Spine

Memphis, Tenn.-based Campbell Clinic is launching a first-of-its-kind endoscopic spine fellowship in the U.S. Chad Campion, MD, is leading the program which will offer high-intensity, hands-on experience over up to three months, according to an Oct. 9 news release shared…

In a healthcare system that’s becoming highly focused on resource management, it’s more important than ever for spine surgeons to collaborate on changes in care delivery and patient outcomes, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, MD, told Becker’s. Dr. Lewandrowski, who’s on the board…

Here are two key updates in spine and orthopedic lawsuit cases. 1. A federal appeals court vacated a $20 million jury verdict in a knee surgery device patent suit. The court determined that Rasmussen Instruments did not have standing in…

Some Aetna members who had lumbar disc replacement coverage denied could be entitled to up to $55,000 after the insurer reached a settlement in a yearslong class-action case, according to court documents filed Oct. 8. The settlement stems from a…

The wave of spine innovation keeps growing, leading to new opportunities for surgeons, Tan Chen, MD, said. Dr. Chen, who plans to join Inova Health System in Fairfax, Va., spoke about the most exciting aspect the move has to offer.…

Recent online commentaries have reignited a long-settled debate about vertebral augmentation (VA) for osteoporotic compression fractures—this time on social media rather than in scientific forums. In October 2025, Dr. Eugene Carragee claimed vertebroplasty “did not result in statistically greater pain…

Cyber Surgery’s Alaya spine robot has launched. The robot, developed in Spain, has patented Kinemataic Navigation Technology and delivers continuous, stable tracking and reduced radiation exposure, according to a Sept. 25 news release. Alaya has a CE mark of approval.…

Florida is one of the states with the highest volume of unnecessary spine surgeries in older adults, according to a report from the Lown Institute. The Lown Institute evaluated Medicare fee-for-service claims from 2021 to 2023 and Medicare Advantage claims…

Over three years unnecessary back surgeries have cost Medicare an estimated $1.9 billion, according to an analysis from the Lown Institute. Six things to know: 1. The Lown Institute evaluated Medicare fee-for-service claims from 2021 to 2023 and Medicare Advantage…

From evolving spine innovations to advancements in intradiscal therapies, here are the discoveries exciting surgeons 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.…