merritt Hawkins' 2014 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives. In 2011 to 2012, orthopedic surgeons starting salaries ranged between $400,000 and $750,000.
LA hospital pays $17k in bitcoins to hackers to get their information back
Hackers were able to access Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center's computer network in early February held the data ransom. The hospital paid the hackers $17,000 in bitcoins to retrieve the stolen information. While the malware was in effect, the hospital reverted to paper records which meant slower patient processing.
Hospital board chairman charged with stalking, burglary and hit-and-run
The board chairman of Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics in Arlington, Wash., Timothy H. Cavanagh, has had several run-ins with the law over the past few weeks. He was charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and driving his vehicle under the influence.
Drs. Kern Singh, Frank Phillips design new catheter for spine, orthopedic procedures
FDA cleared Vital 5 ReLeaf Catheter, which offers a controlled amount of local anesthetic to the surgical site through the "leaf catheter" design. The Vital 5 ReLeaf Catheter is especially appropriate for spinal surgery, due to its regulated flow of local anesthetic to a patient's surgical site in close proximity to neural elements for postoperative pain treatment.
FDA advisory panel doesn't recommend Medtronic spinal device
On Feb. 19, the FDA's orthopedic and rehabilitation devices advisory panel voted against the recommendation of Medtronic's Diam spinal stabilization implant. The panel rejected the device due to a lack of rigorous clinical trial data. The Diam device is intended for patients with moderate low back pain secondary to single-level symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease.
InVivo enrolls 6th patient into Neuro-Spinal Scaffold study
The study examines the safety and efficacy of InVivo Therapeutics' Neuro-Spinal Scaffold in patients suffering from complete, thoracic spinal cord injury. Wilson Ray, MD, an associate professor of neurosurgery and a member of The INSPIRE Study Steering Committee, implanted the scaffold in the patient. The biodegradable Neuro-Spinal Scaffold is an investigational device that has received a 'humanitarian use device' designation from the FDA.
Earlier rehabilitation means better outcomes for traumatic spinal cord injury
Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Chicago-based Northwestern University researchers studied the impact of early rehabilitation for traumatic spinal cord injury patients. The researchers found patients who underwent earlier rehabilitation experienced "modest improvements in function and physical independence."
Clinical Neuroscience Institute welcomes Dr. Jonathan Tuttle
Jonathan Tuttle, MD, joined Dayton, Ohio-based Clinical Neuroscience Institute, a part of Premier Health Specialists. Dr. Tuttle specializes in complex spine procedures and he earned his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton.