Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Nov. 19, 2015.
Spinal fusions with BMP may not increase cancer risk
Researchers at Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, contested the theory that recombinant human bone morphogenetic used in spinal fusion surgeries increases patients' risk of cancer. In their study, at a follow-up of 4.4 years, 27 of the 527 patients were diagnosed with invasive cancer. This statistic did not differ significantly from the cancer registry's number observed in a population of the same age and sex.
Geisinger refunds up to $1k for spine surgery if patients aren't satisfied
Geisinger Medical Center will now provide refunds for patients who aren't satisfied with their care. Geisinger will provide a refund for part or all of the hospital's copay for spine and bariatric procedures when patients aren't happy with their care. The hospital already provides a 90-day warranty for surgery patients, an initiative that began nearly 10 years ago.
Zyga finishes $20M financing round
The financing is in combination of $15 million in debt supplemented with $5 million in equity. Oxford Finance and Bridge Bank co-led the debt refinance. All the existing major investors supported the equity financing. The company expects the SI-joint clinical acceptance and utilization to grow over the next 12 to 18 months.
Miniscule chance of cardiac arrest during adolescent spine surgery
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore studied the risk of cardiac arrest in children receiving spine surgery. Of the surgeries studied, less than 0.5 percent of patients experienced cardiac arrest. Of the 11 patients suffering from cardiac arrest during spine surgery, 10 were resuscitated. Researchers found the majority of pediatric spine surgeries do not pose cardiac arrest risks, but some neuromuscular conditions may increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Spinal deformity outcomes for adult scoliosis correction not optimal across the board
A new study published in Spinal Deformity examined the clinical improvement for adult spinal deformity and which patients benefit most from surgical intervention. The worst scores for 77 percent of the patients at baseline were the activity or pain scores. The patients who reported sagittal malalignment in 54 percent of the patients were more likely in the "worst" state. Overall, there were 24 percent of the patients who reported no improvement or deterioration. Only 33 percent reported optimal improvement.
Decompression, fusion most common treatment for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis
A new study published in Spine examines the rationale for surgically treating lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. Patient age, presence of instability and low back pain were all factors considered in treatment plans. Surgeons reported being less likely to offer interbody fusion to older patients and more likely to recommend an isolated decompression.
TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center establishes spine surgery program
The spine surgery program in Smyrna, Tenn., includes surgery-specific education, designated pre- and postoperative care plans and physical therapy. Physicians at the institute offer a wide array of treatments, including minimally invasive spine surgery, total disc arthroplasty and anterior/posterior cervical laminectomies.
Xtant Medical reports 6.5% revenue increase, $5.4M net loss in 3Q 2015
The company reported revenue of 6.5 percent over the same period last year to hit $20.9 million. The company generated around $245,000 of original equipment manufacturer sales from a large orthopedic device manufacturer.
More articles on spine:
ProDisc-C vs. spinal fusion: Which has better results? 5 key notes
Dr. Patrick Ganzer honored for VNS therapy research: 5 observations
Tristate Brain and Spine Institute's OLLIF study indexed to PubMed library: 5 notes