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Board-certified physiatrist Brian Fellechner joins St. Luke’s University Health Network

St. Luke’s University Health Network is pleased to welcome board-certified physiatrist Brian Fellechner, DO, to its medical staff. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Fellechner completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey where he served as chief resident at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

15 Apr 2015

Johns Hopkins researchers develop LevelCheck software to help improve surgical safety

Because the spine is made up of repeating elements that look alike, surgeons can mistakenly operate on the wrong vertebra. To avoid this, Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a software program that works seamlessly with currently available procedures to assist a surgeon’s determination of which vertebra is which. Results from its first clinical evaluation show that the LevelCheck software achieves 100 percent accuracy in just 26 seconds.

15 Apr 2015

Two radiologists win Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Leaders in Innovation Award

Two visionaries of interventional radiology were recently awarded the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Leaders in Innovation Award. The awards, to Lindsay Machan, M.D., FSIR, an interventional radiologist at Vancouver Hospital, British Columbia, and Kieran J. Murphy, M.D., FSIR, an interventional radiologist at the University of Toronto, both in Canada, were announced March 4 during the society's Annual Scientific Meeting in Atlanta.

13 Apr 2015

Early and guideline adherent physical therapy reduces costs, resources in LBP patients

A study in the scientific journal BMC Health Services Research shows that early and guideline adherent physical therapy following an initial episode of acute, nonspecific low back pain (LBP) resulted in substantially lower costs and reduced use of health care resources over a 2-year period.

10 Apr 2015

National study comparing minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild) with epidural steroid injections (ESIs) reaches full enrollment

Lumbar spinal stenosis is primarily a degenerative, age-related narrowing of the lower spinal canal resulting in compression of the nerve roots. MILD treats this compression by removing small portions of lamina and hypertrophic ligamentum flavum in a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure through an opening about the size of a baby aspirin...

9 Apr 2015

Two case studies provide potential new avenue for treatment of kidney cancer

UT Southwestern Medical Center Kidney Cancer Program investigators have published what is believed to be the first reported successful use of stereotactic body radiation therapy for an often deadly complication of kidney cancer.

8 Apr 2015

A new amyloid-targeting treatment for Alzheimer's disease

With each new amyloid-targeting treatment for Alzheimer's disease that has been developed, there has been a corresponding concern. For example, antibodies targeting amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) produce inflammation in the brain in some patients.

3 Apr 2015

Scientists use special MRI imaging to predict chronic pain, disability and PTSD after whiplash injury

While most people should expect to fully recover from whiplash injuries within the first few months, about 25 percent have long-term pain and disability that lasts many months or years.

2 Apr 2015

Phone counseling can boost recovery, reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery

Research by Johns Hopkins scientists suggests that having a short series of phone conversations with trained counselors can substantially boost recovery and reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery.

1 Apr 2015

Outdoor safety tips from American Chiropractic Association

The warmer weather brings more chances for parents to get outdoors and ramp up physical activity with their little ones. From biking and hiking to walking and jogging, today's parents are keeping fit and bonding with their babies in the process.

1 Apr 2015

New Orthopaedic & Spine Center guide discusses conservative treatment options for hip, knee and spine pain

The physicians at Orthopaedic & Spine Center have put together an information guide – Surgery Isn't Always the Answer. The resource discusses conservative treatment options for those who suffer from hip, knee, and spine pain. The guide also shares information on the benefits of early diagnosis and minimally-invasive surgical treatments.

31 Mar 2015

Zyga reports commercial use of modernized SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System for low back pain

Zyga Technology, Inc., a medical device company focused on the design, development and commercialization of minimally invasive devices to treat underserved conditions of the lumbar spine, today announced the launch and first commercial use of an updated SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System. The surgery was performed by Dr. Brett Menmuir.

27 Mar 2015

DePuy Synthes adds four new products to adult deformity portfolio

DePuy Synthes Companies announced the addition of four new products to its adult deformity portfolio as well as a new education offering, continuing its expansion of one of the broadest spine portfolios in the industry. The products were displayed by DePuy Synthes Spine at the 81st annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

27 Mar 2015

K2M announces enhanced complex spine portfolio with addition of its innovative NILE™ alternative fixation spinal system

NILE features low-profile, robust implants and intuitive and light ergonomic instruments, intended to provide stabilization between the spine and the rod, and to allow for reduction, translation, compression and distraction while sparing the anatomy...

26 Mar 2015

New research shows spinal surgery improves sexual function, reduces low back pain

Chronic low back pain can limit everyday activities, including sex. New research presented today at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), found that 70 percent of patients consider sexual activity "relevant" to their life quality, and patients who receive surgical treatment for spinal spondylolisthesis (DS) and spinal stenosis (SS)--common degenerative conditions most often occurring in older adults--were twice as likely to report no pain during sex.

24 Mar 2015

AAPM announces recipients of 2015 Pain Medicine Fellowship Excellence Award

The American Academy of Pain Medicine is pleased to announce its 2015 Pain Medicine Fellowship Excellence Award Recipients in recognition of a Pain Medicine Fellowship Program that provides an exceptional learning experience to its fellows, preparing them to deliver the highest standard of care to patients with pain.

22 Mar 2015

Psychology study sheds new light on men's preferences for women with certain body types

A psychology study from The University of Texas at Austin sheds new light on today's standards of beauty, attributing modern men's preferences for women with a curvy backside to prehistoric influences.

20 Mar 2015

Students attending Brainworks program to learn how regular exercise may help improve brain health

About 140 seventh- and eighth-graders attending Cedars-Sinai's Brainworks program March 23 will learn how hopping, skipping, jumping and other elements of a regular exercise routine may help improve brain health. An exercise station - a new feature of the 17-year-old program - will be one of nine areas where students will interact with Cedars-Sinai neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroscientists and other health professionals.

18 Mar 2015

MIS TLIF surgery results in less pain, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery

A minimally invasive spinal fusion back surgery results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery and return to work.

17 Mar 2015

Loyola surgeon describes the immense benefits of minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery