Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for April 14, 2016.
Orthopedic surgeons generate $2.7M for affiliated hospitals
A full-time orthopedic surgeon generated an average of $2.7 million on behalf of their affiliated hospitals last year, more than any other type of physician, according to a new survey by Merritt Hawkins. A single physician generates an average $1.6 million a year in net revenue on behalf of his or her affiliated hospital.
Stryker Spine acquires SafeWire, builds on MIS presence
The acquisition includes SafeWire's Y-Wire guidewire and Tiger Jamshindi Needle Family for minimally invasive spine surgery, and fits into Stryker's plan to expand its minimally invasive spine surgery product offering. The Y-Wire includes a patented feature for mitigating potential wire-based complications including accidental pullout, kinking or wire migration.
Rush Health partners with United Airlines to provide orthopedic, spine procedures
Chicago-based Rush Health signed a direct employer contract to provide orthopedic and spine surgeries to United Airlines' employees. Under the partnership, United employees and family members across the United States will be able to receive spinal fusion and hip and knee replacement surgeries at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and at other Rush Health facilities in the future.
Outpatient LLIF improves outcomes and just as safe as in hospital setting
A new study published in Spine examines lateral lumbar interbody fusion in ambulatory surgery centers. Most of the inpatients reported Oswestry Disability Index scores growing from 48.5±3 to 55.5±2, while the outpatient ODI increased from 45.2±5.1 to 39.1±4.6. Patients who had outpatient lateral lumbar interbody fusion reported significant improvement in ODI when compared with the inpatient setting.
UPMC workers to strike over union rights
UPMC hospital workers in Pittsburgh plan to strike April 14 over union rights. The news came about two weeks after UPMC announced it will increase minimum starting salaries for entry-level positions at most Pittsburgh facilities to $15 an hour by January 2021.
RTI Surgical launches Streamline TL Spinal Fixation System with new capabilities
RTI Surgical launched the Streamline TL Spinal Fixation System — Deformity Instrumentation for complex adult deformities or curvatures. It allows the creation of a rigid construct in the thoracolumbar spine using pedicle screws, sets screws, rods and crosslinks.
EOS imaging's spineEOS receives FDA approval
The FDA has approved EOS imaging's spineEOS, an online 3D planning software for spine surgery. The software is based on EOS' stereo-radiographic 2D/3D imaging technology, and is intended for adults suffering from degenerative or deformative spine conditions as well as for pediatric patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Expanding Orthopedics appoints Dale Binke as VP
Expanding Orthopedics named Dale Binke as vice president of U.S. sales. Mr. Binke joins the company with more than 26 years of experience in the medical device industry, and most recently held a senior leadership role at Trinity Orthopedics.