James L. Chappuis, MD, senior surgeon and CEO of SpineCenterAtlanta, and his colleagues created a poster for the Orthopaedic Research Society 2016 Annual Meeting earlier this month, which won the best poster award.
Here are five key notes:
1. The poster was based on research titled "Biomechanics of Pedicle Screw Loosening in the Lumbar Spine."
2. The study sought to determine whether pedicle screws loosen in patients with recurrent back pain after spinal fusion surgery. The study authors also looked at whether hardware removal may ameliorate the secondary pain.
3. Pedicel screws loosen dramatically even after successful fusion in patients with recurring back pain, concluded the study authors. The loosening was vertebra level-dependent and could suggest adjacent level issues.
4. In addition to Dr. Chappuis, collaborative authors on the study include Hope B. Pearson, Christopher J. Dobbs, Joel D. Boerckel and Eric Grantham.
5. SpineCenterAltanta includes orthopedic and spine surgery, physical rehabilitation, physical and aquatic therapy, message and acupuncture an MRI imaging center and ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Chappuis focuses on combining medical techniques with complementary and holistic techniques to care for patients with back pain and spinal disorders and disease.