Technological innovations have made it possible for nonsurgeon clinicians, such as physiatrists and pain management anesthesiologists, to perform less invasive spinal fusions in outpatient settings, but spine societies are warning against the potential dangers of such specialists performing these procedures without the same anatomical training surgeons have.

Louis Gerstenfeld, PhD, a professor of orthopedic surgery at the Boston University School of Medicine, has earned the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orthopedic Research Society International Section of Fracture Repair.

Austin-based devicemaker Genesys Spine reported 184 percent year-over-year revenue growth in its sacroiliac joint division in 2021.

Vuze Medical's proprietary software-only guidance system received FDA 510(k) clearance.

Albuquerque-based New Mexico Orthopaedic Associates hired four physicians, Albuquerque Journal reported Jan. 15.

Aligning with musculoskeletal management services organizations is becoming a more attractive strategic option for some orthopedic practices as economic, payer and administrative hurdles continue to challenge physician-owned groups to maintain independence.

Augmedics, which develops the Xvision augmented reality surgical system, named Kevin Hykes president and CEO.

Martin Boyer, MD, an orthopedic surgery professor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named director-elect of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Catalyst OrthoScience, a medtech company focused on the upper extremity orthopedics market, has appointed Carl O'Connell president and CEO.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based 7 Springs Orthopedics acquired Hendersonville, Tenn.-based Sport Ortho Urgent Care.

Surgalign Holdings received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Holo Portal surgical system for lumbar spine surgeries.

Medtronic's spinal cord stimulation therapy system showed meaningful pain relief results in a three-month study, the medical device company said Jan. 14. 

Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida received a $75,000 donation it will use to support its neurosurgery program, South Florida Hospital News reported Jan. 14. 

Three practices have recently added orthopedic surgery robots from Johnson & Johnson, Smith+Nephew and Stryker.

Noblesville, Ind.-based Riverview Health welcomed Heather Williams, MD, to its orthopedic and sports medicine practice, the Hamilton County Reporter reported Jan. 14.

The Genesis Healthcare System in Zanesville, Ohio, recently opened an orthopedic center, WHIZ, an NBC affiliate, reported Jan. 12. 

Here is a state-by-state breakdown of more than 180 ASCs that perform minimally invasive spine surgery in the U.S.:

Amazon is poised to build out more specialty care programs this year to complement its virtual and primary care services, Tom Kiesau, leader of digital health at healthcare advisory firm The Chartis Group, told Managed Healthcare Executive.

Here are five key clinical, policy and device updates regarding sacroiliac joint care since July 13:

Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant has been in development for years and tested in animals in 2020 and 2021. Mr. Musk said he aims to use Neuralink in humans this year, and its first applications would help spinal cord injury patients.