Becker's Spine Review

9 SPINE SURGEONS 4 spine surgeons make predictions on the future of minimally invasive spinal fusion By Mackenzie Garrity S pine surgery continues to become more complex, but as surgeons take on more intricate cases, technology advances to assist. Four spine surgeons provided their predic- tions for the future of minimally invasive spi- nal fusion procedures. Ali Araghi, DO. Director of Spine at e CORE Institute (Phoenix). Minimally inva- sive spinal fusions are here to stay. ose who choose to not offer or perform minimally in- vasive surgery, over time will experience sig- nificant attrition in their practice and surgical volumes. Jeffrey Goldstein, MD. Chief of Spine Ser- vices, Education and Director of Spine Fel- lowship at NYU Langone Health (New York City). I believe the performance of robotics and navigation will enhance our ability to perform minimally invasive surgery. I would look forward to less radiation to patients and staff, improved precision and hopefully con- tinued improvement in outcomes. Michael Hisey, MD. Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute (Plano). I expect continued steady increases in the use of minimally in- vasive spine fusion techniques. As more sur- geons become trained in and comfortable with the MIS techniques, these will be offered to more patients with a broadening range of diagnoses. e early adopter surgeons have worked to refine the techniques and improve the results as they have navigated their way through the learning curve. e techniques are becoming more teachable and reproduc- ible and are achieving comparable fusion and deformity correction results. At the same time, MIS implants, instruments and even guidance systems are steadily improving in reliability and usability. MIS was and contin- ues to be a hit with patients who are demand- ing treatments have shorter hospitalizations and quicker return to comfort and activities. is is true for all aspects of medical care, but is particularly true with spine fusions, because the previously long periods of dis- comfort and activity limitations aer surgery. With greater demand and excellent results, there will be pressure on even the late adopter surgeons to integrate the newer and less inva- sive techniques into their practices. Isador Lieberman, MD. Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute. Minimally invasive spine fusions will become more effective and efficient over the next five years. e technol- ogy available today including biologics and robotics will facilitate predictability in out- come, automation and precision of the tech- nique. ese factors will drive the evolution of spinal fusions to outpatient procedures. n AANS appoints 1st female neurosurgeon president: 4 highlights By Mackenzie Garrity S helly Timmons, MD, is the American Associ- ation of Neurological Surgeons' new presi- dent. Here are four highlights: 1. Dr. Timmons is the first female neurosurgeon and the second woman to serve as the organiza- tion's president. 2. She is a neuro-critical care specialist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey (Pa.) Medical Cen- ter and a professor at Penn State College of Med- icine in Hershey. 3. Additionally, Dr. Timmons is the vice chair for administration in the neurosurgery department and director of neurotrauma at Penn State Health. 4. Dr. Timmons' research focuses on traumatic brain injuries. n Dr. James Sanfilippo performs the most spinal fusions in New Jersey, highest successful discharge rate By Mackenzie Garrity B etween January 2013 and December 2016, James Sanfilip- po, MD, of Reconstructive Orthopedics in Vineland, N.J., performed the highest number of spinal fusion procedures in the state. Here's what you need to know: 1. Along with performing the most spinal fusion procedures, Dr. Sanfilippo had the highest successful discharge rate and the lowest percentage of patients requiring additional care for the procedures. 2. During the period, Dr. Sanfilippo had 135 total discharges for noncervical spinal fusions and a nursing facility discharge rate of 12.1 percent. 3. South Jersey Magazine named Dr. Sanfilippo a Top Doctor for four consecutive years. 4. Dr. Sanfilippo currently serves as chief of spine at Reconstructive Orthopedics and chair of the Virtua Brain and Spine Institute at Vir- tua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, N.J. n

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