World’s First Use of 3D Printing May Revolutionize Reconstructive Surgery

For KAPSTONE MEDICAL

A Welch surgical team has performed the first jaw reconstruction surgery using 3D printed titanium specifically designed for the patient, resulting in much more natural result.

Surgery for oral cancer often leaves patients disfigured and unable to speak normally. Standard reconstructive surgery involves removing a part of the patient’s fibula and fitting it into the space made in the jawbone excised to remove the tumor. (published site)

Can Exercise Really Help My Lower Back Pain?

For Healthcare Associates, Tx

If you experience frequent lower back pain, probably the last thing you want to think about is exercise. While you may feel like finding a comfy position to rest in, if your doctor is recommending physical activity, you must do the exercises as prescribed. (published site)

FDA Recommendations For Medical Device Cybersecurity

FOR KAPSTONE MEDICAL

   
The topic of cybersecurity for medical devices became a hotter issue this past year amid several high-profile hospital cybersecurity breaches, and the FDA is paying close attention.

In a blog post on the FDA’s site, Suzanne B. Schwartz, the FDA’s Associate Director for Science and Strategic Partnerships at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, she outlined the FDA’s approach to medical device cyber safety. (published site)

What is a C-code?

For Clariance Spine

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) or “C-codes” are unique temporary pricing codes established for the Prospective Payment System and are only valid for Medicare on claims for hospital outpatient department services and procedures. (published site)

PEEK Versus Titanium in Spinal Surgery

For Clariance Spine
PEEK or titanium? That has been a question that surprisingly has not been extensively explored in head-to-head clinical research. Nevertheless a pair of completed studies and a third designed to randomly compare PEEK, Titanium and ceramic cages that is now under way provide some basis for comparison.

In a 2012 German study in the BioMed Central Musculoskeletal Disorders Cabraja, Oexdemir, et al, compared titanium (TTN) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages in 154 patients who underwent single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) performed between 2002 and 2007. (published site)

PEEK Performance Biomaterial of Choice

For Clariance Spine

Since the late 1990s when highly pure and implantable grade of polyetheretherketone, known as PEEK-OPTIMA, gained acceptance for medical device implantation, the use of PEEK has grown to a point that it may be considered the material of choice, particularly for spinal implants. (published site)

Where is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Headed?

For Clariance Spine Sept. 21, 2017

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has grown exponentially over the last decade. From 2005 to 2015, MISS has grown to nearly 45 percent of all spine cases done on an outpatient basis. This compares to approximately 5 percent in 2005, according to the Society for Ambulatory Spine surgery.

(published site)