Spine

Robert Bray Jr., MD, founder of DISC Sports and Spine Center in Newport Beach, Calif., is the first neurosurgeon in his state to devote his practice to minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Bray performs 95% of his surgeries outpatient and…

Rachel Bratescu, MD, is a spine surgeon at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. She joined the hospital in August 2024 after completing fellowships at NYU Langone Health and Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Bratescu is the first…

An image identification and processing software platform for spine imaging, MSKai, has earned 510(k) clearance from the FDA.  The software has been approved for use by physicians and radiologists during lumbar spine MRI analysis, according to a May 22 press…

M. Craig McMains, MD, who launched Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy’s endoscopic spine program in 2023, has already reached 30 cases in 2025. Dr. McMains is on track to surpass the total number of endoscopic cases in 2023, 50, and remains the only…

Although some spine and orthopedic groups have embraced bundled payments, interventional pain physician Taif Mukhdomi, MD, is concerned about its long term effects and sustainability. Dr. Mukhdomi is speaking at Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC +…

Physicians at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, based in Charleston, S.C., have successfully completed the first total posterior spine system procedure at the facility.  The TOPS device provides an alternative to traditional spinal fusions, which can limit…

From technology to policy, spine surgeons discuss the most impactful disruptors in the field today. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care.…

Eric Gee, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at SGMC Health Smith Northview in Valdosta, Ga., has performed the system’s first endoscopic spine surgery.  The surgery was possible through SGMC’s partnership with Arthrex, a surgical technology company that develops tools and…

Avant-garde Health has released its 2025 “Healthcare Research All-Stars” report, honoring the top 5% of America’s physicians and hospitals based on volume of research. The report honored 11 hospitals as the top 1% of neurosurgery and spine research facilities in…

Insurance hurdles, consolidation and minimally invasive surgical advancements are among trends that spine and orthopedic leaders are especially worried about. The 22 leaders featured in this article are speaking at Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC +…