Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

15 spine surgeons to know

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:12:00 -0400

Becker's ASC Review named Darren Lebl, MD, MBA, associate professor and research service chief of spine surgery at HSS, among 15 spine surgeons to know. This list highlights spine surgeons who stand out for their expertise, influence and contributions to advancing spine care.

Dr. Lebl specializes in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted spine surgery, cervical spine disorders, spinal deformity reconstruction and motion-preserving procedures. A recognized leader in spine innovation, he has helped advance the use of robotics, augmented reality and AI in spine surgery and holds U.S. and international patents for novel surgical techniques.

Widely respected for his research, education and technological innovation, Dr. Lebl has authored numerous publications on cervical spine care, minimally invasive surgery and complication avoidance, while helping train spine surgeons through national and international educational programs.

Read the full article at beckersasc.com.

Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi: The hidden forces reshaping spine surgery

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:03:00 -0500

Spine surgery complications do not necessarily surface in the operating room. The conditions for breakdown are laid long before a patient ever reaches the table.

From the outside, the work looks straightforward: diagnose the problem, decide whether surgery is appropriate, operate and initiate recovery. Internally, however, the process is increasingly shaped by forces that have little to do with surgical judgment and everything to do with authorization, reimbursement and system design.

Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, co‑chief of HSS Spine and chief medical officer of HSS Florida, noted that surgeons now face major hurdles securing basic imaging, approvals and surgical authorizations — delays that disrupt scheduling and add significant administrative burden.

Dr. Qureshi also highlighted how insurers push more procedures into ambulatory settings, despite only “seven or eight procedures out of about 50” being appropriate for same‑day discharge at HSS. He warned that reimbursement no longer reflects complexity, threatening long‑term viability.

He emphasized that spine care must prioritize quality, ethics and multidisciplinary teamwork, noting, “Spine, more than almost anything else, is a team sport.”

Read the full article at beckers.com.

Changing Spine Surgery Referral Chaos to ONE-Day Clarity

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:07:00 -0500

HSS has officially launched the Complex Spine & Scoliosis Center, a multidisciplinary hub designed to do what spine surgeons have been wishing for years: get complex deformity patients evaluated, imaged, diagnosed, and treated without the administrative marathon.

The idea is simple but ambitious. Bring together spine surgeons and a deep bench of subspecialists, streamline diagnostics, and make it possible for patients to leave the building the same day with an actual plan instead of a stack of future appointments.

Read the full article at ryortho.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery launches ‘one-stop-shop’ for complex spine care

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:12:00 -0500

Becker's Spine Review reports that HSS launched The Complex Spine & Scoliosis Center (CSSC).

Specialties at the center include anesthesiology, infectious disease, interventional radiology, metabolic bone, neurology, pain management, physical therapy, physiatry and spine surgery. The center is designed to get patients connected with experts faster.

“What makes our new center unique is that we offer a ‘one stop shop’ where a patient can be seen by a surgeon and other experts as needed, get updated imaging and other tests, receive a diagnosis and be given a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs all on the same day,” Han Jo Kim, MD, spine surgeon at HSS and director of the center.

The CSSC at HSS is also leveraging a clinical registry to detect and study genetic indicators of risk for a variety of postoperative complications.

Read the full article at beckerspine.com.

New Center at Hospital for Special Surgery Offers “One-Stop-Shop” Care and Improved Outcomes for Patients Needing Complex Spine and Scoliosis Surgery

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

People who need complex spine surgery have a new option for state-of-the-art, comprehensive spine care. The Complex Spine & Scoliosis Center (CSSC) at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is designed to give patients an easier recovery and a better overall experience thanks to its team of expert physicians dedicated to treating complex spine deformities and scoliosis through cutting-edge surgical approaches, patient-centered care and innovative research.

“What makes our new center unique is that we offer a ‘one stop shop’ where a patient can be seen by a surgeon and other experts as needed, get updated imaging and other tests, receive a diagnosis and be given a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs all on the same day,” says Han Jo Kim, MD, director of the new center and HSS spine surgeon. He adds that other centers could take weeks or even months to line up all the necessary appointments and provide a care plan recommendation.

Spine care at the CSSC is bolstered by a combination of highly specialized experts across multiple specialties and a decade of HSS-led research on advanced surgical techniques and recovery pathways. This has helped them transform the most challenging spine surgeries into much more straightforward operations with lower complication rates and faster recovery times.

“We have shortened the time it takes to do these surgeries, reduced complications, decreased patients’ length of stay in the hospital and shortened their recovery time, allowing patients to get back to what they love most,” says Dr. Kim.

The range of specialties the CSSC offers include anesthesiology, infectious disease, interventional radiology, metabolic bone, neurology, pain management, physical therapy, physiatry, and spine surgery. Care navigators help make the care experience easier by guiding patients through next steps, coordinating appointments and when possible, arranging visits with the appropriate physicians and receive any necessary imaging on the same day.

“We are integrating clinical triage so we can get the right patient to the right physician the first time for the care they need, as well as ensure a smooth experience for the patient and the physicians involved,” says HSS spine surgeon Andrew Sama, MD, co-chief of HSS Spine.

This streamlined approach is particularly helpful for the over 1,000 patients who travel to HSS annually from out of state or out of the country to see our surgeons, nearly 500 of whom receive surgery here.

“We want to meet patients where they are, and if they’re traveling a far distance, it’s especially important to make the most of their time here,” says HSS spine surgeon Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, co-chief of HSS Spine.

CSSC care is available to adult and pediatric patients at HSS locations in Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, and Connecticut. “HSS has invested a lot into our regional sites so that we can bring complex spine care to the communities we serve,” adds Dr. Qureshi. This builds on the recently opened multidisciplinary Spine Center in Paramus, which expands access to world-class spine care through a collaborative approach and state-of-the-art facilities.”

Another focal point of the CSSC at HSS is the development of a clinical registry to detect and study genetic indicators of risk for a variety of postoperative complications.

“This is next-level precision medicine, where we are using a person’s genetic makeup to mitigate certain risks or complications that they are likely to face after surgery,” explains Dr. Kim. “For example, if we find that somebody is genetically prone to infection or blood clots, we can give them medication to minimize or prevent those risks and ensure they have the smoothest recovery possible.”

To learn more or to request an appointment by submitting your case to the CSSC at HSS, please visit: https://www.hss.edu/departments/spine/complex-spine-and-scoliosis-center

Patient Success Story:

For 20 years, Long Island resident Susan had been living with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), an osteoarthritic condition that causes ligaments and tendons in the spine to calcify, leading to stiffness and pain. In 2023, after two traumatic falls, Susan endured a spinal cord injury, leaving the 57-year-old unable to lift her head. She scheduled an appointment with Dr. Kim for an evaluation for reconstructive surgery.

“I was totally looking down, and I couldn’t lift my head to see ahead of me. I was very limited, and it was challenging to get around with my walker. I would have been miserable if I had to live the rest of my life like that,” says Susan.

“I knew from my research that Dr. Kim was a superior surgeon, but I was also impressed with how he spoke to me and not at me, and used words I could understand,” Susan recalls. “I felt a connection with him right away and was relieved when he said he could help me.”

Susan had surgery in June of 2025 and after six weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, she says her life has changed for the better.

“Dr. Kim corrected my posture immensely so I can stand up straight, look forward, and see people ahead of me now. My chin is up!” she says. “He changed my appearance and made me look healthier, so I don’t appear distorted or in pain. I’m deeply grateful for what he’s done. Dr. Kim and the care team at HSS made such a meaningful difference in my life.

While Susan has some lingering weakness from the prior spinal cord injury and DISH, having surgery with Dr. Kim has improved her quality of life, allowed her to continue living independently and given her the chance to help care for her aging parents.

Robot-assisted surgery beneficial in some pediatric spine cases: Study

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:11:03 -0500

Becker’s Spine Review reports that researchers at HSS found minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery for pars fractures enabled most adolescent patients to return to sports in as little as six weeks.

The retrospective study focused on nine nine adolescent patients with lumbar spondylolysis who had robot-assisted pars repair at HSS using the single-screw technique, according to a Nov. 16 news release. After surgery they were in an eight-week physical therapy program to reintroduce them to sport-specific exercises.

Five patients returned to the same level or higher of sports after a mean follow-up of 11.4 months. One patient had residual back pain, and three had CT scans at 12 months showing union of the fracture.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

HSS Researchers Report Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery for Adolescent Athletes with Back Pain Due to Pars Fractures

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:24:00 -0500

Spine surgeons at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) reported promising findings for adolescent athletes suffering from pars fracture, a common cause of adolescent back pain that may not always heal on its own and can result in chronic discomfort later in life. Minimally invasive robotic-assisted pars repair enabled most patients to return to sports in as little as six weeks. The findings were reported at the 40th Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society, held November 14-16 in Denver.

A pars fracture — also called spondylolysis — is a break in the pars interarticularis, a narrow area of bone connecting two vertebrae in the spine. It typically occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back). About 7 percent of all adolescents experience a pars fracture, and that number can rise to as much as 50 percent among teens engaged in high-risk sports such as gymnastics, football, and soccer.

While these injuries can heal on their own after a six- to eight-week break from sports, one in five adolescents continues to experience a non-healing fracture (nonunion). The pain often returns after resuming activity, and some athletes have been told to quit sports entirely. "Nonunion can cause persistent back pain and, in certain cases, even require lumbar fusion later in life if the fracture results in a vertebral slip, where the vertebrae slip out of place," explained Austin Kaidi, MD, an orthopedic surgery resident at HSS and the study's lead author.

About seven years ago, HSS spine surgeon Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, Co-Chief of HSS Spine and the study's senior author, began using a spine surgery robot to plan the placement of surgical screws in novel ways. His work sparked a shift in the way the HSS surgeons approached pars fracture repairs.

The new minimally invasive technique involves the placement of a single screw through a 1 cm incision — far smaller than traditional surgery to repair a pars fracture, which is performed through a larger incision and requires bone grafting. The robotic procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is associated with an easier, shorter recovery.

Study: Robotic Pars Repair Allows Early Return to Activity for Adolescents with Symptomatic Spondylolysis: A Case Series

Dr. Kaidi, Dr. Qureshi, and their colleagues performed a retrospective review of nine adolescent patients with lumbar spondylolysis (mean age 16) who had robotic-assisted pars repair at HSS using the single-screw technique. Patients had endured back pain before the surgery for an average of 8 months. After surgery, they participated in an 8-week physical therapy program that started with walking and gradually re-introduced sports-specific exercises.

After a mean follow-up of 11.4 months, five patients had returned to the same or an even higher level of sports. One patient had residual back pain and did not return to sports. Three patients had CT scans at one year demonstrating union of the fracture. The athletes were able to return to activity in as little as six weeks. "Although nonsurgical treatment should always be tried before considering surgery, we were surprised by the effectiveness of this technique for enabling athletes to return to sport," said Dr. Kaidi.

HSS is a leader in robotic-assisted single-screw pars repair and one of only a handful of institutions worldwide who have published on this technique. This study is the largest series ever reported in these patients.

"This safe and effective procedure is changing the way the medical community thinks about these injuries. We are moving away from 'do nothing for 6 weeks' to a more elegant, proactive solution," concluded Dr. Qureshi. “Early minimally invasive spine surgery can prevent future complications. We're not only caring for patients while they are young, but also helping them in the long run.”

Reference

Robotic Pars Repair Allows Early Return to Activity for Adolescents with Symptomatic Spondylolysis: A Case Series

Authors: Austin Kaidi MD, MSc, Michelle Zabat, MD, Amy Xu, MD, Adin Ehrlich, BS, Tomoyuki Asada, MD, PhD, Harvinder Sandhu, MD, Russel Huang, MD, Sravisht Iyer, MD, and Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA

Doctor Gets Brutally Honest About LeBron James' Sciatica Injury, Lakers Return

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:58:50 -0500

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Todd J. Albert, MD, surgeon-in-chief emeritus at HSS, shared his insights on sciatica and LeBron James’ return following his injury.

"So sciatica is signs and symptoms of irritation of the sciatic nerve. Let's start with what the sciatic nerve is. The sciatic nerve is this big nerve... it's kind of a compilation of three nerves from your spine. So the spinal cord ends right around where your rib cage ends and then there's a bunch of nerves and they have numbers, you've heard of them, L1, L2, L3, L4," Dr. Albert explained.

"It turns into a string of nerves, it looks like a horse's tail. And then each level, one of those nerves goes out — L1, the L1 goes out... And the sciatic nerve is this big nerve that is made up of L4, L5 and S1and comes out through the butt, like the pelvis, the back of the buttocks and the bottom of the pelvis," Dr. Albert said. "And then it turns into nerves that control your thigh muscles, your calf muscles and your foot muscles — L4, L5, and S1. It's those nerves combined together. So what sciatica is, is irritation, generally, of one of those nerves from a herniated disc. People get what's called stenosis, but the most frequent thing is a herniated disc or a bulging disc."

When it comes to James, the sciatica pain resonates down the body, flowing from one of those nerves.

Read the full article at si.com.

Think AI Doesn’t Belong in Doctor’s Offices? Think Again

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:04:00 -0500

Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, co-chief of HSS Spine, shares his perspective on how, when used correctly, AI can bring patients and physicians closer together by by alleviating routine administrative tasks.

All too often, going to the doctor is a demoralizing, corporatized and impersonal experience. Patients wait weeks to even snag an appointment – and when they finally arrive at the doctor's office, they spend most of their time filling out intake forms and watching physicians or nurses type notes into a computer. As artificial intelligence becomes more prominent in the healthcare sector, many patients fear that it will wear away at human interaction even further. But it doesn't have to.

In fact, used thoughtfully, AI can do the exact opposite. By automating time-consuming administrative tasks, AI tools can free up doctors, nurses and staff to focus on what matters most: delivering personalized, empathetic care.

Read the full article at usnews.com.

7 back pain myths debunked — and what really helps to ease the ouch

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:01:00 -0400

HSS spine surgeon Gbolabo O. Sokunbi, MD, joined other experts in a Yahoo Health feature to debunk some of the most common myths about back pain.

Back pain is more common as we age, but that does not mean it's inevitable, acceptable or normal.

"Expecting to have back pain because you're getting older is incorrect," said Dr. Sokunbi. "I have 80-year-old patients who've never had a day of back pain." Truth is, back pain is common among those who aren't physically fit, who sit at a desk all day or who have chronically poor sleep, regardless of their age.

Read the full article at health.yahoo.com.

HSS Launches Spine Center in Paramus, NJ, Offering Comprehensive Back and Neck Care from Multidisciplinary Team

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health, has established a multidisciplinary Spine Center in Paramus to bring world-class back and neck care closer to area residents. The updated facility offers the same high-quality care as HSS’s flagship New York City hospital.

The new Spine Center joins two additional facilities HSS recently opened to expand its footprint in Northern New Jersey: HSS Paramus – Midland Ave, a full-service outpatient center; and the HSS Northern NJ Surgery Center in Mahwah, which marks the first-ever HSS surgery center dedicated to ambulatory procedures in the state. Together, these facilities provide Bergen County residents and beyond with greater access to world-class surgical and non-surgical care across a broad range of specialties.

“HSS has long set the standard for excellence and innovation in spinal care,” said HSS President and CEO and Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus, Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA. “Together with the HSS Northern NJ Surgery Center and HSS Paramus – Midland Avenue, the Spine Center reflects our commitment to making high-quality care accessible to local communities as well as the growing need for spine services in New Jersey.”

A key feature of the center is its integrated approach to spinal health. A multidisciplinary team of experts—including specialists in spine surgery, pain management, neurology, physiatry, and radiology—work together to deliver consistent, first-rate care.

“Each of our physicians specializes in treating people with conditions and injuries affecting the spine,” said Anil S. Ranawat, MD, a sports medicine surgeon and medical director of the HSS Spine Center in Paramus. “This high degree of expertise and collaboration ensure that each patient receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, supporting optimal outcomes and continuity of care.”

The spine center, located at 140 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 175S, spans 14,000 square feet and includes 11 exam rooms.

“The HSS Spine Center provides specialized care for all types of conditions and injuries affecting the back and neck, from the most common problems to the highly complex, including scoliosis,” said Andrew A. Sama, MD, a spine surgeon and co-chief of HSS Spine. “Our team includes physicians with expertise in the latest nonsurgical approaches, as well as skilled spine surgeons with advanced training and special expertise.”

At HSS, conservative treatment is always the first line of care, while surgery is the last resort, said Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, a spine surgeon and co-chief of HSS Spine. “A variety of therapies are available to address pain, prevent further damage and help patients regain mobility without the need for surgery,” he explained. “However, if it is needed, HSS spine surgeons are at the forefront of robotic-assisted and minimally invasive procedures that are beneficial for patients.”

Surgeries are performed at the HSS Northern NJ Surgery Center in Mahwah or at the main hospital in Manhattan.

For more information about the HSS Spine Center, please visit: www.hss.edu/njspine

Dr. Zachary Grabel: A Spine Surgeon at HSS Florida joins ESPN West Palm Tonight!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:03:00 -0400

ESPN West Palm interviewed Zachary J. Grabel, MD, spine surgeon at HSS about back pain, when you should see a physician and when someone should consider spine surgery.

Listen to the full episode at podcasts.apple.com.

What Are the Best Exercises for Back Pain?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:46:33 -0400

Andrew A. Sama, MD, Co-Chief of HSS Spine shares insight with The New York Times on the most effective exercises to relieve back pain and support a healthier spine.

If you’re new to exercise or haven’t worked out in a while, the safest forms of aerobic exercise are low-impact workouts such as walking, using an elliptical machine, cycling and swimming, since they put less pressure on your back than other forms of aerobic activity, said Dr. Sama.

If you do choose to run or do higher-impact workouts, be sure to wear supportive shoes and opt for even terrain to help avoid injury, Dr. Sama said. Afterward, stretching and icing your back can help to keep pain at bay.

Generally, a good litmus for determining whether a workout is safe for you is asking yourself: Does this make my back pain worse, either during or afterward? If the answer is no, Dr. Sama said, you can keep moving the way you’ve been moving without fear.

Read the full article at nytimes.com. A subscription is required to access.

The Best Workouts for Back Pain

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:25:00 -0400

Nicholas Hershfield, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at HSS shares the common causes of back pain and highlights the key muscles to strengthen, along with exercises to help reduce and prevent back pain and related injuries.

One of the reasons why back pain is so common is that it can stem from pretty much anywhere. “Back pain is so multi-factorial,” says Hershfield. “Anything from diet to stress levels to activity or inactivity can really affect low back pain.”

Read the full article at gq.com.

The Best Mattress Toppers Are the Subtle Upgrade Your Bed Needs

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:46:00 -0400

Vijay B. Vad, MD, physiatrist at HSS, explains what to look for when purchasing a mattress topper in an interview with SELF.

If your sleep setup is nearly perfect, but not quite comfy enough, adding one of the best mattress toppers might be the little upgrade you need. “Good mattress toppers can help align the spine and help with shoulder, neck, hip and back pain,” said Dr. Vad.

Read the full article at self.com.

Why a tatami mat might help you sleep better

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:56:00 -0400

According to The Washington Post, the mattress industry is brimming with innovation and constantly rolling out new products to improve sleep. Some mattresses allow you to adjust the firmness or sleeping angle. Others include cutting-edge cooling technology.

Despite all these bells and whistles, many people are turning to the past to solve their sleep issues. That’s where tatami mats come in. This humble, traditional Japanese sleep setup has gained a loyal, relatively small (but steadily growing) following.

Valued for their firmness and simplicity, tatami mats offer an ascetic alternative to the plush and heavy beds to which so many Americans are accustomed. They are typically 1 to 3 inches thick and traditionally are made of woven strands of rush grass (igusa) covering a firmer core of compressed rice straw.

However people style their tatami, the setup does offer benefits. The firmness of your sleep surface is hugely important, said George Cyril, MD, FAAPMR, physiatrist at HSS. We may associate soft, cushy mattresses with luxury and comfort, but Dr. Cyril said that after a few nights you’ll realize that the lack of support puts unnecessary pressure on different parts of the body. “It can compromise blood flow to certain areas and put you in misalignment,” he said.

Read the full article at washingtonpost.com. A subscription is required to access.

HSS Experts Offer Tips To Prevent Back Injuries When Playing Golf

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:02:23 -0400

Golf is an enjoyable activity accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, but it can take a toll on the body if proper care isn't taken. The twisting, bending, and repetitive motions involved in a golf swing can place significant strain on the back, and good practices are essential to prevent back injuries.

In an interview with Essential Golf, HSS experts including physiatrists Nicole Angelo, DO, MS, Andrew Paul Creighton, DO, spine surgeon, Sravisht Iyer, MD, and sports medicine surgeon Ayoosh Pareek, MD, offer tips to prevent back injuries when playing golf.

Read the full article at magazine.essential.golf.

7 Best Big And Tall Office Chairs That Keep You Aligned And Supported

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:03:00 -0400

Forbes highlights that choosing the right office chair is important for anyone who spends long hours at their desk, but it’s especially crucial for taller and heavier individuals who need extra support.

When shopping for a big and tall office chair, Nnaemeka Echebiri, MD, physiatrist at HSS, emphasized the importance of adjustability.“‘Big and tall’ encompasses a wide variety of individual body types, so being able to customize a chair to the individual provides the most benefit,” he said. “The seat should be high enough so that the person can sit comfortably with their knees at a 90-degree angle. Cushioning is also important, as the chair material should be able to accommodate the weight of the individual without sustaining wear too quickly.”

Read the full article at forbes.com.

What is the expertise of a physician worth? 35 physicians on where value-based care is headed in orthopedics and spine

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:42:00 -0400

Becker's Spine Review talks to healthcare leaders including Han Jo Kim, MD, spine surgeon at HSS on where value-based care is headed in orthopedics and spine.

According to Dr. Kim, "When it comes to value-based healthcare in orthopedics and spine, I believe it comes down to the original definition of value, which is quality over cost. In the next few years there will be increased pressure to move orthopedics, and a portion of spine care, to the ASC setting. Naturally, this will decrease costs, and therefore increase value. Centers will be forced to "lean" their processes, whether with enhanced recovery pathways or expedited processes, in order to decrease length of stay, shorten operative times and decrease the time it takes for patients to recover from operations all while upholding quality.

He continued, “Centers will have to be creative and efficient in working within and leveraging their multidisciplinary teams and skill sets in order to deliver greater efficiency in care delivery, and decrease the costs for overall episodes of care for a given operation. These will be exciting times, and I believe research will be the cornerstone with which to validate these mechanisms."

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

50 orthopedic surgeons to know in 2023

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:47:00 -0500

Becker's Spine Review features 50 orthopedic surgeons to know in 2023 including Constantine A. Demetracopoulos, MD, foot and ankle surgeon at HSS, Steven B. Haas, MD, chief of the knee service at HSS, Steve K. Lee, MD, chief of the hand and upper extremity service at HSS, and Andrew A. Sama, MD, co-chief of HSS Spine.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

2 Hospital for Special Surgery milestones

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 11:02:00 -0500

Becker's Spine Review reports on two HSS milestones, including use of the OrthAlign navigation device to perform 16,500 cases in total and partial hip and knee replacements, and the first augmented reality (AR)-assisted spine surgery in New York State using the first AR system cleared by the FDA for navigation in spine surgery performed by Frank P. Cammisa Jr., MD, chief emeritus of HSS Spine.

Read the full article: https://www.beckersspine.com/.

More than the Eye Can See: Hospital for Special Surgery First in NYS to Use Augmented Reality Guidance in Spine Surgery

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

An orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has performed the first augmented reality-guided spine surgery in New York State. Frank Cammisa, MD, chief emeritus of HSS Spine, performed a successful spinal decompression and fusion on a 28-year-old male patient with the first augmented reality (AR) system cleared by the FDA for navigation in spine surgery.

Augmented reality refers to digital information that is superimposed on a user’s view of the physical environment, providing images that can’t be seen with the naked eye. AR navigation in spine surgery superimposes 3D images of a patient’s anatomy onto the surgeon’s view of the operative field. Critical elements include a preoperative CT scan of the patient’s spine, which is used to plan and perform the surgery, and an augmented reality headset worn during the procedure.

The system Dr. Cammisa uses consists of a near-eye-display headset and the elements of a traditional navigation system. During surgery, it accurately determines the position of surgical instruments in real time and superimposes them on the patient's CT data. It has been likened to giving surgeons “x-ray vision,” enabling them to see structures underneath the skin.

“The technology allows us to visualize the patient’s 3D spinal anatomy during surgery to accurately guide instruments and place surgical implants, such as pedicle screws, while looking directly at the patient rather than at a separate computer screen,” Dr. Cammisa explained. “Improved control and visualization of the patient’s anatomy and critical structures can lead to a more precise, efficient surgery and can enhance safety."

He notes that the technology allows for a highly personalized surgery that can be used for most spinal procedures requiring the use of implants. People with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and spinal deformities may be candidates.

Dr. Cammisa notes that as more surgeries are performed with the augmented reality system, patient follow-up and data collection will enable HSS researchers to compare AR to other technologies used in spine surgery to evaluate outcomes.

AI, machine learning will lead to more 'predictable, efficient and safer' surgeries: 10 spine leaders weigh in

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:43:00 -0500

Becker’s Spine Review discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in spine surgery according to experts including HSS spine surgeon James E. Dowdell III, MD.

Dr. Dowdell noted, “AI and machine learning will drive better outcomes in spine surgery within the next 10 years. The most difficult aspect of spine surgery is deciding on the correct operation for the correct patient. There are many variables at play that determine a successful surgical outcome for a patient. AI/machine learning will use these variables to help support our surgical decision making. Reducing the variability in decision making will help drive better patient outcomes, reduce complications, and reduce healthcare spending.”

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

WABC-TV

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 15:29:00 -0500

WABC-TV interviews HSS patient Jeff Mordos about his recovery from spine surgery in 2016 and comeback as a marathon runner.

“He had what’s called spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal where all the nerves go down to your legs,” said Federico P. Girardi, MD, spine surgeon at HSS.

“I had seen Dr. Girardi for some follow up and started some mild jogging. Within four months or so I was back to running," said Mordos. Mordos has completed more than 75 marathons over the course of his life, and post-surgery he is focused on staying active to remain healthy. “Dr. Girardi recommended from the get-go that I stay active in order to encourage healing,” said Mordos concluding, “The thought of being able to get out there felt like a certainty. It was a matter of when not if.”

The segment aired on broadcast on November 6, 2022.

Hospital for Special Surgery: 7 updates for leaders to know

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:26:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review highlights seven updates at HSS surrounding new leadership, rankings and collaborations including the partnership with Lumoptik to develop pain management solutions, the appointment of spine surgeon Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, as co-chief of HSS Spine, being named the top facility for orthopedics and spine care by Healthgrades and more.

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

Healthgrades' best hospitals for spine surgery: 2023

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 11:49:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review reports Healthgrades shared its lists for excellence in specialty care which evaluated patient mortality and complication rates at nearly 4,500 hospitals and ranked them across 17 specialties, including spine surgery. HSS is included among hospitals earning specialty excellence awards for spine surgery in New York.

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

Additional coverage: Beckersspine.com.

Houck should be OK for 2023

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 17:02:00 -0400

The Boston Globe reports Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck underwent a lumbar diskectomy and Frank P. Cammisa Jr., MD, chief emeritus of HSS Spine, shares general comments on the injury and procedure.

According to Dr. Cammisa, who did not treat Houck, “He should have full range of motion and be ready for spring training. He has a lot of time to heal.”

Dr. Cammisa said a diskectomy is microsurgery to treat a herniated disk. Cartilage pressing on a nerve is shaved.

“It’s unlikely, even for a pitcher, that he’d have a problem once it heals,” Dr. Cammisa noted.

