Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for June 28, 2018.
Blood, bone, bug found on spine surgery instruments at Denver hospital
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment finalized its investigation at Denver-based Porter Adventist Hospital after discovering 5,800 spine and orthopedic patients may be at risk of infection due to improper cleaning issues, CBS Denver reports. While surgeries resumed two months ago, the CDPHE recently determined the issue was human error. Read more, here.
US News: Top 25 hospitals for pediatric neurology and neurosurgery
U.S. News & World Report released its "Best Hospitals for Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery" 2018-2019 rankings. Boston Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Texas Children's Hospital in Houston come in as the top three. Read who else made the list, here.
Zimmer Biomet says misunderstandings led to negative FDA findings at Warsaw North Campus
On April 24, 2018, the FDA issued a Form 483 for Zimmer Biomet's Warsaw North Campus, and Zimmer Biomet has now responded. None of the observations in the Form 483 identified specific issues regarding product performance and the facility continues to manufacture products. "Zimmer Biomet stands behind the safety of the products manufactured at the Warsaw North Campus and is working carefully and expeditiously to address the observations," the company reported.
NASS launches spine registry aimed at all spine care professionals
The North American Spine Society launched a web-based spine registry that tracks patient care and outcomes. The registry is diagnosis-specific and includes de-identified data for operative and non-operative treatment solutions. NASS initially implemented the pilot program eight years ago and has since made an effort to minimize barriers to participation, including cost, privacy concerns, administrative burden and institutional review board participation.
Stryker gets $2.6M from Michigan Strategic Fund Board for facility expansion
The Michigan Strategic Fund Board granted Stryker $2.6 million toward its new facility in Portage, Mich., according to WWMT. Stryker is planning to build a 253,000-square-foot expansion to its Portage facility, which will begin construction in the fall.
GE to spin off healthcare business
GE revealed plans to spin off its healthcare business into a standalone enterprise June 26, concluding a yearlong strategic review of the company's operations and financial strength. Kieran Murphy, president and CEO of GE Healthcare, will remain as head of business. Read more, here.
Testimony begins in Dr. Atiq Durrani's medical malpractice case
Testimony began in a medical malpractice case involving the fugitive spine surgeon Atiq Durrani, MD, WLTW 5 reports. According to federal authorities, the formerly Cleveland-based Dr. Durrani fled to Pakistan in 2014 after federal charges accused him of insurance fraud and performing unnecessary spine surgery. Read more about the case, here.
Surgery center nurse who allegedly stole narcotics indicted
Former nurse Danielle Lynn Langham was indicted on 23 drug diversion-related charges June 26. She was accused of stealing narcotic medication from a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based surgery center, taking the drugs for her own personal use and refilling vials with sterile saline to avoid getting caught.