Spine

While surgeons often find that patients are leary of single-level lumbar fusions, expressing concerns about their range of motion or athletic ability being restricted, several major athletes have undergone the procedure, some of whom returned to play after recovering. 

CMS on Jan. 17 finalized a rule to improve the prior authorization process.

Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis are the most expensive cities in the U.S. to undergo total disc replacement surgery, according to Healthcare Bluebook, which helps patients shop for affordable care in their area.

Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet, Minn. launched its new spine surgery program, led by two independent neurosurgeons, ABC affiliate WDIO reported Jan. 15.

Here are 10 places hiring spine and orthopedic surgeons, using LinkedIn's job search tool.

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.