Spine

Surgeons performing minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy are exposed to significantly more radiation than surgeons performing an open microdiscectomy, according to an article published in Spine.

The Texas Back Institute in Plano recently opened the Center for Disc Replacement to serve an increasing number of national and international patients undergoing artificial disc replacement surgeries, according to a practice news release.

Predominant leg pain patients improved significantly more with surgery than predominant lower back pain patients, and predominant lower back pain patients improved significantly more with surgery than nonoperative treatment, according to a study published in Spine.

NuVasive, a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive spine surgery products, recently announced that both CIGNA and Humana changed their lumbar spinal fusion policy to include coverage for the extreme lateral interbody fusion procedure, according to a NuVasive…

In December, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina announced beginning Jan. 1, the company would no longer cover lumbar fusions for patients with degenerative disc disease. This announcement hit a nerve with many spine surgeons who have been performing…

Laser Spine Institute expanded the new Oklahoma City facility from a consult center into a full-service surgery center, according to a company news release.

Benjamin Burkett, MD, a spine surgeon, has joined The Christ Hospital Spine Institute, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer news report.

Spine surgeons who rely on clinical impression for diagnosing spinal disorders often do not accurately identify patients in psychological distress, according to an article published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Posterior stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures using nonfusion methods by removing metal implants within an appropriate period is effective in achieving favorable sagittal alignment and regaining motions of fixed segments, according to a study published in Spine.

In a recent study conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, researchers reviewed 1,250 patients with disc degeneration, disc herniation or radiculopathy and found that the patients who didn't have surgery were more likely to return to work, according…