Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for May 26, 2016.
NuVaisve launches biologic for posterolateral spine surgery in US
NuVaisve launched AttraX Putty, the newest addition to its biologics portfolio, in the United States. The synthetic bone graft product is indicated for use as an autograft extender in posterolateral spine surgery, and is designed with a biotextured surface to drive bone regeneration.
Medtronic introduces Spine Essentials to US market
Medtronic launched Spine Essentials in the United States at the Ambulatory Surgical Center Association annual meeting in Dallas. It is a platform of spinal implants and instruments intended to make cervical spine fusion procedures more efficient.
Whistle-blower claims 33 hospitals submitted more than $1B in fictitious costs
A whistle-blower recently defended the viability of a federal complaint he filed, saying 33 hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia benefited from fictitious cost report claims submitted to Medicare and Medicaid.
FDA clears Interventional Spine's new lordotic intervertebral body fusion device
The FDA cleared Interventional Spine's 80 Lumbar Lordotic Opticage Expandable Intervertebral Body Fusion Device. The device is indicated for use with autogenous bone graft in patients with degenerative disc disease at one or two contiguous levels from L2 to S1.
55% of physicians said employment negatively impacted their compensation
Medicus Firm's "Physician Practice Preference & Relocation Survey: 2016" analyzed the satisfaction of employed physicians. Twenty-three percent of respondents said employment had a positive impact on their compensation, and more than 27 percent said employment had a positive impact on their career satisfaction. Forty-two percent said employment had a negative impact on career satisfaction.
American Spine opens new clinic in Egypt
Frederick, Md.-based American Spine opened a new collaborative clinic in Cairo, Egypt. American Spine is expanding its team to include Drs. Esam Daoud and Sherif Abdel Raouf, who will head the new clinic.
L3 & L4 fusion patients see similar disc degeneration and facet degeneration rates
Researchers analyzed whether stopping fusion at L3 versus L4 impacted disc degeneration and facet joint degeneration, according to a Spine Deformity study. The L3 and L4 groups both experienced greater facet joint degeneration than the control group experienced. Clinical outcome scores did not differ significantly among the groups.
Vertebral Technologies launches pedicle screw system: 5 key notes
Vertebral Technologies launched the InterLink pedicle screw system, which is a comprehensive pedicle screw fixation design made in America. The system includes 22 polyaxial pedicle screws, 19 spinal rods, cross-connectors and set screws, and is designed for single and multiple level fixation.