Spine surgeon Frank Cammisa, MD, was named chief medical officer of Orthobond.

From studies on cost-effectiveness in spine and orthopedic care to the learning curve using surgical robots, here are the studies Becker's covered in 2021 that garnered the most interest from readers:

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is expanding its neuroscience center.

Over the next five years, minimally invasive technologies such as robotics and endoscopy are expected to become more prominent in spine surgery, and hospitals may be used only for complex cases on patients with significant comorbidities.

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons named Elad Levy, MD, president-elect.

From television stars to athletes, here are seven spine cases that made headlines in 2021:

Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson on Dec. 3 had artificial disc replacement surgery three weeks after Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights went under the knife for the same procedure, according to the NHL.

Robert Watkins IV, MD, performed back surgery on Brook Lopez, an NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a Dec. 2 news release.

Becker's Spine Review reported on four first-time surgical cases that were completed in November.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. had spine surgery at Dallas-based Carrell Clinic, the team said Dec. 1.

Here are 10 spine surgeons to know:

Here are seven spine surgeons joining new practices in November:

Spine and orthopedic experts and leaders spoke with Becker's Spine Review on a range of topics in November.

Marketing has the tendency to get in front of the science in many areas of orthopedics, which can result in suboptimal patient outcomes and significant steps back for the technology.

Anil Nanda, MD, head of neurosurgery at Rutgers University's two medical schools in New Jersey, has been put on paid administrative leave after allegations of professional misconduct, according to nj.com.

The first artificial disc replacement in the U.S. was performed in 2000, but the technology has come a long way since then, with many surgeons predicting the procedure eventually will overtake spinal fusion as the standard of care.

Juan Jimenez, MD, of Kankakee, Ill.-based Riverside Neurosurgery Specialists, in late October became the first surgeon outside of Chicago to perform multi-lumbar disc replacements.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons on Nov. 19 endorsed a bill that aims to mitigate the 9.75 percent Medicare reimbursement cut facing physicians in 2022.

Here are 10 spine surgeons to know:

Vijay Yanamadala, MD, a Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare neurosurgeon, performed New England's first awake spinal fusion, according to a Nov. 15 News12 report.