Author: Claire Wallace

In November, the Lown Institute released a report breaking down key statistics on unnecessary spine and back procedures nationwide. 

In December, the Leapfrog Group named the top 31 ASCs for 2024, recognizing facilities for safety and recovery standards, fair billing practices, volume and other achievements. 

Apex Orthopedics, a firm specializing in orthopedic investment and innovation, has tapped David Elliott as senior vice president of business development.

Here are four new spine patents that have been secured so far in 2024: 

Leonard Goldstock, MD, a shoulder specialist at OrthoNY in Albany, N.Y., is encouraging physicians to invest in a $70 million, 125,000-square-foot medical campus in Wilton, N.Y., according to a Dec. 26 report from the Times Union.

St. Louis-based Orthopedic Associates has added orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Frank Thomas, MD, to its team. 

Ronceverte, W.Va.-based CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, part of Charleston, W.Va. based Vandalhia Health, has added orthopedic surgeon Doug Tice, MD, according to a Dec. 30 report from The Real WV.

Providence Swedish, a partnership between Renton, Wash.-based Providence and Seattle-based Swedish Health, plans to add a Globus GPS robot for back surgeries at St. Peter Hospital, in Olympia, Wash., according to a Dec. 30 report from Thurston Talk. 

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith has undergone a successful surgery

Columbia (S.C.) VA Health Care System has performed its first spinal cord stimulation implantation, which aims to provide relief for chronic pain patients.