Becker's ASC Review

34 ORTHOPEDICS ASCs are the Best Opportunity for Spine Surgeons + Key Thoughts on Challenges, Spine Tech From Dr. Todd Lansford By Laura Dyrda T odd Lansford, MD, of South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Charleston, S.C., on the most interest- ing spine technology today and where the industry is headed in 2018. Question: What do you see as the big- gest challenge for spine over the next year? Dr. Todd Lansford: e key clinical and busi- ness challenges will continue to be reimburse- ment issues and health insurance reform. ere is considerable uncertainty in this sector, which insurance companies hate. is all leads to challenges for the patients and providers. From a business standpoint, corporate tax changes will be a challenge for many private practice groups. e challenge is not a bad one, but confusing none the less. Q: What is the best opportunity for spine surgeons in 2018? TL: e best opportunities for spine surgeons will continue to be ASCs. We are expanding the types of cases and patients suitable to this environment. As spine surgeons, there is still growth in this arena, so the opportunities are quite plentiful. Q: What are the biggest trends in spine technology going forward? TL: e most important trend in spine technology would be the continued integra- tion of biplaner flouro to navigation. I say this specially because the use of robotics is an expanding field, advances in imaging will increase the speed for robot procedures. Once navigation improves in speed and ease, robots will be used more frequently. e second trend I see is use of titanium/tritanium implants. is has shown superiority over PEEK and will gain in use throughout the year. n Dr. Mark Adams Performs Michigan's 1st Coflex Procedure in ASC: 4 Things to Know By Laura Dyrda Mark Adams, MD, performed Michigan's first coflex spinal procedure in an ASC in December 2017. Here are four things to know: 1. Dr. Adams performed the procedure at Mackinaw Surgery Center in Saginaw, Mich. The multispecialty surgery center was founded in 2007 and includes four operating rooms as well as three procedure rooms. The 16,000-square-foot facility houses ophthalmology, orthopedics, ENT and urology in addition to neurosurgery. 2. Coflex interlaminar stabilization is typically performed on patients with one or two level lumbar stenosis from L1-5 who have undergone six months of nonoperative treatment and still experience back pain. Para- digm Spine achieved FDA pre-market approval for coflex, a U-shaped device made from titanium alloy. 3. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is now covering coflex, which was a significant factor in performing the outpatient procedure. 4. Dr. Adams is a member of the American Academy of Neurological Sur- geons and completed his fellowship training in complex and reconstruc- tive spine surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. n Larry Nassar, Former USA Gymnastics Physician, gets 40-175 Years in Prison — 6 Things to Know By Megan Wood A seven-day hearing for former U.S.A. Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar ended today with a prison sentence of 40 to 175 years, The New York Times reports. Here is what you need to know: 1. In September 2016, two former gymnasts told the IndyStar that Mr. Nassar had sexually abused them during medical treatments. Since that explosive report, 150-plus young women have shared similar stories. 2. In November 2017, the 54-year-old former physician pleaded guilty to seven criminal sexual conduct charges in Ingham County, Mich., CNN reports. After hearing testimonies from 156 victims who said they were sexually abused by Mr. Nassar, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina told him, "I just signed your death warrant," when reading his sentence. 3. Among those who testified were Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber, two members of the 2012 U.S.A. women's gymnastic team. 4. Mr. Nassar also pleaded guilty to three more criminal sexual conduct charges in Eaton County, Mich., receiving an additional 40 to 125 years. 5. In a separate federal case, Mr. Nassar already received a 60-year prison sentence for child pornography charges. 6. Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs revoked Mr. Nassar's license for three years in April 2017. n

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