Spinal neurosurgeons Eli Baron, MD, and Dave Atteberry, MD, shared what they would change in the field of spine surgery if given the chance.
Dr. Baron is a spinal neurosurgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Atteberry practices with multiple hospitals in Washington state.
Editor’s note: These responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: If you could wave a magic wand and solve one issue in spine surgery right now, what would it be, and why?
Dr. Eli Baron: I wish we had effective pharmacologic treatments to promote both nerve root and spinal cord healing after injury. Especially in the trauma arena, despite tremendous advancements in critical care and stabilization, the lack of meaningful pharmacologic options to aid functional recovery remains a major gap. Addressing this would usher in a new era of therapeutic efficacy.
Dr. Dave Atteberry: I think one solution many are looking for is a practical and effective facet joint replacement for the lumbar spine.
If I had a second magic wand, I would use it to equalize reimbursement for endoscopic spinal procedures like discectomy.
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