Read the full article at Bostonglobe.com.

Sure Signs You Need to See a Spine Specialist

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 18:11:00 -0400

Eat This, Not That! discusses signs that indicate the need to see a spine specialist according to experts including HSS Florida physiatrist Angelie Mascarinas, MD, and HSS spine surgeon Sariah Khormaee, MD, PhD.

According to Dr. Mascarinas, “Certain issues associated with the spine (i.e. lumbar disc herniations or lumbar spine nerve compression) can cause referred pain or numbness (pins/needles sensation) into the buttocks or legs and can also cause leg weakness.”

“An unaddressed issue such as a large lumbar disc herniation can cause bowel/bladder issues if there is significant stenosis (narrowing in the spine) due to the disc herniation," she added.

She explained, “Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot can indicate nerve compression in the lumbar spine. This can be assessed by determining where there is difficulty when performing a calf raise, difficulty when walking on your heels, or if your foot drops or slaps the ground while walking.”

Dr. Mascarinas noted another sign is if pain persists for 4-6 weeks. “70% of cases of disc herniations in the general population have significant improvement of back and leg pain within 4-6 weeks. Therefore, if symptoms are not improving, a spine specialist can evaluate symptoms and perform a physical exam, obtain x-rays or more advanced imaging if indicated, and offer other treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections that may help alleviate symptoms.”

Dr. Mascarinas said persistent back pain after a minor accident can be an issue. "Persistent back pain following a seemingly minor incident could be a sign of a lumbar fracture, and an x-ray or MRI would be helpful to confirm diagnosis. Especially for those with a history of osteopenia or osteoporosis whose bones are more fragile, minor trauma can cause lumbar fractures."

Dr. Khormaee explained signs of a rare condition, "If you have tingling or numbness in the groin area and lose the ability to go to the bathroom normally, this can be a sign of what is called cauda equina syndrome. This condition occurs when there is compression on the nerves at the base of the spinal column.”

Dr. Khormaee said agility changes in fingers and hands may be a sign to see a spine specialist. She explained, "The vertebrae in your upper back and neck connect your spinal column to your arms, hands and fingers. Changes in the area can affect your ability to carry out tasks that require the use of your hands. "People may notice that they have problems with buttons or zippers. Another thing that I sometimes hear from patients is that their handwriting has changed. Similar to the concerns seen in the lower spine, these symptoms can be caused by a number of different types of spinal problems. A spinal specialist can perform a physical exam and may offer scans such as X-rays, MRIs or CTs to determine the source of the problem."

Read the full article at Eatthis.com.

Best Exercises to Improve Dowager's Hump, According to Experts

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 15:52:00 -0400

Shape explains dowager's hump according to experts, a curvature of the upper spine most commonly caused by chronic forward leaning, and includes exercise tips for prevention and relief from Kelyssa Hall, CSCS, CEAS, exercise physiologist at HSS.

According to Hall, “Chin tucks can help to get the cervical spine properly lined up with the thoracic spine (aka the upper part of the spine), thus improving posture and neck strength.”

She recommended the cervical extension stretch to help improve mobility throughout the spine to help with alignment.

Scapular retractions are an exercise that focuses on opening up the shoulders and chest. According to Hall, that helps “get the shoulders relaxed and less rounded for better posture.”

Hall explained, “Thoracic extension is helpful for improving chest and shoulder mobility, thoracic spine (upper back) mobility, and overall alignment of the spine for better posture.”

Additionally, “Wall angels can help improve the alignment of the spine while strengthening the shoulder muscles and the muscles that support the [lower body],” said Hall.

Read the full article at Shape.com.

Revision discectomy associated with higher rates of subsequent lumbar fusion than primary discectomy

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:21:00 -0400

Spinal News International highlights study results published in The Spine Journal by Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, spine surgeon at HSS, finding revision discectomy is associated with higher rates of subsequent lumbar fusion (SLF) and faster time to SLF that primary discectomy at eight-year follow-up.

Dr. Qureshi said, “Our study reports eight-year rates of SRD and SLF after primary and revision discectomies. I see two aspects of the clinical significance of these results: One, it is vital information for surgical counselling as patients often inquire about the rates of reoperation, and two, even though the rates are statistically greater after revision discectomy versus primary (6% vs. 5% for SRD and 10% vs. 6% for SLF), these are not major differences looking from the clinical standpoint. This calls for case-based and shared decision-making for additional discectomy versus fusion in cases with symptomatic recurrent disc herniation rather than opting for a fusion in every case.”

Read the full article at Spinalnewsinternational.com.

How to Avoid Golfing Injuries and Stay on Course with These Tips

Tue, 03 May 2022 18:20:00 -0400

Muscle & Fitness discusses golf injury prevention and recovery with guidance from experts including Andrew Paul Creighton, DO, physiatrist at HSS.

Dr. Creighton explained, “The low back, lumbar spine is the first area of injury. In the young, especially in the skeletally immature golfer, the concern is an injury to the bone, particularly the pars bone.”

“As the golfer grows older, a common injury is to the discs of the lumbar spine. Often times, the golfer will hurt with bending, lifting or twisting especially if weight is added,” he continued.

Dr. Creighton said, “As the golfer continues to age, they can develop arthritis of the facet joints of the lumbar spine which again typically hurt with twisting and with the extension of the painful area. Most of the time, injury to the low back occurs as a result of mobility issues in the thoracic spine (at the back of the chest), mid back or mobility issues in the hip. Issues with mobility in the thoracic spine and hip result in more torque and shear force taking place in the lumbar spine, causing injury to the bones, discs and joints.”

“The most common injuries that occur at the elbow are medial and lateral elbow tendinopathies, also known as medial and lateral epicondylitis,” Dr. Creighton explained. “The tendon undergoes change and sometimes has partial tearing as a result of overuse and poor technique. The golfer typically hurts at the prominent bone on the inside or the outside of the elbow and just down the arm from those areas. When looking at the wrist, injuries frequently occur on the inside or outside of the wrist, ulnar and radial side respectively.”

Dr. Creighton advised, “As with any activity, there is likely a point when the golfer is playing too much. However, that point of excessive golf is likely different for each individual. The golfer has likely reached that point once the pain and injury occur. So, it is recommended that the golfer should address this pain and injury and consider taking some time off to allow for recovery. It is important to investigate if there is anything modifiable with their golf swing or golf routine before playing again.”

Read the full article at Muscleandfitness.com.

Pioneering ADR in the NHL: How Tyler Johnson, Jack Eichel opened a ‘whole new world’ of hockey medicine

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 17:38:00 -0400

Chicago Sun Times discusses the successful pioneering of artificial disc replacement (ADR) among professional U.S. hockey players and includes commentary from Frank P. Cammisa Jr., MD, chief emeritus of the Spine Service at HSS, who advocated to bring the landmark procedure to the U.S.

Las Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel met with Dr. Cammisa while he was considering his treatment options. As a result, Dr. Cammisa started working with the National Hockey League Players’ Association throughout the process to explain the available data for ADR.

“We went back to some of the original work we did, in terms of the mechanics and results and what kinds of athletes have gotten it over the years,” said Dr. Cammisa. “It hadn’t been done [before], but I came to the conclusion with that data that it was reasonable in a hockey player to do a disc replacement. I spoke to the league about the reasons why, and I wrote a report.”

Dr. Cammisa noted that the operation does entail some risks and remains viable for only a limited range of injuries.

He added, “Now there’s a precedent. Hopefully they’ll continue to have great careers. But any reasonable surgeon will tell any player that comes in, ‘Listen, it’s not designed for everybody.’”

Read the full article at Chicago.suntimes.com. Additional coverage: Beckersspine.com.

What Causes Scoliosis Pain, and the 7 Best Ways to Treat It

Sat, 19 Mar 2022 16:04:00 -0400

Livestrong explains the causes and treatments for scoliosis pain according to experts including Matthew E. Cunningham, MD, PhD, spine surgeon at HSS.

According to Dr. Cunningham, the condition is most often diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15 when the spine is still developing, but it can affect people throughout the lifespan. Adults are much more likely to experience pain, not from the curvature itself but from the strain it puts on certain muscles and joints.

He said, “Scoliosis pain in adults can affect the lower back and also cause pain shooting down the leg. If there's pressure on certain nerves, your legs may also feel weak.”

“The only way to diagnose scoliosis definitively is through an X-ray,” noted Dr. Cunningham.

Physical therapy and exercise can be included in a treatment plan. Dr. Cunningham said, “While specific exercises must be geared to each individual, the general aim is to strengthen the muscles that support your spine.”

He continued, “If one of your symptoms is pain, doctors may also order other tests to see if you have another medical condition. Other sources of back pain include infection, fracture, lack of vitamin D, arthritis, sprains, strains and more.”

He added that surgery is a last step for a treatment option and typically reserved for patients who have pain regardless of how big or small the scoliosis is.

Read the full article at Livestrong.com.

Sleep Awareness Week

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:08:00 -0400

PIX 11 discusses mattress and pillow tips to ease neck and back pain while sleeping during Sleep Awareness Week and includes guidance from Naimish Baxi, MD, physiatrist at HSS.

Dr. Baxi said, “Back pain and neck pain are most common, which can happen at the same time and can be an equation for horrible sleep.”

According to Dr. Baxi, in terms of choosing the right mattress, “There are studies that have been done show hybrid type mattresses have the most effect on pain relief especially for the lower back hybrids are made up of a combination of inner spring and memory foam, with newer mattresses the technology has improved dramatically to improve airflow and the temperature control can also make for a much better night’s rest.”

He said the most important thing to try out a mattresses during a trial period.

He added that sleeping on too soft or absorbable mattress can lead to alignment issues but too firm a mattress may could poor alignment in shoulders due to not enough neck or shoulder support.

He explained, “When choosing a pillow, determine what position you spend most of your night on, such as your side or back. It’s important to find a pillow in a neutral position that keeps the keep the spine or back in neutral alignment.”

This segment appeared during the 4pm news hour on March 14, 2022.

ESPN West Palm – 2/17/22

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 17:58:00 -0500

ESPN West Palm interviewed Angelie Mascarinas, MD, physiatrist at HSS Florida, on air about her approach to patient care, techniques she uses to treat conditions and pain, and her areas of expertise.

Dr. Mascarinas explained, “As a physiatrist, basically it’s non-surgical orthopedics, so treating musculoskeletal conditions that I focus on in the spine: back pain, neck pain, disc herniations or sciatica. I also treat painful joints in hip, shoulder or knee – osteoarthritic conditions.”

She continued, “My day-to-day is seeing patients in the clinic and other days I perform spinal procedures with fluoroscopic guidance or X-ray guidance, such as epidural injections, or ablation of facet joints to help with chronic back pain.”

In terms of her approach to patient care, Dr. Mascarinas said starts with an interview. “I get to know them, what’s been bothering them, how it all started, things that may have triggered their pain, was it an injury or an exercise program that may have been ramping up in volume that may have triggered an overuse injury. I like to do a thorough physical exam, a lot of the times you can find there’s muscle weakness or tightness or even a leg length discrepancy that can predispose one area to be getting stress that can lead to a painful joint.”

The segment aired on February 17, 2022.

Innovations Mark New Era for Spine Surgery

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:32:00 -0500

Greenwich Sentinel features a perspective by HSS spine surgeon Evan D. Sheha, MD, about recent advances in approaching spine treatment, driven by a greater understanding of spine challenges and the advent of new technologies that help improve patient outcomes.

He noted that new innovations can deliver safe, effective results and faster recoveries for patients post-surgery.

According to Dr. Sheha, “At HSS, we’re firm believers that surgery may not be the first nor best option for many patients. Any surgery involves certain risks. We have many non-surgical options to help patients get better and relieve their back issues. For instance, a combination of physical therapy and meds could be the right course. Spinal injections are another option. Time and a targeted exercise regimen could be a third path to follow.”

He continued, “But for the patients who need it, spine surgery can be an ideal treatment option.”

Dr. Sheha went on to discuss three innovations that have improve spine surgery practice: augmented reality (AR), robotics and minimally invasive techniques.

Read the full article at Greenwichsentinel.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery researcher gets $6M to study back pain

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:55:00 -0500

Becker’s Spine Review reports Chitra Dahia, PhD, scientist at HSS, has received two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants totaling $6 million for research focusing on disc degeneration and chronic back pain.

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

HSS Scientist Awarded Two NIH Grants Totaling $6 Million

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:05:00 -0500

A scientist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Chitra Dahia, PhD, has received two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants totaling $6 million for translational research aimed at understanding the root cause of disc degeneration and chronic back pain in order to develop treatment options that do not rely on addictive pain-relieving medications.

This funding will support Dr. Dahia’s Spine Development and Regeneration Lab to study the potential of two important developmental molecules in the reversal of age-related intervertebral disc (IVD) pathologies and in the treatment of chronic back pain.

“Approximately 70 percent of the U.S. population is affected by chronic back pain, negatively impacting longevity and quality of life,” said Dr. Dahia. “There is currently no treatment available for disc degeneration, which is a big concern when you look at the world’s aging population. With the lack of treatment options, people can become dependent on strong pain relievers such as opioids.”

“It is an incredible honor for Dr. Dahia to receive these two NIH grants,” said Lionel B. Ivashkiv, MD, chief scientific officer at HSS. “Being awarded an NIH grant is the highest metric of scientific quality and impact. The application itself is peer-reviewed and quite rigorous.”

Dr. Dahia received the first 5-year grant for $2.8 million from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)/NIH R01 to study the role of the sonic hedgehog (SHH)/Brachyury axis in the maintenance of the postnatal IVD. This work aims to identify the role of Brachyury, a critical developmental molecule first reported in the nucleus pulposus cells of postnatal disc by Dr. Dahia herself in 2009, in the growth and maintenance of the postnatal IVD, how its age-related loss causes disc pathologies and peripheral sensitization and pain, and whether this can be prevented. The study findings will also identify targets to reverse painful disc pathology and help regenerate the disc.

