Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for April 27, 2017.
North American Spine Society seeks comment on 2 new coverage recommendations
The North American Spine Society released two new draft coverage recommendations for public comment. NASS is collecting responses to its coverage recommendations for "Allograft and Demineralized Bone Matrix for Spinal Fusion" and "Spinal Cord Stimulation." The comment period opened April 20 and will extend through May 20.
Why Rothman Institute partnered with Northwell Health, and where they will expand in the future
In mid-April, Philadelphia-based Rothman Institute announced a strategic affiliation with New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, which will expand their geographic footprint. Rothman Institute CEO Michael West shares insight on the strategic partnership. Read here.
NuVasive's Q1 total revenue up 16.2% to $249.9M
NuVasive installed a revenue increase in the first quarter of 2017, with total revenue of $249.9 million. Net income hit $12.8 million and gross margin in the first quarter was 75.3 percent with the gross profit hitting $188.3 million.
Trump appoints nurse to serve as acting surgeon general
Rear Adm. Sylvia Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, was installed as acting surgeon general Friday after the Trump administration asked Vivek Murthy, MD, to resign. Dr. Trent-Adams is one of the first nurses to be appointed surgeon general and is the first non-physician to be appointed.
Posterior spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis: Is TLIF necessary?
A new study published in Spine examines whether transformational lateral interbody fusion makes an impact for patients undergoing surgery for one-level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with the posterior approach. Both groups reported significant improvement in pain and disability. Researchers found TLIF patients experienced better posterolateral fusion rate. The results showed TLIF isn't mandatory for the degenerative spondylolisthesis indication.
Inspired Spine publishes ebook on OLIF & OLLIF procedures
MIS technology developer Inspired Spine published an ebook titled, "Distinguishing Between the Spinal OLIF and OLLIF Procedures – Confusion with the War of the LIFs." Approaches for five additional interbody fusion procedures are also laid out in the ebook.
SI-BONE reports 6-year iFuse Implant positive clinical results
San Jose, Calif.-based SI-BONE reported the publication of a six-year study on its iFuse implant. The conservative management as well as the radiofrequency denervation patients experienced no long-term improvements in pain or function, compared to significant superior improvements in the iFuse patient group. While 80 percent of both the conservative management and radiofrequency denervation patient groups were using opioids at the last follow-up, only 7 percent of iFuse patients were using opioids.
5 countries prioritizing stem cell treatments
Five countries lead the way in stem cell medication clinical trials administered between 1999 and 2016, according to The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea. The U.S., South Korea, China, Spain and Israel top the list.