In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kevin Rutz, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in St. Louis who brings over two decades of experience in spine care, including nearly 2,000 disc replacement procedures. With this breadth of experience in motion preservation, Dr. Rutz shares his insights and knowledge on the best applications for when to use motion preserving surgeries for the best possible patient outcomes.

Dr. Rutz isn’t just a surgeon who treats spine conditions; he’s experienced one himself. After he experienced pain and numbness radiating down his arm and into his hand, he decided on treatment and opted to undergo a cervical disc replacement for his own care. With this experience, he brings both surgical expertise and firsthand patient insight to his approach. That dual perspective has shaped his belief in motion preservation as a critical tool for helping patients maintain function and quality of life.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rutz shares how his own recovery journey influenced the way he talks with patients, evaluates treatment plans, and helps people avoid unnecessary fusions when possible. He also dives into the practical realities of building and running a high-volume, patient-centered practice; the role of mentorship in shaping surgical philosophy; and how collaboration with industry partners continues to drive innovation in spine care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How motion preservation became a cornerstone of Dr. Rutz’s care philosophy, and when it should be considered over fusion.
• The differences in cervical disc replacement (ACDA) and cervical fusion (ACDF) and the right circumstances to choose each respective treatment.
• Why surgeon-industry collaboration is essential for developing new technologies and treatment pathways.
• The importance of training and mentorship for upcoming surgeons to learn how to safely and effectively provide the highest possible level of care.
• What technologies Dr. Rutz is most excited about in the rapidly evolving landscape of spine surgery.
• How Dr. Rutz’s experience as a spine patient influenced his surgical approach and patient care.

As a spine surgeon who began his career primarily in fusion techniques and later switched to become a motion-preserving provider, Dr. Rutz is able to share a unique perspective on how our spine care has evolved and improved over time. Whether you're a provider, industry professional, or patient seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to prioritize motion in modern spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Rutz and his practice Orthopedic Specialists:

• Orthopedic Specialists: https://stlorthospecialists.com/

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jason Cuéllar, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, whose practice is built on a simple but powerful goal—restoring motion and function to every patient possible. With over two decades of education and training—earning his MD, PhD, and completing educational stints at prestigious institutions including UC-Davis, Stanford, NYU, and Cedars-Sinai—Dr. Cuéllar brings a rare mix of scientific depth, surgical expertise, and personal experience. Having also undergone spine surgery himself, he understands what it means to be both surgeon and patient. That dual perspective has shaped a career built on empathy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to preserving motion whenever possible. In this episode, Dr. Cuéllar shares what it was like training alongside motion preservation pioneers like Dr. Todd Lanman, Hyun Bae, and Neel Anand, and how those experiences fueled his passion for multi-level disc replacement and hybrid solutions. Now practicing in Florida, his reputation has drawn patients from across the country—and driven demand so high, he's expanding clinic locations from Jupiter to Miami and building a dedicated motion-preserving spine surgery center. Dr. Cuéllar goes on to discuss the philosophies that guide his decision-making—how his own experience as a spine surgery patient shaped the empathy he brings to each case, and why motion preservation isn't just a technique—it's a commitment to giving patients back their quality of life. From non-operative therapies to multi-level cervical disc replacement and fusion reversals, Dr. Cuéllar is pushing spine care forward with every patient encounter. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why Dr. Cuéllar’s personal experience with spine surgery led to a more empathetic, patient-first approach to care. • How cervical disc replacement has evolved into a routine, reliable solution—and what’s needed to bring lumbar procedures to the same level. • How research into the biological mechanism of pain and inflammation spurred the creation of a new non-operative treatment for degenerative conditions. • The biggest barriers to broader adoption of motion preservation—from training to reimbursement. • Why volume and specialization matter in motion-preserving surgery—and how they can drive better long-term outcomes for patients suffering from leg and/or back pain. As a surgeon, researcher, and patient advocate, Dr. Cuéllar is advancing the field of spine with thoughtful innovation and genuine compassion. Whether you're a surgeon, patient, or part of the spine industry, this episode offers a dynamic look at the shifting landscape of spine care—and how motion remains at the center of it all.

Learn more about Dr. Cuéllar: • Cuéllar Spine: https://cuellarspine.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cuellar-md-phd-34a6046/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuellarspine?igsh=MXFrbDI0ZXNzMjBnZg==

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Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..⁠.

The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.