Spine

Spine surgeons have begun performing the first cases using Medtronic’s new robotic technology. Jeffrey Gum, MD, performed the world’s first case using Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS spine robot, according to an April 21 news release. Dr. Gum played a critical role…

Aaron Creek, MD, performed the first U.S. case using Captiva Spine’s WatchTower navigation powered by Mirra, according to an April 20 news release. The system uses Mirra to automate 2D-to-3D registration using pre-op CT and C-arm scans. This eliminates the…

Medical device companies Canary Medical and NanoHive Medical have partnered to develop spinal fusion cages embedded with real-time sensing technology, targeting what the companies describe as a largely unresolved problem in spine surgery outcomes. The implants would continuously monitor fusion…

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons have appointed Luis Manuel Tumialán, MD, as chair of the Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves.  The association’s Spine Section is one of the…

Health systems continue to invest in spine surgery and spine care with newly-opened facilities. Here are three moves to know from April. 1. UNC Health Pardee is opening new locations for Pardee Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Pardee NeuroSpine Associates and…

In April, Becker’s reported on four spine surgeons and neurosurgeons stepping into leadership roles from health system departments to medtech companies. 1. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, MD, has been appointed chair of the neurosurgery department at Jefferson Neurosurgery, part of Philadelphia-based Jefferson…

Columbia, Mo.-based MU Healthcare is using new MRI technology to better detect spine fractures in teen athletes, according to an April 16 report by NBC affiliate KY3. The system is seeing a rise in low back pain among young athletes,…

West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health is implementing an extended-reality platform to support neurosurgical and spine procedures across its network. The technology is being deployed at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick,…

Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Health System has named Amit Jain, MD, vice president of care transformation.  In the role, Dr. Jain will lead systemwide efforts to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, consistency and affordability of care across hospitals and ambulatory practices. He…

Focusing on data and process improvements, payer reform and pushing the technology further are three ways that orthopedic and spine surgeons are looking at the next iteration of robotics.  The robots used for spine and orthopedic procedures are expensive and…