Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine named Cara Cipriano, MD, its new chief of orthopedic oncology, the health system said in a Dec. 3 update.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson on Dec. 3 had artificial disc replacement surgery three weeks after Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights went under the knife for the same procedure, according to the NHL.

John DiPreta, MD, president of the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, has criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul's executive order limiting "nonessential" and "nonurgent" procedures in hospitals with capacity issues caused by COVID-19.

Houston-based Circinus Medical Technology closed its initial round of series A financing, the company said in a Dec. 3 news release.

Many orthopedic providers found initial success in bundled payment initiatives but later found themselves in a "race to the bottom" as certain payment models sought to continuously reduce costs while maintaining high-quality care.

Medicare spending on physician services declined $13.9 billion below expected levels in 2020, with orthopedic surgery accounting for $587M (23.7 percent) of that drop, the American Medical Association said in a Dec. 2 news release.

Albuquerque-based University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center added an orthopedic surgery and rehab clinic, CBS affiliate KRQE reported Dec. 1.

Robert Watkins IV, MD, performed back surgery on Brook Lopez, an NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a Dec. 2 news release.

NuVasive has lifted its voluntary ship hold on Precice titanium devices in the U.S. months after the FDA raised concerns about them in July.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based IMAC Holdings named two new hires and a promotion within the company, according to a Dec. 2 news release.

Becker's Spine Review reported on four first-time surgical cases that were completed in November.

CoreLink launched the CentraFix midline fixation system, according to a Dec. 2 news release.

Spine Wave launched two products for spinal fusions Dec. 2.

Cincinnati-based Advanced Spine & Pain Management was among five providers that recently agreed to pay a settlement and begin a corrective action plan for potential HIPAA violations.

Large independent orthopedic groups are becoming more prominent across the U.S. as small and solo practices continue to decline amid economic challenges that show no signs of slowing down.

Two orthopedic surgeons weigh in on payer obstacles they expect to see in 2022, from reimbursement issues to payer investment in health programs.

Here are 10 spine and orthopedic practices that submitted data breach reports in 2021 by the number of individuals affected:

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. had spine surgery at Dallas-based Carrell Clinic, the team said Dec. 1.

Here are 10 spine surgeons to know:

Orthopedic devicemaker Paragon 28 added B. Kristine Johnson and Kristina Wright to its board of directors, according to a Dec. 1 news release.