Spine

The evolution of spine surgery is leaning more toward outpatient care. Here's what six spine surgeons are predicting for the near future. 

Los Angeles-based Commons Clinic launched the Center for Spine Economics, Outcomes & Research, led by Sanjay Khurana, MD, and Hyun Bae, MD.

Mobile, Ala.-based Gulf Orthopaedics and Infirmary Health added the Intracept spine procedure, Gulf Coast Media reported Jan. 10.

Sacrix in a research paper shared a less exposure spine surgery technique to help patients avoid revision procedures. 

John Mansell, MD, a pain management physician, was the first in the Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota or South Dakota region to implant a closed-loop spinal cord stimulator, the Gillette News Record reported Jan. 9.

John Shin, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon, has performed New Jersey's first unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery at Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. 

With last year in the rearview mirror, spine surgeons are preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead for this year.

Bundled payments from private insurers were a viable option for lumbar spinal fusion patients, according to a study published in the January 2024 issue of Spine.

It will cost patients living in Alaska the most to visit a neurosurgeon, while patients in Iowa will pay the least, according to data from Sidecar Health's care calculator.

On the heels of the challenges of 2023, spine surgeons are thinking strategically in 2024. Four spine surgeons discuss how to get ahead of the curve for long-term stability.