Here are 55 independent spine surgery practices to know. We are constantly updating this list, so if you would like to recommend a spine practice for inclusion, please contact Laura at lmiller@beckershealthcare.com.
Ann Arbor (Mich.) Spine Center. The Ann Arbor Spine Center was established in 2009 to care for patients with spine and neck problems. The center includes MRI, X-ray and injection suite capabilities in close proximity. The center has a relationship with spine specialists from Sport & Spine Physical Therapy. All spine surgeons perform a high volume of surgeries, logging more than 200 cases annually. Common procedures include treatment for scoliosis, artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion. The practice includes six spine and neurological surgeons and four locations. The surgeons are members of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and North American Spine Society.
Arizona Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists (Phoenix). The four physicians of Arizona Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists have a special interest in treating complex spine disorders, tumors and neurotrauma. The group was founded by Byron H. Willis, MD, who currently serves as president of the practice. He is also chairman of the division of neurosciences at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. The practice also includes the section chief of neurosurgery at Banner Good Samaritan. The surgeons focus on using evidence-based medicine guidelines to treat their patients and stay on the forefront of surgical technique.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. There are five physicians with Atlanta Brain and Spine Care who perform a variety of procedures, including minimally invasive spine surgery, artificial disc replacement and discectomy. The practice was established in 2003 as a Spinal Research Foundation Regional Center of Excellence. Co-founder Regis W. Haid Jr., MD, is also medical director of the Piedmont Spine Center and neurosciences service line at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. The practice is led by President Steven D. Wray, MD, who is a past president of the Georgia Neurological Society. In addition to their clinical work, the surgeons are also focused on research and have published more than 100 articles in medical journals. They also lecture worldwide on spine-related topics.
Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (Neptune, N.J.). Henry Liss, MD, established Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists in 1958, and then known as The Neurosurgical Group of Chatham. The surgeons offer minimally invasive and complex spine surgery for the cervical and lumbar spine. The practice also includes physicians focusing on pain management and sports concussions. There are 15 physicians in the practice, including John J. Knightly, MD, who is the medical director of the neuro-spine team at Athletic Health Institute. In addition to their clinical practice, the physicians engage in research in areas such as biological approaches for spinal fusions. Albert Telfeian, MD, of the practice was among the first neurosurgeons in the country to perform endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.
The Boston Spine Group. The Boston Spine Group includes a team of fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists and pain management physicians. Led by Robert Banco, MD, the physicians treat patients with degenerative conditions, chronic low back pain, tumors, scoliosis, spinal trauma and spine infections. The group was founded in 1998 and the surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery, cervical and lumbar disc replacement and lateral approaches to surgery. In addition to their clinical practice, the surgeons participate in outcomes-based research and FDA regulated investigations related to spine care.
Boulder (Colo.) Neurological Associates. Boulder Neurological Associates is a seven-physician group, including Alan T. Villavicencio, MD, who is a senior partner and director of research and development for the practice. He also heads up neurosurgery programs at two hospitals and is the director of The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute in Colorado, which he founded. He also founded the Justin Parker Neurological Institute, along with John Parker, MD, which funds clinical research on brain and spine disorders. Surgeons at the practice were among the first in the region to perform lumbar fusion using minimally invasive surgical techniques and the CyberKnife Radiosurgery system. The practice includes six locations and has a focus on providing spine and brain care to athletes. The physicians also participate in FDA-regulated clinical trials for several procedures, including the Trinity Evolution PLIF or TLIF and the Maverick lumbar artificial disc study.
Brain & Spine Center of Texas (Plano). Surgeons at Brain & Spine Center of Texas have an expertise in complex spinal instrumentation, minimally invasive spine surgery and cranial surgery. The practice has five office locations in Texas. In addition to their clinical work, the surgeons are engaged in research and have given presentations internationally about topics such as artificial disc replacement and fusion. Rebecca E. Stachniak, MD, a neurosurgeon with a special interest in spine surgery at the practice, has been a principle investigator for FDA projects that include artificial discs and a trial study on using bone morphogenic protein for spinal fusions.
Bristol Neurosurgical Associates (Bristol, Tenn.). Jim Brasfield, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery, founded Bristol Neurosurgical Associates in 1985 and then TriCities Spine in 2008, which brings together a team of spine specialists for a one-stop spine care facility. Additionally, Dr. Brasfield co-founded E-cure to improve clinical care and practice efficiency. Surgeons at Bristol Neurosurgical Associates and its subsidiary Tri Cities Spine have expertise in complex back and spine problems. The practice includes spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical medicine specialists and an internal pain specialist. In addition to medical services, the practice has MRI, X-ray and an injection suite.
Buffalo Spine Surgery (Lockport, N.Y.). The surgeons of Buffalo Spine Surgery perform several procedures, including artificial disc replacement, XLIF, spinal fusions and skull-based surgery. The practice includes Andrew Cappuccino, MD, who has engaged in several research projects related to biologics, disc replacement and other spine innovation. He was recently named chairman of the Surgeon Advisory Board for Lanx and is an assistant team physician with the Buffalo Bills. The surgeons are members of several professional societies, including the Congress of Neurosurgeons and American Academy of Sports Medicine.
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates (Charlotte, N.C.). Founded in 1940, Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates includes 18 physician partners and 26 physicians in the practice. The practice is one of 17 sites across the United States participating in the National Neurosurgery Quality and outcomes Database established by American Association of Neurological Surgeons and NeuroPoint Alliance, with the partnership of Vanderbilt Institute of Medicine and Public Health. The practice includes a principle investigator for the NuQu juvenile chondrocyte injection for disc repair and Mesoblast stem cell injections for disc repair. Tim Adamson, MD, is the developer of the Cervical MED and was the first in the region to use an artificial disc for treating degenerative disc disease. The practice includes X-ray, a mobile MRI and upright MRI.
DenverSpine. DenverSpine has MRI, X-ray and injection suite capabilities for patients with back pain. The spine surgeons treat patients with spinal deformity, spine fractures and scoliosis. The surgeons are joined by physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. In addition to their clinical work, the physicians participate in studies that are published in professional journals. The research focuses on treatment for patients with lumbar disc herniation. Currently, the physicians are enrolling patients in the FDA-cleared adult stem cell study testing mesenchymal precursor cells to treat patients with chronic back pain from degenerative discs.
Deuk Spine Institute (Melbourne, Fla.). Founded by Ara Deukmedjian, MD, Deuk Spine Institute surgeons perform a variety of interventions for back pain, including a new procedure Dr. Deukmedjian developed called Deuk Laser Disc Repair. He also founded the Deuk Spine Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on research and education related to back pain and spine care. The foundation exists to advance spine research and provide a forum for public education and treatment for spine disease. Coupled with the public education on spinal conditions, the foundation supports clinical research to test different treatment options against worldwide registries of outcomes data and sponsors seminars, student projects, senior center discussion groups, scholarships and other outreach initiatives to promote spine health.
Front Range Center for Brain & Spine Surgery (Fort Collins, Colo.). Front Range Center for Brain & Spine Surgery was founded in 1978 and now includes three office locations in Colorado and Wyoming. The surgeons have a special interest in treating patients with a variety of spinal disorders with surgical and non-surgical methods. The practice participates in CORHIO HIE, a secure network linking physicians and other medical providers throughout Colorado to provide access to patient information and physician transcription reports.
Georgia Comprehensive Spine (Athens). The surgeons of Georgia Neurological Surgery founded Georgia Comprehensive Spine in 2010 in collaboration with fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. The group includes five spine-focused neurosurgeons that perform treatment for patients with spinal cord injury, brain tumor and other spinal disorders. They are able to perform spinal fusions, minimally invasive surgery and artificial disc replacement. When possible, the surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures at GNS Surgery Center, which is a Blue Chip Partners surgery center.
Houston Orthopedic & Spine Physicians. Houston Orthopedic & Spine Physicians was founded in 2011 and is owned by 25 partners of the Houston Orthopedic and Spine Hospital. The physicians perform several procedures, including spinal fusion, laminectomy, anterior cervical discectomy and kyphoplasty. The practice includes a past president of the Southern Neurological Society and Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons. Ancillary services at the practice include an on-site radiology department and concierge services to support patient referrals.
Indiana Spine Group (Carmel). Indiana Spine Group is led by president and founding member Rick Sasso, MD, who is also the co-medical director of the St. Vincent Spine Center and chief of spine surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. The practice physicians are currently involved in the development of new surgical treatments and techniques, including FDA-approved studies. In May 2002, the group was among the first to perform cervical disc implants in the United States. Indiana Spine Group includes eight physicians and pioneered the incorporation of ScoliScore, a genetic test to measure the future severity of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In August 2011, the practice opened a new 60,174-square-foot dedicated spine center in Carmel. The center includes 16 patient examination and treatment rooms, an imaging suite with MRI and CT scanning, physical therapy suite and an outpatient surgery center.
Lancaster (Pa.) NeuroScience & Spine Associates. Lancaster NeuroScience & Spine Associates includes a team of six neurosurgeons and two physiatrists who perform spinal fusions, artificial disc replacements and surgery for brain conditions. Surgeons at the practice include the chief of neurosurgery at Lancaster General Hospital and past president of the Pennsylvania Neurological Society. The practice also includes The NeuroSpine Center, opened in 2009, which includes two operating rooms and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Located in the Eden Road Medical Center next to the practice's main office, the facility also has MRI and physical therapy.
Mayfield Clinic & Spine Institute (Cincinnati). The Mayfield Clinic & Spine Institute was founded in 1937, which means the practice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. There are 11 physician partners who have a special interest in a variety of procedures, including axial lumbar interbody fusion, complex spinal reconstruction, cervical and lumbar arthroplasty, minimally invasive spine surgery and deformity correction. The surgeons perform outpatient procedures for appropriately selected patients. In addition to their clinical work, the surgeons are faculty members at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The physicians have shared ownership of The Christ Hospital Spine Surgery Center, joint ownership of Precision Radiotherapy Center and treat professional and collegiate athletes with spine problems.
Michael A. Gleiber, MD, PA, Spine Surgery, (Jupiter and Boca Raton, Fla.). Michael A. Gleiber, MD, is the founding partner and president of his spine surgery practice which includes locations in Jupiter and Boca Raton, Fla. Dr. Gleiber was recently inducted into Super Doctors, as elected by his physician colleagues in 2012, and rated among The Top Orthopedists in America by Consumers' Research of America. In his practice, Dr. Gleiber focuses on treatment for patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal trauma, tumors and degenerative disc disease. He is an expert in the latest minimally invasive and motion preserving spinal procedures. Dr. Gleiber is on staff at The University of Miami Hospital and several Palm Beach County medical centers. He is a Diplomate of The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of multiple medical organizations including the North American Spine Society. Dr. Gleiber is committed to the advancement of minimally invasive procedures that decrease pain and length of hospital stay, minimize blood loss and restore normal function. After obtaining his medical degree with Honors at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., Dr. Gleiber completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and fellowship training at the renown Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Surgery Fellowship.
Midwest Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists (Omaha). Midwest Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists includes locations in Nebraska and Iowa as well as the Midwest Imaging Center. Surgeons at the practice have a special interest in treating patients with artificial disc surgery, gamma knife surgery and spinal tumor surgery. In addition to the clinical practice, the surgeons created the Midwest NeuroScience Foundation to fund research and education for patients with brain and spine injury and illness. Leslie C. Hellbusch, MD, founded Midwest NeuroScience Center and Midwest Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists.
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (Chicago). Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is a large orthopedics group seven spine surgeons as well as pain management and physical medicine specialists. Earlier this year, Kern Singh, MD, and Frank Phillips, MD, co-founded the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Minimally Invasive Spine Institute. They treat a wide variety of spinal conditions, including stenosis, deformity and spinal tumors. Dr. Phillips has served as president of the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and several of the spine surgeons in the group have been involved in cutting-edge research and innovation. They have participated in FDA research trials for devices such as cervical artificial disc replacements and motion preserving spinal technology. The practice is the team physicians for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.
Midwest Spine Institute (Stillwater, Minn.). Midwest Spine Institute was established in 1987 and includes a team of spine surgeons, mid-level providers, physical therapists and interventional pain physicians. Surgeons at the practice are able to perform a variety of procedures, including minimal access spine surgery, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and artificial disc replacement. Additionally, the surgeons are engaged in ongoing research on topics such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and long term outcomes for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The practice also offers a formal Shared Decision Making Program, which allows patients and providers to collaborate on different treatment options based on individual needs and preferences. In addition to the clinical services, Midwest Spine Institute also includes an MRI, DEXA and general radiology.
Nebraska Spine Center (Omaha, Neb.). The spine surgeons of Nebraska Spine Center founded the Nebraska Foundation for Spine Research in 1998. The non-profit foundation supports research by the Nebraska Spine Center and carries out research sponsored by other companies. Studies through the foundation that are currently enrolling patients include a trial for DePuy Spine's Discover Disc, AxioMed Spine's Freedom Lumbar Disc and the use of rhBMP-2 for anterior cervical procedures. The foundation's goal is to promote research that can improve patient care and offer novel treatments at reduced or no cost. Many of the surgeons associated with the foundation have published articles as a result of their work and are committed to serving as a source of education and information related to spinal disease and disorders. Nebraska Spine Center surgeons also opened a physician-owned hospital, Nebraska Spine Hospital, as a partnership with Alegent Health.
Neurosurgical Surgery (Great Neck, N.Y.). Founded in 1958 by I. Melbourne Greenberg, MD, Neurosurgical Surgery currently includes 11 partners who perform procedures such as kyphoplasty, X-STOP, minimally invasive spine surgery and revision spine surgery. Physician partners include the chiefs of neurosurgery at several area hospitals, and the past president of the New York States Neurosurgical Society. The practice includes services in 10 different locations as well as imaging and physical therapy offices. The practice hired the first dual trained neurosurgery-spine fellowship neurosurgeon on Long Island in 1998 and surgeons performed one of the first minimally invasive microendoscopic discectomies in the tri-state area.
NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin (Appleton). Led by Peter F. Ullrich Jr., MD, NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin includes two spine surgeons, two neurosurgeons and five physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. Dr. Ullrich is the medical director of NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin and co-founder of Spine-health.com. The surgeons provide care for disc herniation, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. In addition to surgical and interventional services, the practice includes physical therapy and provides onsite chiropractic care by Schubbe-Resch Chiropractic.
NeuroSpine Institute (Orlando). NeuroSpine Institute President Robert L. Masson, MD, a neurosurgeon with a special interest in spinal injury and sports neurosurgery, founded the NeuroSpine Institute Foundation and currently serves as chairman of the board. The foundation was formed in 2010 and has been focused on its educational mission ever since. NSIF's main goal is to promote youth sports and education about how to stop preventable injuries, including concussions and spinal cord injury, from occurring in young athletes. Dr. Masson also recently developed a clinic for patients with failed lumbar spine surgery. This summer, NeuroSpine Institute is opening the Spine Performance Institute for patients to conduct high-end biomechanical evaluations and other rehabilitation services.
OrthoGeorgia Spine Center (Macon). OrthoGeorgia was founded in 1961 and includes a spine center among other orthopedic subspecialties. The practice includes 36 examination rooms, an ambulatory surgery center, orthopedic urgent care, rehabilitation services and a café. The Spine Center includes four physicians who have a special interest in treating a variety of spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, herniated disc and degenerative disease. They perform disc replacement, lateral access surgery and minimally invasive procedures as well as physiatry.
Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute (Hagerstown, Md.). The four neurosurgeons at Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute perform minimally invasive spinal procedures, including spinal fusion and discectomy. The practice also includes neurologists, physiatrists, pain management physicians and chiropractors for non-operative spine care. The practice has three locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and includes Parkway Physical Therapy. In recent years, the practice has received laboratory accreditation from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Practice physicians are also partners with Parkway Surgery Center, where they can perform spine cases.
Resurgens Spine Center (Atlanta). Resurgens Spine Center was formed in 1999 and includes 28 physicians. It has 19 clinic locations across Georgia where physicians focus on surgical and non-surgical services. The surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. The group includes trainers for total disc arthroplasty, former team physicians for the PGA Tour and the chief of orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. Ancillary services at the practice are physical therapy, MRI and an ambulatory surgery center.
Rockford (Ill.) Spine Center. Rockford Spine Center was founded in 2003 by three partners, all of whom are fellowship trained spine surgeons. The surgeons perform minimally invasive spine procedures and provide ancillary services, including digital X-ray, MRI, electromyography, nerve conduction and physical therapy. Recently, the surgeons were named among the top spine surgeons in the country by Newsweek. They also treat patients with scoliosis, spinal tumors and deformity, and perform cervical disc replacement.
San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders (San Diego). Behrooz Akbarnia, MD, director of the San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders, founded the San Diego Spine Foundation in 2004 to support spine-related research and education. The foundation's mission is to improve the global care of spine patients through research, education and professional development. The foundation provides funding for the San Diego Spine Fellowship Program, allowing young surgeons to pursue clinical and research education in spine surgery. Since its inception, SDSF has received and provided grants for research studies in adult and pediatric spinal disorders and deformities. In addition to research, the foundation is involved in educational endeavors such as the sponsorship of the San Diego City Wide Spine Meetings for spine surgeons and their clinical staff. Surgeons at the practice treat patients with minimally invasive surgical techniques for degenerative diseases and other disorders, such as spinal tumors.
Seton Spine & Scoliosis Center (Austin, Texas). There are four spine surgeons and two nonsurgical care physicians practicing at Seton Spine & Scoliosis Center. The surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery, artificial disc replacement and surgical correction of scoliosis. The surgeons are led by co-chief Matthew J. Geck, MD, who also founded SpineHope to support children with spinal deformities through surgery, education and research. Dr. Geck recently traveled to Columbia to develop further sites in Central and South America. Co-chief John K. Stokes was a principle investigator in the FDA IDE study of the Mobi-C artificial cervical disc.
Sierra Regional Spine Institute (Reno, Nev.). Sierra Regional Spine Institute was founded in 1991 by James R. Rappaport, MD, and includes spine surgeons and non-surgical spine specialists. The specialists treat patients with conditions such as disc herniation, scoliosis, spinal fractures and spinal degeneration. It also includes a monthly electronic newsletter for patients. Two of the physicians served as team physicians for the U.S. Ski Team and worked with three recent Olympic Gold Medal winners. There are full-outpatient surgical facilities available within walking distance of the practice at The Quail Surgical Center. There is also a physical therapy center adjacent to the practice offices.
Sonoran Spine Center (Mesa, Ariz.). The Sonoran Spine Center is committed to research through its Sonoran Spine Research and Education Foundation. The foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that conducts and supports spine research. The clinical research conducted through the foundation focuses on several areas, including scoliosis, new techniques for kyphosis correction, spine trauma, osteoporosis-related spine fractures and biologic enhancement of spinal fusion. The researchers are also interested in sports-related and work-related injuries. In 2011, surgeons and researchers with the foundation gathered and presented information on several different topics, including the use of rhBMP-2 in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and long-term work capacity after spine surgery. In addition to its focus on research, the foundation also supports public awareness programs and advocacy groups for spinal disorders. Sonoran Spine Center is led by Dennis Crandall, MD, who serves as a spinal consultant to several professional athletes and organizations.
South Bend Spine (Mishawaka, Ind.). South Bend Orthopaedics created South Bend Spine in 2010 as a spine specialty center that includes fellowship-trained spine surgeons, non-surgical spine specialists, spine therapists, X-ray and diagnostics. The three spine surgeons focus on various areas of spine care, including lower back treatment, minimally invasive spine surgery and artificial disc replacement. The surgeons are members of several professional organizations, including American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Indiana Orthopaedic Society and North American Spine Society.
South Florida Spine Clinic (Fort Lauderdale). Founded in 2000 by chief medical officer Jeffrey Cantor, MD, South Florida Spine Clinic includes pain management services as well as spine surgeons. Dr. Cantor performs minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusions and total disc replacement. The clinic also includes an on-premise surgical training facility to teach, develop and practice new technologies. The facility also has a fully functional cadaver lab and lecture room.
South Texas Spinal Clinic (San Antonio). Gilbert R. Meadows, MD, founded South Texas Spine Clinic, which now includes 13 locations and 13 physicians. Surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including anterior cervical fusions, anterior cervical discectomy, XLIF and lumbar microdiscectomy. The practice also includes pain management and needle electromyography. The physicians have developed a special therapy program to help patients with their rehabilitation process.
South Sound Neurosurgery (Puyallup, Wash.). Richard Wohns, MD, is the founder and president of South Sound Neurosurgery. He was among the first neurosurgeons to perform the XLIF technique for minimally invasive spine surgery and is a past president of the Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons. The practice also offers interventional pain management services and diagnostic techniques, including electromyography. The physicians of the practice perform procedures at the Brain & Spine Center, which also has MRI capabilities.
Southeastern Spine Center (Sarasota, Fla.). Southeastern Spine Center includes a research institute to provide objective evaluation of outcomes for operative and non-operative care for treatment with spinal disorders. Surgeons at the center are currently comparing minimally invasive endoscopic interbody fusion with open interbody fusion as part of a multi-centered study being conducted around the United States. The surgeons are also working on a retrospective evaluation comparing open versus endoscopic lumbar decompression, fusion and instrumentation. A third study examines upright MRI with flexion and extension in comparison to supine MRI for differentiating clinical findings. The surgeons have participated in several clinical research trials and worked on designing and developing metallic implants for both cervical and lumbar spinal disorders.
Southeastern Spine Institute (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.). Originally founded in 1991 by Donald R. Johnson, MD, the Southeastern Spine Institute pursued a singular vision to become a preeminent spine and pain management practice. Today SSI has grown to include a total of 14 physicians. The recent opening of a new 18,600 square-foot medical office building adjacent to the original 22,400 square-foot medical complex creates a medical campus enabling patients to access ancillary services for diagnosis and treatment in a single visit. Services provided at the Southeastern Spine Institute’s campus include: Ambulatory Surgery Center, diagnostic imaging (three MRIs, three C-arms, two digital x-rays, and ultrasound), EMG/NCS, laboratory, DME/spinal bracing, pharmacy, intraoperative neuromonitoring and physical therapy. SSI surgeons provide minimally invasive endoscopic disc, fusion, and disc replacement surgeries. SSI has participated in multiple clinical trials and been a site for multiple FDA studies to include the X-Stop and Maverick artificial disc replacement trials.
Southern California Neuroscience and Spine. The Center for Neuroscience and Spine, a part of the Southern California Center for Neuroscience and Spine, was founded in 2005 by Ali H. Meiswala, MD. He performs several procedures, including complex operations for patients with skull base, peripheral nerve and movement disorders. He also performs minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusions and will be the first center to do a clinical research study for SI-BONE. His additional procedures include Synthes ProDisc for cervical and lumbar surgery and the practice is in the process of becoming part of the Medical Tourism Association. This month, the practice is opening a surgery center in Rancho Cucamonga and partnering with two surgery centers in Beverly Hills to open a new office location later this summer.
