Spine

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the economic difficulties of many private practices that were already in a cost-cutting mode to address the challenges of declining reimbursements and rising costs. 

Neurosurgeon Raymond Baule, MD, recently drove to a New York hospital at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic to help colleagues treating patients on the frontline, The News & Observer reports.

Neurosurgeon Jeffrey Gross, MD, recently donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, helping the World Health Organization raise funding for those impacted by the pandemic, the Digital Journal reports.

Spine surgeon Nitin Khanna, MD, advocated for orthopedic surgeon leaders to develop a pathway back to elective surgeries in an article published in the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery.

Hospitals across the U.S. cut elective, non-essential orthopedic, spine and neurosurgery procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are seven spine surgeons making the news this week:

Here are the top 10 most-read articles featured on Becker's Spine Review between April 13 and April 17:

Elective and outpatient surgeries are beginning to return in some communities, which will allow spine and orthopedic surgeons to resume care for their patients most in need.

Four spine surgeons discuss innovations in augmented and virtual reality, and how the technologies can advance spine care.

Spine surgeon Melissa Erickson, MD, recently devised a plan to remodel surgical helmets used in  joint replacement procedures into respirators for healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients, WRAL Tech Wire reports.