Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Aug. 28, 2014.
Priority Health to cover MIS SI joint fusion
Priority Health (Michigan) updated its Lumbar Fusion Medical Policy to cover for SI-BONE's minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion procedure. The procedure may now be considered medically necessary for policy holders with SI joint disruptions and degenerative sacroiliitis.
Medtronic tax inversion strategy profitable for two top Republicans
Both U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner and Ways and Means Committee Chairman David Camp are not cracking down on U.S. companies acquiring overseas companies and then relocating overseas for lower tax rates. In fact, both have made money off at least one of the deals, according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report.
LDR CEO sells 25,000 shares in $700,000 transaction
The stock was priced at $28 per share, for a total of $700,000 transaction. Mr. Lavigne now owns around 983,000 shares of the company's stock valued around $27.5 million.
Do experienced surgeons have better outcomes with scoliosis surgery?
An article recently published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examined whether surgeon experience had an impact on outcomes for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction. The researchers found that less experienced surgeons fused an average of 1.2 levels more than the more experienced surgeons.
Global market for advanced orthopedics is expected to reach $42.2 billion in 2019
The global market for advanced orthopedics grew from $35.3 billion in 2013 to around $36.4 billion in 2014. The advanced orthopedics market will likely continue to grow at a 3 percent compound annual growth rate through 2019.
Dr. Christopher Yeung performs spine surgery on Rockies pitcher Brett Anderson
Mr. Anderson has a bulging disc, which forced him to skip a start against the Chicago Cubs in early August. An MRI revealed the disc was protruding backward toward the spinal cord. Dr. Yeung was scheduled to perform the procedure, which is expected to end Mr. Anderson's season.
Symmetry Medical upgrade: Zacks says "outperform"
A new Zacks report upgrades Symmetry Medical to an "outperform" rating. Previously, the company had a "neutral" rating. With the "outperform" rating, Zacks also issued an $11 target price on the stock.
Dr. George Martin performs 200th spine surgery with Renaissance Guidance System
George Martin, MD, a spine surgeon at Foundation Surgical Hospital of El Paso, performed the procedure. Dr. Martin is a neurosurgeon with a special interest in complex and minimally invasive procedures. He also performs artificial disc replacements and spinal fusions.
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Temple University Hospital names Dr. Philip Villanueva neurotrauma director
Laser Spine Institute team to make Dominican Republic medical mission trip
Do experienced surgeons have better outcomes with scoliosis surgery? 5 findings