Episodios

  • Rethinking the Standard: One Spine Surgeon’s Move Toward Motion Preservation, Kevin Rutz, MD

    Rethinking the Standard: One Spine Surgeon’s Move Toward Motion Preservation, Kevin Rutz, MD
    Jun 18 2025

    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/

    You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod

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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?id=61558880652712

    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.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • The Art Behind the Science of Surgery: Creativity, Clinical Research & Spine Outcomes, Pierce Nunley, MD

    The Art Behind the Science of Surgery: Creativity, Clinical Research & Spine Outcomes, Pierce Nunley, MD
    May 15 2025
    In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf head to Shreveport, Louisiana to sit down—scrubbed in and ready—with one of the true leaders in modern spine care, Dr. Pierce Nunley. Founder of the Spine Institute of Louisiana, Dr. Nunley brings decades of surgical experience, a passion for research, and a hands-on approach to patient care that’s shaping the future of the field. In this episode, we step inside the operating room to talk about what it means to build a comprehensive, research-driven, spine practice. From his early days fixing motorcycles on a farm to leading national clinical trials, Dr. Nunley shares the mentors and experiences that shaped his commitment to patient-first care, education, and innovation. Dr. Nunley goes on to discuss the creation of the Spine Center of Excellence, a dedicated spine-only ambulatory surgery center focused on safety, efficiency, and patient care. He shares insight into his leadership of multiple clinical trials, including recent studies on MOTUS, a lumbar total joint replacement under IDE investigation, and PerQdisc, a nucleus replacement - with both implants focused on the primary goal of restoring function to spine patients while preserving motion. Throughout the episode, Dr. Nunley emphasizes the importance of real-world data, the responsibility of training future surgeons, and the value of applying experience with humility when evaluating new technologies. His leadership in research, education, and clinical care continues to influence the direction of spine surgery across the country and provides new and improved treatments for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the Spine Center of Excellence was built as a spine-exclusive ambulatory surgery center—and what that means for patient outcomes.How Dr. Nunley is helping shape the future of spine surgery through clinical research and motion-preserving innovation.Why PerQdisc (a spine disc nucleus replacement), Synergy & Baguera (cervical disc replacements), and non-instrumented implants are generating excitement and what makes them different from currently available technologies.The early promise and current progress of MOTUS, the first lumbar total joint replacement under US clinical trials.How integrity, data collection, and a lifelong curiosity drive better care—and why first surgeries matter most for long-term outcomes. As a surgeon, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Nunley has built a model for what it means to advance spine care thoughtfully. From running a world-class clinical practice to engaging in nearly 40 clinical research studies as a principal investigator, his voice is a trusted one across the industry. This episode of The Spine Pod is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of spine surgery. Learn more about Dr. Pierce: Spine Institute of Louisiana: https://louisianaspine.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercenunley/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22EiHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true 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?id=61558880652712 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.
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    1 h y 24 m
  • Restoring Motion in Spine: Disc Replacement & the Future of Treating Back Pain, Jason Cuéllar, MD

    Restoring Motion in Spine: Disc Replacement & the Future of Treating Back Pain, Jason Cuéllar, MD
    May 1 2025

    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==

    You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8vODr8pDabWImOrHv3ZQ • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV... • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f... • iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th...

    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.
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    1 h y 38 m
  • From Early Trials to Today’s Tech: Motion Preservation, Robotics & Spine Care, Jonathan Stieber, MD

    From Early Trials to Today’s Tech: Motion Preservation, Robotics & Spine Care, Jonathan Stieber, MD
    Apr 8 2025
    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jonathan Stieber, Director of the Spine Center at both OrthoManhattan and OrthoEnglewood, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai and Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Practicing in the heart of New York City for more than 17 years, Dr. Stieber brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective on how spine care has evolved—and where it’s headed. Having trained during the early surge of motion preservation, Dr. Stieber shares his firsthand experience participating in some of the first clinical trials for lumbar disc replacement and, almost two decades later, clinical trials for the first lumbar total joint replacement. From the early days of the Flexicore disc to being one of the first to utilize annular closure devices, Dr. Stieber has evolved alongside the technologies that have become a mainstay in spine care today. His early exposure to the promise and limitations of these technologies helped shape a surgical philosophy rooted in function, durability, and thoughtful patient selection. And as a spine patient himself, Dr. Stieber opens up about what really matters when making treatment decisions—restoring function, durability, and giving patients treatments tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Stieber also explores how enabling technologies like navigation, robotics, and advanced imaging are redefining precision in the OR and expanding access to motion-preserving procedures. Beyond the operating room, he discusses his latest endeavor: launching a purpose-built outpatient spine and joint surgery center just outside Manhattan, designed to deliver a more streamlined and personalized care experience for patients. In this episode you’ll learn: How motion preservation has evolved from early hype to real-world results—and why it’s here to stay this time.The importance of tailoring procedures to each patient—and how pre-operative goal setting can help patients make more informed long-term decisions.How enabling technologies like robotics, navigation, minimally-invasive approaches are coalescing to provide a higher-level of treatment options to patients suffering from chronic leg and/or back pain.Where non-instrumented motion preserving alternatives fit into the care continuum and how they may provide an alternative to patients who are facing a cervical or lumbar spinal fusion.How Dr. Stieber is creating a new approach to surgical care—giving patients expanded treatment options, across the entire orthopedic spectrum, under one roof. Whether it’s cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive procedures, or lumbar total joint replacement, Dr. Stieber brings a deep understanding of the full motion preservation toolbox—and when to use each option. With a strong focus on individualized care, innovation, and surgical excellence, Dr. Stieber offers invaluable insight for surgeons, industry professionals, and patients alike. Learn more about Dr. Stieber: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-stieber-m-d-aa09494/Jonathan Stieber: https://www.stiebermd.com/OrthoManhattan: https://www.orthomanhattan.com/OrthoEnglewood: https://www.orthoenglewood.com/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: / @thespinepodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f...iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... 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.
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    1 h y 11 m
  • Do You Really Need A Fusion? The Truth About Back Pain And Your MRI Results, Ahilan Sivaganesan, MD