She was then awarded the National Institute of Aging (NIA)/NIH R01 5-year grant for $3.3 million to study the role of developmental signaling pathways in the maintenance of spinal discs. The study is focused on understanding the crosstalk between major developmental signaling pathways interacting with SHH signaling (also first shown by Dr. Dahia in 2009) in temporal regulation of the different components of the IVD and their beneficial effect in maintenance and activation of disc progenitor cells. The research intends to discover if there is a potential for disc regeneration using its own cells, and is being done in collaboration with Todd J. Albert, MD, spine surgeon and surgeon-in-chief emeritus of HSS. Dr. Albert and his team will test Dr. Dahia’s findings in clinical conditions.

“Initially, we found that these crucial developmental molecules are expressed in very young spinal discs, and recently we observed that they decline with age and disc pathology, hence we are now evaluating their function from stages of growth and maturation to aging,” explained Dr. Dahia.

Dr. Dahia has committed her career to developing a full understanding of disc biology as they grow, mature, and age to identify potential avenues for therapeutics. She previously received an NIH grant in 2014 to study how the Wnt/SHH signaling loop controls IVD growth and differentiation. When Dr. Dahia began her research in disc biology over a decade ago, she was one of the first to study the beneficial role of developing molecules in the postnatal spine. Now, this is being adapted in other musculoskeletal research in a broader sense.

According to Dr. Dahia, other researchers have tried to use stem cells to solve these issues, but the cells are unable to survive due to the harsh microenvironment of the disc. “Our lab’s process is unique, as we aim understand the cellular and molecular basis of disc pathology and know how to intersect it, using our unique and novel genetic strategies,” she noted.

Dr. Dahia’s Spine Development and Regeneration Lab at HSS concentrates on understanding the role of key developmental cell signaling pathways and molecules in the development and homeostasis of various musculoskeletal tissues including the IVD, spinal column, growth plate, and tendon. The lab’s primary focus is on IVD development and maintenance and whether developmental pathways and molecules can prevent age-related disc pathologies and associated neurological symptoms or regenerate the degenerated discs.

“These scientific discoveries can directly impact future directions of musculoskeletal research to best improve clinical outcomes,” said Dr. Dahia who noted that HSS research is aimed at enriching the lives of patients suffering from debilitating orthopedic and rheumatic conditions.

Robotic navigated assistance may improve screw times in posterior spinal fusion

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:05:00 -0500

Orthopedics Today reports on HSS study results published in Journal of Spine Surgery by spine surgeon Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA, and colleagues, finding robotic navigated assistance may improve screw times in posterior spinal fusion.

To evaluate the surgeon learning curve, the study recorded registration, screw placement and positioning times among 65 consecutive adult patients who underwent robotic-navigated posterior spinal fusion by a single surgeon from June 2019 to July 2020.

Dr. Lebl explained, “These results help to lay a groundwork for other surgical teams to adopt robotic technologies into their practices and further prove that concept that with higher volume and surgeon experience, surgical techniques are improved and surgical times were lowered.”

Read the full article at Healio.com/news/orthopedics.

From spine surgery to NYC Marathon: Hospital for Special Surgery helps woman get back on her feet

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 12:54:00 -0500

ABC 7 reports the story of HSS patient Ruth Torres, who will run the 2021 New York City Marathon after receiving minimally invasive surgery performed by Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, to address her lumbar spinal stenosis.

In 2018, Dr. Qureshi performed a minimally invasive surgery to relieve the compression on Torres' nerves and restore stability.

According to Dr. Qureshi, “While that is a very common problem we see, what made Ruth's case particularly unique was that her goal was to get back to running and so we needed to do something that would not only allow us to correct her problem but give her the longevity and the ability to run the distances she wanted to run.”

He explained, “We made a small opening on the side of her spine. We used image guidance during surgery that allowed us to be able to see in three dimensions, Ruth's spine, without having to make big incisions and dissecting muscles. We then placed a spacer and screws to provide stability for her spine.”

Torres noted, “I made a decision that I'm going to run the New York City Marathon every year until I can't run anymore.”

She continued, “I am excited and scared. I feel that my training is going to get me to the finish line. My back is definitely not going to prevent me from running. My back is A-Okay.”

Watch the full segment at Abc7ny.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery receives gift to build spine center

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:13:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review highlights the contribution from Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder to establish the Lauder Family Spine Center at HSS.

HSS president and CEO Louis A. Shapiro said, “The incredible partnership of the Lauder family has allowed us to reach a crucial threshold of support for our expansion plans and will benefit all the patients who will count on HSS for healing and hope for decades to come.”

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

The 2022 Spine Surgery Excellence Award: 100 hospitals honored

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:49:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review reports Healthgrades published its 2022 list of Spine Surgery Excellence Awards on October 19, which contains the top 100 hospitals for spine surgery including HSS.

The hospitals are recognized for providing superior patient outcomes in back and neck surgeries and spinal fusion.

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery Receives Visionary Gift from Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder to Establish the Lauder Family Spine Center

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has received a landmark contribution from philanthropists Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder to establish the Lauder Family Spine Center. The Center will be part of a transformation of the HSS main campus in New York City and increase capacity and access to the world’s best spine care.

HSS is recognized internationally as a leader in pioneering treatment for the full spectrum of spine conditions for over 22,000 spine patients each year at locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida. The Lauder Family Spine Center, which will open in 2024, will build upon the exceptional spine care offered across the HSS enterprise. The Center will span the new state-of-the-art HSS Kellen Tower, Pavilion, and main hospital buildings on the New York City main campus.

“We are grateful for Leonard and Ronald Lauder’s tremendous generosity and continued commitment to HSS,” said Bryan T. Kelly, MD, HSS Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director. “This gift, in establishing the Lauder Family Spine Center, will enable our world-class medical team to do what they do best, even better. This is not just an investment in HSS but also in our community and the world.”

This contribution builds on the Lauder family’s longstanding dedication to HSS and vision for elevating the care of patients impacted by debilitating orthopedic conditions. The Lauder family’s support of HSS extends over thirty years, having funded vital programs to advance the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions, improve care for underserved patients, and pioneer new approaches in pain management.

“We are committed to supporting all the outstanding physicians at HSS who are defining the future of medical care and proud to make this gift in honor of Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi,” said Leonard and Ronald Lauder. “With the Lauder Family Spine Center, we are supporting the excellent spine care for which HSS is so well known and ensuring HSS remains at the forefront of the field well into the future.”

“I am deeply moved by Leonard and Ronald Lauder’s commitment,” said Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, Patty and Jay Baker Chair in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Associate Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at HSS. “The Lauder Family Spine Center will have a profound impact on the lives of our patients and their families.”

The extraordinary support of Leonard and Ronald Lauder comes at a pivotal moment. “The incredible partnership of the Lauder family has allowed us to reach a crucial threshold of support for our expansion plans and will benefit all the patients who will count on HSS for healing and hope for decades to come,” said Louis A. Shapiro, President and CEO at HSS.

