Spine

    Houston-based Mischer Neuroscience Institute announced that neurosurgeon Baraa Al-Hafez, MD, is now seeing patients in Katy, Texas, according to a Houston Chronicle report.

  An article recently published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine examined the safety and accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion.

Pasco, Wash.-based Lourdes Health Network will soon open a new inpatient unit as part of its Joint & Spine Center, according to a Tri-City Herald report.

A study recently published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines risk factors for venous thromboembolic events after spinal fusion.

  Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Conn., formally opened The Spine Institute of Connecticut at Saint Francis.

Allegheny Health Network announced Donald Whiting, MD, will take over as neurosurgery chairmen, according to a TribLive report.

  A study published in the Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques compares minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion to the open procedure for obese patients.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded Asterias Biotherapeutics $14.3 million to test the transplantation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to the site of a spinal cord injury.

Ramin Rak, MD, has been elected treasurer of the Suffolk County Medical Society.

  Four spine surgeons discuss the importance of maintaining good relationships with referring primary care physicians and how to maintain those relationships.