Southern Oregon Neurosurgical & Spine Associates (Medford). Led by Miroslav P. Bobek, MD, Southern Oregon Neurological & Spine Associates is a comprehensive team of neurosurgeons that treat brain, spine, spinal cord and nervous system disorders. The surgeons perform minimally invasive techniques and use the METRx MicroDiscectomy System. One of the surgeons, David Walker, MD, established an outreach clinic for patients traveling long distances for care, allowing them to complete the initial consultation and follow-up exams at remote satellite locations. The practice currently supports the Southern Oregon Spartans hockey team.
Southwestern Brain & Spine (New Orleans). Southwestern Brain & Spine has 10 providers and three practice locations. The practice was founded in 2006 and includes neurosurgeons and non-surgical specialists. The surgeons have a special interest in complex spine surgery, spinal tumors and degenerative conditions. The practice includes a surgeon who is an NFL-approved second opinion surgeon and a former chairman of the department of neurosurgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Spine Institute Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Calif.). The Spine Institute has a focus on research and clinical trials for several types of spine and back pain management procedures. During the past 10 years, the institute's research has emphasized the in vivo application of proteins, growth factors, stem cell therapy and biologics to promote spinal tissue generation or regeneration. The Spine Institute's Spine Research Foundation has participated in several clinical trials, including the study of BMP-7 and nucleus replacement. Current open trials include the treatment of lumbar internal disc disruption with the Biostat System and Intradiscal rhGDF-5 as a growth factor for patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. Much of the research done at the Spine Research Foundation is later published in professional journals, and the surgeons are often called upon to provide expertise to media sources on spine research and innovation.
SpineCare Medical Group (Daly City, Calif.). SpineCare Medical Group surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures, spinal fusions and advanced internal fixation device procedures. The practice includes X-rays, MRI and CT scans as well as pain management. The physician partners have a research and education division, San Francisco Spine Institute, which provides continuing education and courses for physicians and surgeons. The group is led by Paul Slosar, MD, president of the SpineCare Medical Group and medical director of the Spine Care Institute in San Francisco. He is also assistant director of surgical fellowship and surgical research at The San Francisco Spine Institute.
Spine Colorado (Durango). Spine Colorado includes fellowship-trained spine surgeons and physical medicine physicians. The surgeons perform deformity correction, trauma surgery and total disc replacement procedures. Some of the procedures are performed in an outpoint surgery center. The practice is led by co-founder Jim A. Youssef, MD, who is a member of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, North American Spine Society and Cervical Spine Research Society. He also started the research department at Spine Colorado in 2002 and has participated in studies for new spinal implants and procedures. The physicians are engaged in research and lecture across the country on spine-related topics. The practice has three locations and provides care for several local athletes.
SpineNevada (Reno). SpineNevada includes James Lynch, MD, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who performs more than 500 spine surgeries per year, as well as non-operative physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists and physical therapy. Dr. Lynch is also the chairman and director of spine programs at Surgery Center of Reno, where he is currently setting up a Minimally Invasive Spine Center. He has lectured on building a comprehensive spine center and ASC development for the past several years at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. SpineNevada was among the first spine centers in the region authorized and trained to implant the new artificial disc for patients with degenerative disc disease. The practice also plans to add additional partners by the end of the year.
Summit Spinecare (Woodbury, Minn.). Summit Spinecare is a division of Summit Orthopedics, which was launched when the practice opened a 38,000-square-foot building in 2009. Approximately 6,500-square-feet are dedicated to the spine center, which includes six operative and non-operative spine physicians. Surgical options include minimally invasive spine surgery, scoliosis care and spinal fusion using bone morphogenic protein. The surgeons are fellowship-trained and members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Summit Spinecare is a spine center of excellence that includes diagnostics, exercise gym and spine-specialized therapists all under one roof.
Texas Back Institute (Plano, Texas). Stephen Hochschuler, MD, and Ralph Rashbaum, MD, founded Texas Back Institute in 1977. In 1985, the Texas Back Institute Research Foundation was founded to improve care for patients with back pain through research and education. The foundation's work has included total disc replacements, minimally invasive procedures and pre-surgical psychological screening. The practice also has a fellowship program that has trained more than 70 spine surgeons through fellowships and visitor programs, and much of the research done at the foundation has been published in professional journal. In 2004, the practice also formed Texas Back Institute Clinical Research, an organization dedicated to advancing new spinal technologies and techniques, which has supervised clinical research trials, research studies and education programs. The current clinical trials include a study comparing the VertiFlex Superion Interspinous Spacer to the X-Stop Interspinous Process Decompression System for spinal stenosis; and the clinical and radiographic outcomes of anterior lumbar interbody fusion using a novel stand-alone interbody fusion device.
Texas Spine Consultants (Dallas). Texas Spine Consultants is located at Baylor University Medical Center and includes five physicians. The practice includes the fellowship director for the Dallas Spine Fellowship and a pain medicine physician. The surgeons perform minimally invasive treatment for scoliosis, surgical resection of spinal tumors, cervical and lumbar total disc replacement and image guided surgical navigation. Physicians from the practice have earned the Patients' Choice award.
Total Spine Specialists (Huntersville, N.C.). Total Spine Specialists includes four offices in North Carolina. Led by co-founding physician Mark Hartman, MD, and Paul J. Tsahakis, MD, the practice includes physicians who perform minimally invasive spine surgery. All together, the surgeons have performed more than 7,000 spine surgeries with approximately 400 cases using minimally invasive techniques annually. In addition to their clinical practice, the surgeons engage in research and present their findings at national society meetings.
TriState Neurological Associates (Erie, Pa.). TriState Neurological Surgeons partners with Saint Vincent Health Care to provide brain, spinal and neurosurgical care. It is the community arm of the department of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and serves patients in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The physicians focus on treating patients with spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumors and other conditions. The practice has 15 office locations and includes neurosurgeons for NFL athletes and the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Several of the surgeons also hold leadership positions within their local hospitals, including the chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Passavant.
Twin Cities Spine Center (Minneapolis). John H. Moe, MD, founded Minnesota Spine Center and Twin Cities Scoliosis Center, which merged in 1998 to become Twin Cities Spine Center. The practice includes 10 fellowship-trained spine surgeons and a full research department. The surgeons now involved with the research department examine operative and non-operative treatment, diagnostic methods and the natural history of spine problems. More than 500 medical papers have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals as a result of research done at the practice. Twin Cities Spine Center also supports a fellowship program that has trained more than 140 spine surgeons.
Virginia Spine Institute (Reston). Virginia Spine Institute President Thomas C. Schuler, MD, founded the practice in 1992, and since then VSI spine surgeons have participated in several cutting-edge research and development projects. These projects include studying the safety and effectiveness of the Maverick Total Disc Replacement for lumbar degenerative disc disease, Prestige LP Cervical Disc and a clinical trial involving anterior cervical interbody fusion using rhBMP-2 soaked into an absorbable collagen sponge. In 2002, Dr. Schuler founded The Spine Research Foundation, which is now directed by Brian R. Subach, MD. The foundation was formed with the goal of promoting fact-based medicine among spinal healthcare. In addition to the focus on research, The Spinal Research Foundation has also built an education program to promote spinal health awareness among the general public, with efforts including the "We've Got Your Back" race, walk and spinal health fair held at locations around the country.
Watkins Spine (Marina del Rey, Calif.). Robert Watkins III, MD, is a founding member of the North American Spine Society and co-director of the Marina Spine Center, along with his son who also practices at Watkins Spine. The Marina Spine Center includes rehabilitation services. During his career, Dr. Watkins has treated several professional athletes and trained countless spine surgeon fellows. The surgeons are able to perform minimally invasive procedures and use image guidance when performing spine surgery. They focus on operative and non-operative care, and Dr. Watkins was an investigator for the ProDisc and Charite artificial disc FDA studies.
Ann Arbor (Mich.) Spine Center. The Ann Arbor Spine Center was established in 2009 to care for patients with spine and neck problems. The center includes MRI, X-ray and injection suite capabilities in close proximity. The center has a relationship with spine specialists from Sport & Spine Physical Therapy. All spine surgeons perform a high volume of surgeries, logging more than 200 cases annually. Common procedures include treatment for scoliosis, artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion. The practice includes six spine and neurological surgeons and four locations. The surgeons are members of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and North American Spine Society.
Arizona Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists (Phoenix). The four physicians of Arizona Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists have a special interest in treating complex spine disorders, tumors and neurotrauma. The group was founded by Byron H. Willis, MD, who currently serves as president of the practice. He is also chairman of the division of neurosciences at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. The practice also includes the section chief of neurosurgery at Banner Good Samaritan. The surgeons focus on using evidence-based medicine guidelines to treat their patients and stay on the forefront of surgical technique.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. There are five physicians with Atlanta Brain and Spine Care who perform a variety of procedures, including minimally invasive spine surgery, artificial disc replacement and discectomy. The practice was established in 2003 as a Spinal Research Foundation Regional Center of Excellence. Co-founder Regis W. Haid Jr., MD, is also medical director of the Piedmont Spine Center and neurosciences service line at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. The practice is led by President Steven D. Wray, MD, who is a past president of the Georgia Neurological Society. In addition to their clinical work, the surgeons are also focused on research and have published more than 100 articles in medical journals. They also lecture worldwide on spine-related topics.
Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (Neptune, N.J.). Henry Liss, MD, established Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists in 1958, and then known as The Neurosurgical Group of Chatham. The surgeons offer minimally invasive and complex spine surgery for the cervical and lumbar spine. The practice also includes physicians focusing on pain management and sports concussions. There are 15 physicians in the practice, including John J. Knightly, MD, who is the medical director of the neuro-spine team at Athletic Health Institute. In addition to their clinical practice, the physicians engage in research in areas such as biological approaches for spinal fusions. Albert Telfeian, MD, of the practice was among the first neurosurgeons in the country to perform endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.
The Boston Spine Group. The Boston Spine Group includes a team of fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists and pain management physicians. Led by Robert Banco, MD, the physicians treat patients with degenerative conditions, chronic low back pain, tumors, scoliosis, spinal trauma and spine infections. The group was founded in 1998 and the surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery, cervical and lumbar disc replacement and lateral approaches to surgery. In addition to their clinical practice, the surgeons participate in outcomes-based research and FDA regulated investigations related to spine care.
Boulder (Colo.) Neurological Associates. Boulder Neurological Associates is a seven-physician group, including Alan T. Villavicencio, MD, who is a senior partner and director of research and development for the practice. He also heads up neurosurgery programs at two hospitals and is the director of The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute in Colorado, which he founded. He also founded the Justin Parker Neurological Institute, along with John Parker, MD, which funds clinical research on brain and spine disorders. Surgeons at the practice were among the first in the region to perform lumbar fusion using minimally invasive surgical techniques and the CyberKnife Radiosurgery system. The practice includes six locations and has a focus on providing spine and brain care to athletes. The physicians also participate in FDA-regulated clinical trials for several procedures, including the Trinity Evolution PLIF or TLIF and the Maverick lumbar artificial disc study.
Brain & Spine Center of Texas (Plano). Surgeons at Brain & Spine Center of Texas have an expertise in complex spinal instrumentation, minimally invasive spine surgery and cranial surgery. The practice has five office locations in Texas. In addition to their clinical work, the surgeons are engaged in research and have given presentations internationally about topics such as artificial disc replacement and fusion. Rebecca E. Stachniak, MD, a neurosurgeon with a special interest in spine surgery at the practice, has been a principle investigator for FDA projects that include artificial discs and a trial study on using bone morphogenic protein for spinal fusions.
Bristol Neurosurgical Associates (Bristol, Tenn.). Jim Brasfield, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery, founded Bristol Neurosurgical Associates in 1985 and then TriCities Spine in 2008, which brings together a team of spine specialists for a one-stop spine care facility. Additionally, Dr. Brasfield co-founded E-cure to improve clinical care and practice efficiency. Surgeons at Bristol Neurosurgical Associates and its subsidiary Tri Cities Spine have expertise in complex back and spine problems. The practice includes spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical medicine specialists and an internal pain specialist. In addition to medical services, the practice has MRI, X-ray and an injection suite.
Buffalo Spine Surgery (Lockport, N.Y.). The surgeons of Buffalo Spine Surgery perform several procedures, including artificial disc replacement, XLIF, spinal fusions and skull-based surgery. The practice includes Andrew Cappuccino, MD, who has engaged in several research projects related to biologics, disc replacement and other spine innovation. He was recently named chairman of the Surgeon Advisory Board for Lanx and is an assistant team physician with the Buffalo Bills. The surgeons are members of several professional societies, including the Congress of Neurosurgeons and American Academy of Sports Medicine.
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates (Charlotte, N.C.). Founded in 1940, Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates includes 18 physician partners and 26 physicians in the practice. The practice is one of 17 sites across the United States participating in the National Neurosurgery Quality and outcomes Database established by American Association of Neurological Surgeons and NeuroPoint Alliance, with the partnership of Vanderbilt Institute of Medicine and Public Health. The practice includes a principle investigator for the NuQu juvenile chondrocyte injection for disc repair and Mesoblast stem cell injections for disc repair. Tim Adamson, MD, is the developer of the Cervical MED and was the first in the region to use an artificial disc for treating degenerative disc disease. The practice includes X-ray, a mobile MRI and upright MRI.
DenverSpine. DenverSpine has MRI, X-ray and injection suite capabilities for patients with back pain. The spine surgeons treat patients with spinal deformity, spine fractures and scoliosis. The surgeons are joined by physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. In addition to their clinical work, the physicians participate in studies that are published in professional journals. The research focuses on treatment for patients with lumbar disc herniation. Currently, the physicians are enrolling patients in the FDA-cleared adult stem cell study testing mesenchymal precursor cells to treat patients with chronic back pain from degenerative discs.
Deuk Spine Institute (Melbourne, Fla.). Founded by Ara Deukmedjian, MD, Deuk Spine Institute surgeons perform a variety of interventions for back pain, including a new procedure Dr. Deukmedjian developed called Deuk Laser Disc Repair. He also founded the Deuk Spine Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on research and education related to back pain and spine care. The foundation exists to advance spine research and provide a forum for public education and treatment for spine disease. Coupled with the public education on spinal conditions, the foundation supports clinical research to test different treatment options against worldwide registries of outcomes data and sponsors seminars, student projects, senior center discussion groups, scholarships and other outreach initiatives to promote spine health.
Front Range Center for Brain & Spine Surgery (Fort Collins, Colo.). Front Range Center for Brain & Spine Surgery was founded in 1978 and now includes three office locations in Colorado and Wyoming. The surgeons have a special interest in treating patients with a variety of spinal disorders with surgical and non-surgical methods. The practice participates in CORHIO HIE, a secure network linking physicians and other medical providers throughout Colorado to provide access to patient information and physician transcription reports.
Georgia Comprehensive Spine (Athens). The surgeons of Georgia Neurological Surgery founded Georgia Comprehensive Spine in 2010 in collaboration with fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. The group includes five spine-focused neurosurgeons that perform treatment for patients with spinal cord injury, brain tumor and other spinal disorders. They are able to perform spinal fusions, minimally invasive surgery and artificial disc replacement. When possible, the surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures at GNS Surgery Center, which is a Blue Chip Partners surgery center.
