Spine

Six spine surgeons making the news this week:

A study conducted by Columbia-based University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Health Care has shown vertebral body tethering to be a promising treatment for scoliosis patients who have flexibility and growth remaining in their spine.

Neurosurgeon Jason Cormier, MD, has been named to the scientific advisory board of Brain Armor, according to an Aug. 28 announcement.

Blue Cross of Philadelphia has issued a policy update that requires a physiatrist to attest that a patient failed conservative treatment prior to lumbar spinal fusions.

Neurosurgeon Michael Landi, MD, has purchased Hamburg Airport in Lakeview, N.Y., Buffalo News reported Aug. 27.

Francine Norman, BSN, RN, was promoted to serve as practice administrator of Illinois Pain Institute and Barrington (Ill.) Pain and Spine Institute.

Two spine surgeons have been making waves on the entrepreneurial front in the past month.

Eleven spine surgeons and one physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist discuss how their patient evaluation considerations have changed during the pandemic and how their practice has evolved to telemedicine.

An eight-person physician workgroup led by retired spine surgeon David Hanscom, MD, is advocating for a new approach to treating COVID-19 patients.

Geneva, Ill.-based Fox Valley Orthopedics will add Lauren Matteini, MD, to its practice Sept. 1.