ISASS policy statement: Universal coverage for lumbar total disc replacement
The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery released a policy statement on lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery, which cites the scientific research about the procedure to support performing it with the appropriate patient selection and physician education. The organization also found lumbar TDR could have a “protective effect” on adjacent levels.
Johnson & Johnsonsells Cordis line for $1.9B
Cardinal Health bought Johnson & Johnson’s cardiovascular technologies business for $1.9 billion, which will have an impact on J&J’s overall business going forward. The company’s orthopedics segment, DePuy Synthes, is expected to continue growing as minimally invasive surgeries and technologies become more prominent. The company expects to launch 30 products this year and continue growing in the orthopedics market.
Dr. Stuart Weinstein receives OREF’s 2015 Clinical Research Award
The award-winning paper, titled “The Evidence Base for the Prognosis and Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis,” followed AIS patients from childhood through adulthood provides an evidence basis for patients and their families to make informed decisions about scoliosis treatment.
Dr. Ziya Gokaslan to leave Johns Hopkins for new appointments
Alpert Medical School appointed Ziya Gokaslan, MD, as chairman of the neurosurgery department. Dr. Gokaslan was also named chief of neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital in Providence.
Spinal stenosis treatment — Which areas do patients think are most important?
A study published in The Spine Journal examines the issues older adults identify after treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Researchers found that experiencing pain/discomfort and problems with physical function are the top two areas that are the most concerning for patients.
DOJ extends Biomet’s deferred prosecution agreement
The United States Department of Justice extended the deferred prosecution agreement for Biomet related to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations in October 2013, before Zimmer announced it would acquire the company. Biomet became aware of violations in October 2013 and conducted an internal investigation.
House Republicans unveil 2016 budget
The proposed budget for 2016 by House Republicans slashes federal spending by $5.5 trillion over the next 10 years, and a significant amount of that total comes from repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and overhauling Medicare and Medicaid.
750+ physician groups call on Congress to repeal SGR
The American Medical Association and more than 750 other physician groups have sent a letter to House and Senate leadership, urging policymakers to repeal the flawed sustainable growth rate formula and pass the bipartisan framework developed in 2014.
More articles on spine:
5 key notes on readmissions after lumbar spine surgery
7 spine surgeons recently receiving honors
Low- vs. high-field MRI: 5 key notes on spine diagnosis
