Spine

New Hampshire and Arkansas were found to have the highest rates of unnecessary spinal fusions and/or laminectomies and vertebroplasties, respectively, according to a Nov. 14 report from the Lown Institute.

A total of 3,454 physicians performed "a measurable number" of low-value spine surgeries, and in that time they received a total $64 million from device and drug companies, the Lown Institute found.

Two major commercial payers in the mid-Atlantic region have expanded coverage for Centinel Spine's 1- and 2-level lumbar total disc replacement procedures. 

Between 2019 and 2021, more than 200,000 unnecessary spine surgeries cost Medicare an estimated $2 billion, according to an analysis from the Lown Institute. 

With the regular onset of new devices and technologies, spine surgeons are using a variety of strategies to stay on top of the latest products.

San Jose, Calif.-based Good Samaritan Hospital added surgical navigation and imaging technology for spine surgery, according to a Nov. 12 news release shared with Becker's.

Neurosurgeon Jordan Lacy, MD, opened a new clinic in Columbus, Neb., The Columbus Telegram reported Nov. 12.

Outpatient migration and disc replacements will play an increased role in spine surgery's future, Dean Perfetti, MD, said.

Four-level cervical disc replacement is rare, but a small study published in the October issue of the International Journal of Spine Surgery found the procedure is safe and effective.

Here are 14 hospitals and health systems seeking spine and orthopedic surgeons.