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SPINE SURGEONS 15 Major Breakthroughs in Spinal Biologics, Disc Regeneration on the Horizon: 3 Key Thoughts From Dr. William Watters By Laura Dyrda F ormer North American Spine Society President William Watters, MD, of Houston Medical, discussed the biggest spine technology, clinical and business trends for 2018. Question: What is the most important spine technology trend for 2018? Dr. William Watters: e most important trend for the coming year will be the contin- ued migration to minimally invasive technol- ogy and techniques for many standard spinal interventions. ere also is the possibility for a major breakthrough in biologics and regenera- tive treatments of disc pathology. Q: What is the biggest clinical or busi- ness challenge spine surgeons will face this year? WW: e major business challenge for spinal surgeons this year will be the continued reim- bursement shortfalls and devaluation of spinal procedures along with the increasing penetra- tion of value-based reimbursement schemes and bundled payments. Q: What is the best opportunity for spine surgeons in 2018? WW: Spinal surgeons should continue to affili- ate with non-surgical spinal treatment special- ists to better capture reimbursements under these bundled reimbursement schemes. n Colorado Spine Surgeon Dr. Cathleen Van Buskirk Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud: 5 Things to Know By Megan Wood A federal grand jury indicted Cathleen Van Buskirk, MD, Dec. 4, 2017, for bankruptcy scheme allegations, according to Daily Camera Boulder News. Here are five things to know: 1. Dr. Van Buskirk, of Boulder, Colo.-based Alpine Spine Center, is accused of "bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets, fraudulent transfer and concealment and money laundering," Daily Camera Boulder News reports. 2. In August 2014, Dr. Van Buskirk filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but fed- eral prosecutors allege she attempted to defraud her creditors. 3. The indictment report claims the spine surgeon didn't report $46,000 and 200 U.S. silver dollars, foreign currency, gold coins and a diamond ring. The report also alleges Dr. Van Buskirk transferred $170,000 to companies controlled by others. 4. Dr. Van Buskirk was arrested Dec. 6, 2017, and appeared for a Denver U.S. District Court hearing Dec. 8, 2017. 5. She completed her spine surgery fellowship at Philadelphia-based Thom- as Jefferson University. n Dr. Kingsley Chin Completes ACDF Procedure in Record Time: 4 Observations By Mackenzie Garrity H ollywood, Fla.-based The Less Exposure Surgery Specialists Insti- tute spine surgeon Kingsley Chin, MD, completed a three level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion case in an hour and five minutes, his record time. Here are four observations: 1. Dr. Chin performed the surgery with less than 25cc blood loss. The non-fluoroscopy procedure allowed the patient to experience less radiation as well as a shorter surgery time, which lowered the possibility of infection. 2. Typically, Dr. Chin performs one level surgeries in less than 30 minutes and two levels cases in 45 minutes. 3. LES technology is designed for outpatient spine and orthopedic proce- dures. At the LES Institute, Dr. Chin performs procedures with the hope of discharging patients the same day. 4. After the procedure, Dr. Chin commented, "With Less Exposure Surgery techniques, we are able to complete surgeries faster, safer – and patients are doing much better. I give a lot of credit to the engineering around LES technology, which is the best in class." n