Rajesh Arakal, MD, of Plano-based Texas Back Institute, has become an expert with spinal navigation technology and said he sees artificial intelligence as a potential game changer in the space.

Venture capital investors poured billions into the spine surgery industry from 2000 to 2023, according to a study in the January 2025 issue of The Spine Journal.

The new year provides new opportunities for orthobiologics, but some obstacles in the healthcare landscape also loom, Jason Koh, MD, said.

Jonesboro, Ark.-based NEA Baptist has added the Mako SmartRobotics system for hip replacement procedures, according to a Jan. 2 report from NEA Report.

Edward Klein, DO, an orthopedic surgeon with Dartmouth, Mass.-based Hawthorn Medical, died Jan. 2, the hospital said in a Facebook post.

Orthobiologics piqued the interest of spine surgeons and Becker's readers in 2024. Here are four key conversations.

Total disc replacement has become a popular motion-preserving option for spine surgeons and patients. Here are five key numbers to know:

Here are six places adding spine and orthopedic robots in December:

Healthcare policy and spine surgery trends were among topics drawing interest from Becker's Spine Review readers.

Three New York healthcare providers, including Amsterdam, N.Y.-based St. Mary’s Healthcare, Gloversville, N.Y.-based Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home and Amsterdam, N.Y.-based Mohawk Valley Orthopedics have launched a partnership, according to a Jan. 2 report from ABC 10 News.

From weight loss medications to frayed partnerships, these are the 10 most-read orthopedic stories that Becker's covered in 2024: 

George Ozoude, MD, founder of Movement Orthopaedic Institute in Houston, has a unique practice model where the challenges now could lead to tailwinds down the road.

Frank Phillips, MD, is heading into the new year with a new spine tool in his arsenal.

Ronceverte, W.Va.-based CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, part of Charleston, W.Va.-based Vandalia Health, has added a new orthopedic robot. 

Novartis is in the trial phase for a new experimental medicine that has shown promise in improving motor function in children with a form of spinal muscular atrophy, according to a Dec. 30 report from The Detroit News.

Niagara Falls (N.Y.) Memorial Medical Center has appointed Erik Freeland, DO, as chief of orthopedics, according to a Dec. 30 report from Niagara Frontier Publications.

In November, the Lown Institute released a report breaking down key statistics on unnecessary spine and back procedures nationwide. 

In December, the Leapfrog Group named the top 31 ASCs for 2024, recognizing facilities for safety and recovery standards, fair billing practices, volume and other achievements. 

Apex Orthopedics, a firm specializing in orthopedic investment and innovation, has tapped David Elliott as senior vice president of business development.

Here are four new spine patents that have been secured so far in 2024: