Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for August 11, 2016.
Oregon spine surgeon implicated in $22M lawsuit for paralyzing patient with dropped instrument
A $22 million lawsuit has been filed against Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University and an orthopedic spine surgeon, for allegedly paralyzing a man by dropping a tool on his back. The lawsuit claims the surgeon was "negligent in dropping the instrument," according to the report. The paralyzed man is seeking $2 million to cover his existing medical expenses as well as $10 million for future medical costs. He is seeking an additional $10 million for the pain he has suffered.
Camber Spine Technologies, Dr. Joseph DiCicco to study SI joint implant Prolix
Camber Spine Technologies and Joseph DiCicco, DO, of Orthopedic Trauma Associates of Southwestern Ohio partnered to study the Prolix implant for sacroiliac joint fusion. The Prolix technology is a minimally invasive solution with direct visualization into the surgical site. The two-step minimally invasive procedure consists of the custom machined allograft implant and a supplemental lateral fixation of the SI joint.
Jury rules in favor of University of Washington spine surgeon for bone cement trial
A deceased patient's daughter sued a Seattle-based University of Washington surgeon for allegedly utilizing non-FDA-approved Norian bone cement during the patient's spine surgery. The five-week trial culminated in a favorable outcome for the surgeon, with a 10 to two jury vote. The patient died on the operating table allegedly due to massive blood clots.
Women report inferior outcomes in lumbar spinal fusions
A new study published in Spine examines lumbar disc surgery's outcomes for women with inferior preoperative status. The end point variables improved markedly at a similar rate between men and women. But, female patients still reported more analgesic consumption, impaired walking distance, back and leg pain and higher disability with impaired quality of life one year after surgery. The researchers concluded the one year outcomes are inferior in women than men.
CMS grants add-on payment for magnetically controlled growth rods in spinal deformity
CMS granted a new technology add-on payment for magnetically controlled growth rods. Technology must demonstrate a substantial clinical improvement relative to the available alternatives on the market in order to qualify for the new technology add-on payment. MAGEC from NuVasive is the only magnetically controlled growth modulation system with FDA clearance for pediatric spinal deformity.
Chatham Orthopaedic Associates opens The Spine Institute
Chatham Orthopaedic Associates is opening The Spine Institute in Savannah, Ga. The Spine Institute will treat patients with complex neck and back problems. Physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, radiologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners will staff the center.
Early clinical data of Intralink-Spine's Réjuve System for low back pain is positive
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Pantai Medical Center researchers gathered early clinical study data on Lexington, Ky.-based Intralink-Spine's Réjuve System. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Harwant Singh utilized the Réjuve System for four procedures. The procedures involved fluoroscopic image-guided injections of the Réjuve medical device in the lumbar intervertebral discs.
DarkOverlords hacker group is selling 500 stolen Athens Orthopedic Clinic patient records on black market
Athens (Ga.) Orthopedic Clinic suffered a data breach in June that exposed the information of around 397,000 current and former patients. Now, 500 of the stolen patient health records have surfaced on the black market. The data breach exposes patients' names, addresses, Social Security numbers, telephone numbers, dates of birth as well as medical data.