Spine

Robert Watkins IV, MD, performed back surgery on Brook Lopez, an NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a Dec. 2 news release.

Becker's Spine Review reported on four first-time surgical cases that were completed in November.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. had spine surgery at Dallas-based Carrell Clinic, the team said Dec. 1.

Here are 10 spine surgeons to know:

Here are seven spine surgeons joining new practices in November:

Spine and orthopedic experts and leaders spoke with Becker's Spine Review on a range of topics in November.

Marketing has the tendency to get in front of the science in many areas of orthopedics, which can result in suboptimal patient outcomes and significant steps back for the technology.

Anil Nanda, MD, head of neurosurgery at Rutgers University's two medical schools in New Jersey, has been put on paid administrative leave after allegations of professional misconduct, according to nj.com.

The first artificial disc replacement in the U.S. was performed in 2000, but the technology has come a long way since then, with many surgeons predicting the procedure eventually will overtake spinal fusion as the standard of care.

Juan Jimenez, MD, of Kankakee, Ill.-based Riverside Neurosurgery Specialists, in late October became the first surgeon outside of Chicago to perform multi-lumbar disc replacements.