Houston Orthopedic & Spine Physicians. Houston Orthopedic & Spine Physicians was founded in 2011 and is owned by 25 partners of the Houston Orthopedic and Spine Hospital. The physicians perform several procedures, including spinal fusion, laminectomy, anterior cervical discectomy and kyphoplasty. The practice includes a past president of the Southern Neurological Society and Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons. Ancillary services at the practice include an on-site radiology department and concierge services to support patient referrals.
Indiana Spine Group (Carmel). Indiana Spine Group is led by president and founding member Rick Sasso, MD, who is also the co-medical director of the St. Vincent Spine Center and chief of spine surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. The practice physicians are currently involved in the development of new surgical treatments and techniques, including FDA-approved studies. In May 2002, the group was among the first to perform cervical disc implants in the United States. Indiana Spine Group includes eight physicians and pioneered the incorporation of ScoliScore, a genetic test to measure the future severity of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In August 2011, the practice opened a new 60,174-square-foot dedicated spine center in Carmel. The center includes 16 patient examination and treatment rooms, an imaging suite with MRI and CT scanning, physical therapy suite and an outpatient surgery center.
Lancaster (Pa.) NeuroScience & Spine Associates. Lancaster NeuroScience & Spine Associates includes a team of six neurosurgeons and two physiatrists who perform spinal fusions, artificial disc replacements and surgery for brain conditions. Surgeons at the practice include the chief of neurosurgery at Lancaster General Hospital and past president of the Pennsylvania Neurological Society. The practice also includes The NeuroSpine Center, opened in 2009, which includes two operating rooms and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Located in the Eden Road Medical Center next to the practice's main office, the facility also has MRI and physical therapy.
Mayfield Clinic & Spine Institute (Cincinnati). The Mayfield Clinic & Spine Institute was founded in 1937, which means the practice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. There are 11 physician partners who have a special interest in a variety of procedures, including axial lumbar interbody fusion, complex spinal reconstruction, cervical and lumbar arthroplasty, minimally invasive spine surgery and deformity correction. The surgeons perform outpatient procedures for appropriately selected patients. In addition to their clinical work, the surgeons are faculty members at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The physicians have shared ownership of The Christ Hospital Spine Surgery Center, joint ownership of Precision Radiotherapy Center and treat professional and collegiate athletes with spine problems.
Michael A. Gleiber, MD, PA, Spine Surgery, (Jupiter and Boca Raton, Fla.). Michael A. Gleiber, MD, is the founding partner and president of his spine surgery practice which includes locations in Jupiter and Boca Raton, Fla. Dr. Gleiber was recently inducted into Super Doctors, as elected by his physician colleagues in 2012, and rated among The Top Orthopedists in America by Consumers' Research of America. In his practice, Dr. Gleiber focuses on treatment for patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal trauma, tumors and degenerative disc disease. He is an expert in the latest minimally invasive and motion preserving spinal procedures. Dr. Gleiber is on staff at The University of Miami Hospital and several Palm Beach County medical centers. He is a Diplomate of The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of multiple medical organizations including the North American Spine Society. Dr. Gleiber is committed to the advancement of minimally invasive procedures that decrease pain and length of hospital stay, minimize blood loss and restore normal function. After obtaining his medical degree with Honors at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., Dr. Gleiber completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and fellowship training at the renown Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Surgery Fellowship.
Midwest Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists (Omaha). Midwest Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists includes locations in Nebraska and Iowa as well as the Midwest Imaging Center. Surgeons at the practice have a special interest in treating patients with artificial disc surgery, gamma knife surgery and spinal tumor surgery. In addition to the clinical practice, the surgeons created the Midwest NeuroScience Foundation to fund research and education for patients with brain and spine injury and illness. Leslie C. Hellbusch, MD, founded Midwest NeuroScience Center and Midwest Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists.
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (Chicago). Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is a large orthopedics group seven spine surgeons as well as pain management and physical medicine specialists. Earlier this year, Kern Singh, MD, and Frank Phillips, MD, co-founded the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Minimally Invasive Spine Institute. They treat a wide variety of spinal conditions, including stenosis, deformity and spinal tumors. Dr. Phillips has served as president of the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and several of the spine surgeons in the group have been involved in cutting-edge research and innovation. They have participated in FDA research trials for devices such as cervical artificial disc replacements and motion preserving spinal technology. The practice is the team physicians for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.
Midwest Spine Institute (Stillwater, Minn.). Midwest Spine Institute was established in 1987 and includes a team of spine surgeons, mid-level providers, physical therapists and interventional pain physicians. Surgeons at the practice are able to perform a variety of procedures, including minimal access spine surgery, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and artificial disc replacement. Additionally, the surgeons are engaged in ongoing research on topics such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and long term outcomes for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The practice also offers a formal Shared Decision Making Program, which allows patients and providers to collaborate on different treatment options based on individual needs and preferences. In addition to the clinical services, Midwest Spine Institute also includes an MRI, DEXA and general radiology.
Nebraska Spine Center (Omaha, Neb.). The spine surgeons of Nebraska Spine Center founded the Nebraska Foundation for Spine Research in 1998. The non-profit foundation supports research by the Nebraska Spine Center and carries out research sponsored by other companies. Studies through the foundation that are currently enrolling patients include a trial for DePuy Spine's Discover Disc, AxioMed Spine's Freedom Lumbar Disc and the use of rhBMP-2 for anterior cervical procedures. The foundation's goal is to promote research that can improve patient care and offer novel treatments at reduced or no cost. Many of the surgeons associated with the foundation have published articles as a result of their work and are committed to serving as a source of education and information related to spinal disease and disorders. Nebraska Spine Center surgeons also opened a physician-owned hospital, Nebraska Spine Hospital, as a partnership with Alegent Health.
Neurosurgical Surgery (Great Neck, N.Y.). Founded in 1958 by I. Melbourne Greenberg, MD, Neurosurgical Surgery currently includes 11 partners who perform procedures such as kyphoplasty, X-STOP, minimally invasive spine surgery and revision spine surgery. Physician partners include the chiefs of neurosurgery at several area hospitals, and the past president of the New York States Neurosurgical Society. The practice includes services in 10 different locations as well as imaging and physical therapy offices. The practice hired the first dual trained neurosurgery-spine fellowship neurosurgeon on Long Island in 1998 and surgeons performed one of the first minimally invasive microendoscopic discectomies in the tri-state area.
NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin (Appleton). Led by Peter F. Ullrich Jr., MD, NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin includes two spine surgeons, two neurosurgeons and five physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. Dr. Ullrich is the medical director of NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin and co-founder of Spine-health.com. The surgeons provide care for disc herniation, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. In addition to surgical and interventional services, the practice includes physical therapy and provides onsite chiropractic care by Schubbe-Resch Chiropractic.
NeuroSpine Institute (Orlando). NeuroSpine Institute President Robert L. Masson, MD, a neurosurgeon with a special interest in spinal injury and sports neurosurgery, founded the NeuroSpine Institute Foundation and currently serves as chairman of the board. The foundation was formed in 2010 and has been focused on its educational mission ever since. NSIF's main goal is to promote youth sports and education about how to stop preventable injuries, including concussions and spinal cord injury, from occurring in young athletes. Dr. Masson also recently developed a clinic for patients with failed lumbar spine surgery. This summer, NeuroSpine Institute is opening the Spine Performance Institute for patients to conduct high-end biomechanical evaluations and other rehabilitation services.
OrthoGeorgia Spine Center (Macon). OrthoGeorgia was founded in 1961 and includes a spine center among other orthopedic subspecialties. The practice includes 36 examination rooms, an ambulatory surgery center, orthopedic urgent care, rehabilitation services and a café. The Spine Center includes four physicians who have a special interest in treating a variety of spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, herniated disc and degenerative disease. They perform disc replacement, lateral access surgery and minimally invasive procedures as well as physiatry.
Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute (Hagerstown, Md.). The four neurosurgeons at Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute perform minimally invasive spinal procedures, including spinal fusion and discectomy. The practice also includes neurologists, physiatrists, pain management physicians and chiropractors for non-operative spine care. The practice has three locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and includes Parkway Physical Therapy. In recent years, the practice has received laboratory accreditation from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Practice physicians are also partners with Parkway Surgery Center, where they can perform spine cases.
Resurgens Spine Center (Atlanta). Resurgens Spine Center was formed in 1999 and includes 28 physicians. It has 19 clinic locations across Georgia where physicians focus on surgical and non-surgical services. The surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. The group includes trainers for total disc arthroplasty, former team physicians for the PGA Tour and the chief of orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. Ancillary services at the practice are physical therapy, MRI and an ambulatory surgery center.
Rockford (Ill.) Spine Center. Rockford Spine Center was founded in 2003 by three partners, all of whom are fellowship trained spine surgeons. The surgeons perform minimally invasive spine procedures and provide ancillary services, including digital X-ray, MRI, electromyography, nerve conduction and physical therapy. Recently, the surgeons were named among the top spine surgeons in the country by Newsweek. They also treat patients with scoliosis, spinal tumors and deformity, and perform cervical disc replacement.
San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders (San Diego). Behrooz Akbarnia, MD, director of the San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders, founded the San Diego Spine Foundation in 2004 to support spine-related research and education. The foundation's mission is to improve the global care of spine patients through research, education and professional development. The foundation provides funding for the San Diego Spine Fellowship Program, allowing young surgeons to pursue clinical and research education in spine surgery. Since its inception, SDSF has received and provided grants for research studies in adult and pediatric spinal disorders and deformities. In addition to research, the foundation is involved in educational endeavors such as the sponsorship of the San Diego City Wide Spine Meetings for spine surgeons and their clinical staff. Surgeons at the practice treat patients with minimally invasive surgical techniques for degenerative diseases and other disorders, such as spinal tumors.
Seton Spine & Scoliosis Center (Austin, Texas). There are four spine surgeons and two nonsurgical care physicians practicing at Seton Spine & Scoliosis Center. The surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery, artificial disc replacement and surgical correction of scoliosis. The surgeons are led by co-chief Matthew J. Geck, MD, who also founded SpineHope to support children with spinal deformities through surgery, education and research. Dr. Geck recently traveled to Columbia to develop further sites in Central and South America. Co-chief John K. Stokes was a principle investigator in the FDA IDE study of the Mobi-C artificial cervical disc.
Sierra Regional Spine Institute (Reno, Nev.). Sierra Regional Spine Institute was founded in 1991 by James R. Rappaport, MD, and includes spine surgeons and non-surgical spine specialists. The specialists treat patients with conditions such as disc herniation, scoliosis, spinal fractures and spinal degeneration. It also includes a monthly electronic newsletter for patients. Two of the physicians served as team physicians for the U.S. Ski Team and worked with three recent Olympic Gold Medal winners. There are full-outpatient surgical facilities available within walking distance of the practice at The Quail Surgical Center. There is also a physical therapy center adjacent to the practice offices.
Sonoran Spine Center (Mesa, Ariz.). The Sonoran Spine Center is committed to research through its Sonoran Spine Research and Education Foundation. The foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that conducts and supports spine research. The clinical research conducted through the foundation focuses on several areas, including scoliosis, new techniques for kyphosis correction, spine trauma, osteoporosis-related spine fractures and biologic enhancement of spinal fusion. The researchers are also interested in sports-related and work-related injuries. In 2011, surgeons and researchers with the foundation gathered and presented information on several different topics, including the use of rhBMP-2 in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and long-term work capacity after spine surgery. In addition to its focus on research, the foundation also supports public awareness programs and advocacy groups for spinal disorders. Sonoran Spine Center is led by Dennis Crandall, MD, who serves as a spinal consultant to several professional athletes and organizations.
South Bend Spine (Mishawaka, Ind.). South Bend Orthopaedics created South Bend Spine in 2010 as a spine specialty center that includes fellowship-trained spine surgeons, non-surgical spine specialists, spine therapists, X-ray and diagnostics. The three spine surgeons focus on various areas of spine care, including lower back treatment, minimally invasive spine surgery and artificial disc replacement. The surgeons are members of several professional organizations, including American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Indiana Orthopaedic Society and North American Spine Society.
South Florida Spine Clinic (Fort Lauderdale). Founded in 2000 by chief medical officer Jeffrey Cantor, MD, South Florida Spine Clinic includes pain management services as well as spine surgeons. Dr. Cantor performs minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusions and total disc replacement. The clinic also includes an on-premise surgical training facility to teach, develop and practice new technologies. The facility also has a fully functional cadaver lab and lecture room.
South Texas Spinal Clinic (San Antonio). Gilbert R. Meadows, MD, founded South Texas Spine Clinic, which now includes 13 locations and 13 physicians. Surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including anterior cervical fusions, anterior cervical discectomy, XLIF and lumbar microdiscectomy. The practice also includes pain management and needle electromyography. The physicians have developed a special therapy program to help patients with their rehabilitation process.
South Sound Neurosurgery (Puyallup, Wash.). Richard Wohns, MD, is the founder and president of South Sound Neurosurgery. He was among the first neurosurgeons to perform the XLIF technique for minimally invasive spine surgery and is a past president of the Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons. The practice also offers interventional pain management services and diagnostic techniques, including electromyography. The physicians of the practice perform procedures at the Brain & Spine Center, which also has MRI capabilities.
Southeastern Spine Center (Sarasota, Fla.). Southeastern Spine Center includes a research institute to provide objective evaluation of outcomes for operative and non-operative care for treatment with spinal disorders. Surgeons at the center are currently comparing minimally invasive endoscopic interbody fusion with open interbody fusion as part of a multi-centered study being conducted around the United States. The surgeons are also working on a retrospective evaluation comparing open versus endoscopic lumbar decompression, fusion and instrumentation. A third study examines upright MRI with flexion and extension in comparison to supine MRI for differentiating clinical findings. The surgeons have participated in several clinical research trials and worked on designing and developing metallic implants for both cervical and lumbar spinal disorders.
Southeastern Spine Institute (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.). Originally founded in 1991 by Donald R. Johnson, MD, the Southeastern Spine Institute pursued a singular vision to become a preeminent spine and pain management practice. Today SSI has grown to include a total of 14 physicians. The recent opening of a new 18,600 square-foot medical office building adjacent to the original 22,400 square-foot medical complex creates a medical campus enabling patients to access ancillary services for diagnosis and treatment in a single visit. Services provided at the Southeastern Spine Institute’s campus include: Ambulatory Surgery Center, diagnostic imaging (three MRIs, three C-arms, two digital x-rays, and ultrasound), EMG/NCS, laboratory, DME/spinal bracing, pharmacy, intraoperative neuromonitoring and physical therapy. SSI surgeons provide minimally invasive endoscopic disc, fusion, and disc replacement surgeries. SSI has participated in multiple clinical trials and been a site for multiple FDA studies to include the X-Stop and Maverick artificial disc replacement trials.
Southern California Neuroscience and Spine. The Center for Neuroscience and Spine, a part of the Southern California Center for Neuroscience and Spine, was founded in 2005 by Ali H. Meiswala, MD. He performs several procedures, including complex operations for patients with skull base, peripheral nerve and movement disorders. He also performs minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusions and will be the first center to do a clinical research study for SI-BONE. His additional procedures include Synthes ProDisc for cervical and lumbar surgery and the practice is in the process of becoming part of the Medical Tourism Association. This month, the practice is opening a surgery center in Rancho Cucamonga and partnering with two surgery centers in Beverly Hills to open a new office location later this summer.
Southern Oregon Neurosurgical & Spine Associates (Medford). Led by Miroslav P. Bobek, MD, Southern Oregon Neurological & Spine Associates is a comprehensive team of neurosurgeons that treat brain, spine, spinal cord and nervous system disorders. The surgeons perform minimally invasive techniques and use the METRx MicroDiscectomy System. One of the surgeons, David Walker, MD, established an outreach clinic for patients traveling long distances for care, allowing them to complete the initial consultation and follow-up exams at remote satellite locations. The practice currently supports the Southern Oregon Spartans hockey team.
Southwestern Brain & Spine (New Orleans). Southwestern Brain & Spine has 10 providers and three practice locations. The practice was founded in 2006 and includes neurosurgeons and non-surgical specialists. The surgeons have a special interest in complex spine surgery, spinal tumors and degenerative conditions. The practice includes a surgeon who is an NFL-approved second opinion surgeon and a former chairman of the department of neurosurgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Spine Institute Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Calif.). The Spine Institute has a focus on research and clinical trials for several types of spine and back pain management procedures. During the past 10 years, the institute's research has emphasized the in vivo application of proteins, growth factors, stem cell therapy and biologics to promote spinal tissue generation or regeneration. The Spine Institute's Spine Research Foundation has participated in several clinical trials, including the study of BMP-7 and nucleus replacement. Current open trials include the treatment of lumbar internal disc disruption with the Biostat System and Intradiscal rhGDF-5 as a growth factor for patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. Much of the research done at the Spine Research Foundation is later published in professional journals, and the surgeons are often called upon to provide expertise to media sources on spine research and innovation.
SpineCare Medical Group (Daly City, Calif.). SpineCare Medical Group surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures, spinal fusions and advanced internal fixation device procedures. The practice includes X-rays, MRI and CT scans as well as pain management. The physician partners have a research and education division, San Francisco Spine Institute, which provides continuing education and courses for physicians and surgeons. The group is led by Paul Slosar, MD, president of the SpineCare Medical Group and medical director of the Spine Care Institute in San Francisco. He is also assistant director of surgical fellowship and surgical research at The San Francisco Spine Institute.
Spine Colorado (Durango). Spine Colorado includes fellowship-trained spine surgeons and physical medicine physicians. The surgeons perform deformity correction, trauma surgery and total disc replacement procedures. Some of the procedures are performed in an outpoint surgery center. The practice is led by co-founder Jim A. Youssef, MD, who is a member of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, North American Spine Society and Cervical Spine Research Society. He also started the research department at Spine Colorado in 2002 and has participated in studies for new spinal implants and procedures. The physicians are engaged in research and lecture across the country on spine-related topics. The practice has three locations and provides care for several local athletes.
SpineNevada (Reno). SpineNevada includes James Lynch, MD, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who performs more than 500 spine surgeries per year, as well as non-operative physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists and physical therapy. Dr. Lynch is also the chairman and director of spine programs at Surgery Center of Reno, where he is currently setting up a Minimally Invasive Spine Center. He has lectured on building a comprehensive spine center and ASC development for the past several years at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. SpineNevada was among the first spine centers in the region authorized and trained to implant the new artificial disc for patients with degenerative disc disease. The practice also plans to add additional partners by the end of the year.
Summit Spinecare (Woodbury, Minn.). Summit Spinecare is a division of Summit Orthopedics, which was launched when the practice opened a 38,000-square-foot building in 2009. Approximately 6,500-square-feet are dedicated to the spine center, which includes six operative and non-operative spine physicians. Surgical options include minimally invasive spine surgery, scoliosis care and spinal fusion using bone morphogenic protein. The surgeons are fellowship-trained and members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Summit Spinecare is a spine center of excellence that includes diagnostics, exercise gym and spine-specialized therapists all under one roof.
Texas Back Institute (Plano, Texas). Stephen Hochschuler, MD, and Ralph Rashbaum, MD, founded Texas Back Institute in 1977. In 1985, the Texas Back Institute Research Foundation was founded to improve care for patients with back pain through research and education. The foundation's work has included total disc replacements, minimally invasive procedures and pre-surgical psychological screening. The practice also has a fellowship program that has trained more than 70 spine surgeons through fellowships and visitor programs, and much of the research done at the foundation has been published in professional journal. In 2004, the practice also formed Texas Back Institute Clinical Research, an organization dedicated to advancing new spinal technologies and techniques, which has supervised clinical research trials, research studies and education programs. The current clinical trials include a study comparing the VertiFlex Superion Interspinous Spacer to the X-Stop Interspinous Process Decompression System for spinal stenosis; and the clinical and radiographic outcomes of anterior lumbar interbody fusion using a novel stand-alone interbody fusion device.
Texas Spine Consultants (Dallas). Texas Spine Consultants is located at Baylor University Medical Center and includes five physicians. The practice includes the fellowship director for the Dallas Spine Fellowship and a pain medicine physician. The surgeons perform minimally invasive treatment for scoliosis, surgical resection of spinal tumors, cervical and lumbar total disc replacement and image guided surgical navigation. Physicians from the practice have earned the Patients' Choice award.
Total Spine Specialists (Huntersville, N.C.). Total Spine Specialists includes four offices in North Carolina. Led by co-founding physician Mark Hartman, MD, and Paul J. Tsahakis, MD, the practice includes physicians who perform minimally invasive spine surgery. All together, the surgeons have performed more than 7,000 spine surgeries with approximately 400 cases using minimally invasive techniques annually. In addition to their clinical practice, the surgeons engage in research and present their findings at national society meetings.
TriState Neurological Associates (Erie, Pa.). TriState Neurological Surgeons partners with Saint Vincent Health Care to provide brain, spinal and neurosurgical care. It is the community arm of the department of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and serves patients in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The physicians focus on treating patients with spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, spinal tumors and other conditions. The practice has 15 office locations and includes neurosurgeons for NFL athletes and the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Several of the surgeons also hold leadership positions within their local hospitals, including the chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Passavant.
Twin Cities Spine Center (Minneapolis). John H. Moe, MD, founded Minnesota Spine Center and Twin Cities Scoliosis Center, which merged in 1998 to become Twin Cities Spine Center. The practice includes 10 fellowship-trained spine surgeons and a full research department. The surgeons now involved with the research department examine operative and non-operative treatment, diagnostic methods and the natural history of spine problems. More than 500 medical papers have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals as a result of research done at the practice. Twin Cities Spine Center also supports a fellowship program that has trained more than 140 spine surgeons.
Virginia Spine Institute (Reston). Virginia Spine Institute President Thomas C. Schuler, MD, founded the practice in 1992, and since then VSI spine surgeons have participated in several cutting-edge research and development projects. These projects include studying the safety and effectiveness of the Maverick Total Disc Replacement for lumbar degenerative disc disease, Prestige LP Cervical Disc and a clinical trial involving anterior cervical interbody fusion using rhBMP-2 soaked into an absorbable collagen sponge. In 2002, Dr. Schuler founded The Spine Research Foundation, which is now directed by Brian R. Subach, MD. The foundation was formed with the goal of promoting fact-based medicine among spinal healthcare. In addition to the focus on research, The Spinal Research Foundation has also built an education program to promote spinal health awareness among the general public, with efforts including the "We've Got Your Back" race, walk and spinal health fair held at locations around the country.
Watkins Spine (Marina del Rey, Calif.). Robert Watkins III, MD, is a founding member of the North American Spine Society and co-director of the Marina Spine Center, along with his son who also practices at Watkins Spine. The Marina Spine Center includes rehabilitation services. During his career, Dr. Watkins has treated several professional athletes and trained countless spine surgeon fellows. The surgeons are able to perform minimally invasive procedures and use image guidance when performing spine surgery. They focus on operative and non-operative care, and Dr. Watkins was an investigator for the ProDisc and Charite artificial disc FDA studies.