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Jab Lowers Bone Formation in Older Women

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 11:35:00 -0400

Medscape reports on HSS study results presented at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) annual meeting by senior author Emily Margaret Stein, MD, MS, endocrinologist and bone specialist, finding levels of bone formation biomarkers were decreased for postmenopausal women who received an epidural steroid injection (ESI) in the lumbar spine to treat back and leg pain arising from a compressed nerve in the spine.

Dr. Stein and Shannon Clare, research assistant and first author of the study, cited “Our results are notable because we found that the duration of suppression of bone formation extended beyond 12 weeks, a far longer duration than seen previously with intra-articular injections [of glucocorticoids].”

According to the authors, women are not typically screened for osteopenia or osteoporosis before ESI. However, Dr. Stein and Clare noted, “Our results suggest that physicians should consider screening women for osteoporosis who receive ESI, particularly those who are treated with multiple doses. Steroid exposure should be minimized as much as possible by having patients space injections as far as they can tolerate."

The authors stated that further studies are needed of the relationship between these short-term changes in bone turnover and bone loss and the risk for fracture among the burgeoning population treated with ESIs.

Read the full article at Medscape.com.

How hospitals will fight to remain competitive in spine surgery: 6 surgeon insights

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 17:04:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review shares strategies hospitals should employ to remain competitive as spine cases continue to accelerate to the outpatient setting according to experts including Andrew A. Sama, MD, co-chief of HSS Spine.

Dr. Sama explained, “To slow outpatient migration, hospitals need to satisfy all stakeholders by improving operational efficiencies, lowering costs through dedicated spine operating rooms with specialized spine surgical teams to achieve similar clinical outcomes and cost savings of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Safe, efficient patient surgical throughput cannot be overemphasized. Hospitals will need to demonstrate time-savings and financial benefits to surgeons while providing increased safety and improved outcomes to patients. Hospitals will have to lower inpatient costs to remain competitive in the eyes of payers. Novel and creative financial relationships will also need to be considered for inpatient surgeries to neutralize the monetary appeal of ASC ownership.”

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

'It is changing rapidly': The must-knows for the next generation of spine surgeons

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:46:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review shares key considerations for the next generation of medical students pursing spine surgery from thought leaders including HSS spine surgeon Han Jo Kim, MD.

Dr. Kim said, “Spine surgery is one of the most exciting fields in medicine today. Not only are there tremendous opportunities for innovations in technology, data analysis and patient care, but there are also opportunities to advance surgical techniques as the field continues to evolve and our understanding of the best treatments for our patients improve. This means that you can have a significant influence in the field, with the ability to change patient care and outcomes.”

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.

CT doctor uses augmented reality goggles to perform groundbreaking spinal surgery

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 18:34:00 -0400

The Stamford Advocate highlights the computerized augmented reality (AR) navigation technology being used by spine surgeons at HSS Orthopedics at Stamford Health, and features two patient experiences after surgery performed by Harvinder S. Sandhu, MD, MBA, co-chief of HSS Spine.

Dr. Sandhu explained by using specialized goggles, he is able to see through tissue surrounding a patient’s spine and provide more precise and faster surgeries and, by extension, quicker recovery with less chance of infection.

He cited the technology allows the surgeon to see an overlay of data pulled from MRIs [magnetic resonance imaging] and other technology superimposed on the patient’s spine, as well as written data visible in the corners of his visual field. He said the visible terrain means he can pinpoint areas without having to expose more markers along the spinal landscape, as is the case in more traditional surgery.

Dr. Sandhu saw HSS patient Paul Solis-Cohen and determined he needed lumbar decompression surgery involving a laminectomy and spinal fusion of the L4 and L5 vertebrae.

“I went into the OR [operating room] with pain down my leg and I was wheeled out pain free,” noted Solis-Cohen.

HSS patient Brynn Blystone, who was living with degenerative disc disease, underscored the success of her surgery.

“He [Dr. Sandhu] broke things down and told me what was going on and how he could attack it. I said, ‘Let’s go with technology.’ And I’ve got my life back,” said Blystone.

Read the full article at Stamfordadvocate.com. This article also appeared in print on September 18, 2021.

Dealing With A Hump In the Back of Your Neck? It's Called Thoracic Kyphosis—Here's How to Fix It

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 18:12:00 -0400

Parade discusses treatment and prevention strategies for thoracic kyphosis, according to experts including James E. Dowdell III, MD, spine surgeon at HSS.

Dr. Dowdell explained, “This hump typically affects the area of the spine called the upper thoracic spine. When you have this condition, your head appears to jut forward because the upper thoracic spine has an excessive curvature.”

Dr. Dowdell said the number one cause of the hump is bad posture. “Unfortunately, this becomes a chicken and egg scenario as bad posture places more pressure on the spine, which can cause worsening of the curvature which further reinforces the existing bad posture,” he added.

Lifestyle changes can help supplement a treatment plan. Dr. Dowdell recommended physical activity, a back brace for advanced cases, anti-inflammatory medication if the pain is significant, and treatment of underlying conditions. “This is also important to prevent further worsening–osteoporosis is the major condition that can worsen kyphosis if untreated,” he noted.

Practicing proper posture is also key. Dr. Dowdell explained, “This prevents further stress being placed on your spine, decreasing the likelihood of degeneration and worsening of your hump. For every inch forward your head juts, your spine sees 10 pounds of extra force.”

Read the full article at Parade.com.

Advances in Robotics: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Benefits Patients

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 18:10:00 -0400

Autumn Years reports HSS patient Michael Nestler had a successful spinal fusion and removal of a bone spur performed by spine surgeon James E. Dowdell III, MD.

The pain that Mr. Nestler experienced as a result of a bone spur pressing on his spine was mostly felt in his foot. Dr. Dowdell explained, “It’s not uncommon for a lower back problem to masquerade as a hip, knee or ankle problem.”

Mr. Nestler benefited from the latest innovations in spine surgery: robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery and computer navigation. Advances in surgical techniques and technology allow for a more precise and targeted surgery, according to Dr. Dowdell.

“The use of very small incisions preserves muscles and other structures surrounding the spine, so patients generally experience less pain after surgery, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to activities compared to traditional open surgery,” he noted.

Since the surgery, Mr. Nestler is now pain-free and back to participating in many of his favorite activities.

Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA, spine surgeon at HSS who has conducted studies on the new robotic technologies, said, “The use of a robotic arm, along with 3D imaging and navigation technology similar to GPS, allow for pinpoint accuracy in the placement of hardware, enhancing the accuracy and predictability of the surgery.”

This article appeared in the Fall 2021 print edition and online at Omagdigital.com.

Robotic spine surgery has reached tipping point, but learning curve still exists: HSS study

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:09:00 -0400

Becker’s Spine Review reports on the HSS study published in the Journal of Spine Surgery and presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2021 annual meeting led by spine surgeon Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA.

The study aimed to determine the learning curve associated with implanting pedicle screws with robotic systems compared to conventional techniques, in adults requiring posterior spinal fusion.

On the use of robotics and computer navigated technology Dr. Lebl said, “I think they're good enough to greatly improve what we do in terms of minimally invasive surgery. In my own practice, I've seen the benefits for patients in terms of a shorter hospital stay, quicker mobility and decreased healing times.”

Read the full article at Beckersspine.com.