    Do You Really Need A Fusion? The Truth About Back Pain And Your MRI Results, Ahilan Sivaganesan, MD
    Mar 26 2025
    Struggling with leg and/or back pain and overwhelmed by confusing MRI results? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you. In this special episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf rejoin forces with Dr. Ahilan Sivaganesan (Dr. Siva), a neurosurgeon building an all-encompassing spine program with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) at NCH in Naples, Florida. After creating a successful practice at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Dr. Siva has taken a bold step into a new frontier—starting from scratch and building a spine program designed to treat the breadth of back and leg pain patients that all too often ‘fall through the cracks.’ His goal is to design a new-style spine practice, utilizing the whole spectrum of the care continuum—from conservative care options to surgical treatment methods, specifically aimed at addressing patients' needs earlier, more thoughtfully, and with more innovative options. Dr. Siva offers an honest take on the realities of spine care today—especially for the millions of patients suffering from chronic low back pain who often fall into the category of "non-specific back pain." In this episode, he shares why it’s time for spine surgeons to reframe their role—not just as proceduralists, but as clinicians. In the second half of this episode, Dr. Siva breaks down the difference between imaging findings and a true diagnosis. He outlines how to navigate complex radiology reports and explores how endoscopic techniques and motion-preserving implants can offer outpatient alternatives to the traditional spinal fusion. He also walks us through real patient images, demystifying common findings like facet degeneration, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis, and how a thoughtful, diagnosis-first approach can radically improve care. In this episode, you’ll learn: Imaging ≠ Diagnosis MRI results like “annular tear”, “facet arthritis”, and “stenosis” are just part of the story—and why diagnosis should start with your symptoms and physical exam, not your scan.Why So Many Patients Get Lost in the Care Cycle Many people with chronic back and/or leg pain get stuck in a frustrating loop: bouncing between PT, injections, or fusion recommendations—without fully understanding what’s causing the pain.How Comprehensive Spine Care Can Redefine the Surgeon’s Role Dr. Siva shares how he's reshaped his own mindset: from "what surgery can I offer?" to "what’s the root cause of this person’s pain?"—and how this shift is foundational to future spine care.The Emergence of Endoscopic Spine Surgery as a First-Line Surgical Intervention For well-selected patients with discogenic or facetogenic back pain, endoscopy offers an outpatient, motion-preserving early-stage alternative—without the drawbacks of traditional fusion.The Importance of Building Comprehensive, Fusion-Free Spine Practices Dr. Siva and his team are using this fresh start to create a more thoughtful, tech-forward, and patient-centered model for spine care—one that listens to patient goals and preserves motion whenever possible.Where You Fit in the Continuum of Care Whether you're at the beginning of your back pain journey or feeling stuck after years of dead-ends, Dr. Siva outlines a more personalized, stepwise approach—one that gives patients options before jumping to fusion. With a passion for patient-centered decision-making, innovation in technique, and humility in practice, Dr. Siva is helping lead a quiet revolution in how back pain is evaluated and treated—and invites us all to be a part of that evolution. Whether you're a surgeon, patient, or industry professional, this episode offers new insight into how we understand—and treat—the most common cause of disability in the world: chronic back pain. Learn more about Dr. Siva and HSS at NCH: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahilansiva/ Dr. Siva at HSS at NCH: https://www.hss.edu/physicians_sivaganesan-ahilan.aspIf you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Siva you can call or email his practice at: 239-624-1700 or ahilan.siva@nchmd.org 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.
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    1 h y 35 m
  • Founder Series Pt 2: A 20-Year Journey to Make Motion Preservation the New Standard in Spine, Scott Hodges, DO

    Founder Series Pt 2: A 20-Year Journey to Make Motion Preservation the New Standard in Spine, Scott Hodges, DO
    Feb 14 2025
    Ep 17 Founder Series Pt 2: A 20-Year Journey to Make Motion Preservation the New Standard in Spine, Scott Hodges, DO In Part 2 of our Founder Series, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with fellowship-trained, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Scott Hodges. Well known by several titles, including Medical Director at 3Spine, co-inventor of MOTUS, and leading advocate for motion preservation in spine surgery, Dr. Hodges shares his behind-the-scenes journey to bringing motion preservation to the forefront of spine care. His enthralling story includes the more than 20-year process of bringing a novel spine implant to market- from initial sketch drawings and early prototypes to clinical trials in South Africa and the U.S. Dr. Hodges’ journey began at Southern Adventist University in his current hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, followed by medical school at Kansas City University, residency at Ohio University, and his fellowship in spine surgery at Loyola University Chicago School of Medicine. He went on to build a thriving surgical practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it was here that the idea to improve upon the current standard of care for spine patients was formed and flourished. Dissatisfied with the available technologies and long-term patient outcomes in spine, Dr. Hodges dedicated his career to creating a solution. With an aim for creating a better treatment for spine surgery patients, Dr. Hodges partnered with Dr. Craig Humphreys to co-develop MOTUS, the first total joint replacement for the lumbar spine. Their goal was to create an implant that restored function in the lumbar spine and the entire kinetic chain, without sacrificing the body's natural motion. With this new endeavor, Dr. Hodges shifted his focus entirely to bringing these solutions to patients, navigating the complex world of medical device development, and leading surgeon education for this novel approach to spine care. In this episode, you’ll learn: The road to innovation: What it takes to develop, refine, and clinically validate a motion-preserving device.What’s next for spine surgery: How motion preservation, total joint replacement, facet replacements, and endoscopic techniques are shaping the future of spine care for patients struggling with chronic leg and/or back pain.The origins of MOTUS: How a simple concept became the first lumbar total joint replacement.Patient demand as a driver of care: How patient demand is driving new technologies to the forefront of surgical care.The importance of the kinetic chain: Why motion in all areas of the body is important and how the different joints in the body - knees, hips, ankles, and spine - work together to allow the body to properly function.Why training & education matter: How surgeon training and patient education play a pivotal role in the adoption and access of new technologies for spine care. This episode, recorded between the 3Spine headquarters in Chattanooga, TN and the world-renowned MERI Lab in Memphis, takes you inside the decades-long journey of bringing a new spine device to market, from the first clinical cases in South Africa to FDA trials in the U.S. As a pioneer, innovator, teacher, and leader, Dr. Hodges shares his compelling story of how data, surgeon training, and patient demand for motion preserving devices are driving the future of spine surgery. This episode is a must-watch for spine surgeons, medical innovators, and anyone interested in the future of spine surgery and the journey of bringing a new device to the market. Missed Part 1? Watch our interview with Dr. Craig Humphreys for the full Founder Series! Note: The MOTUS device is currently in the data collection phase of a US IDE FDA Trial and is not available for commercial use at the time of recording. To keep up with the progress of the trial, you can visit www.3Spine.com. Learn more about Dr. Hodges: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hodges-b7b036122/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: / @thespinepod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f... iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... 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.
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    1 h y 41 m
  • Founder Series Pt 1: A Lifetime of Spine Surgery, Motion Advocacy & Giving Back, Craig Humphreys, MD

    Founder Series Pt 1: A Lifetime of Spine Surgery, Motion Advocacy & Giving Back, Craig Humphreys, MD
    Feb 13 2025
    Ep 16 Founder Series Pt 1: A Lifetime of Spine Surgery, Motion Advocacy & Giving Back, Craig Humphreys, MD In this first episode of our two-part Founder Series, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Craig Humphreys, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, innovator, and pioneer in spine surgery, to discuss the evolution of motion preservation and the rewarding journey behind MOTUS—the first lumbar total joint replacement for the low back. From his early career in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to building a transformative spine practice in Soldotna, Alaska, Dr. Humphreys shares the journey of how he co-developed MOTUS (formerly the Kenai Device) with Dr. Scott Hodges. Their story began as a mission to offer patients a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion and culminated in the creation of a novel device aimed at restoring natural balance, maintaining motion, and preserving adjacent spinal levels. For this episode, we had the opportunity to travel to Soldotna, Alaska and sit down with Dr. Humphreys in his home, situated on the Kenai River—the very place that inspired the original Kenai implant (now known as MOTUS). During our visit, Dr. Humphreys shares how a 3 a.m. epiphany and a hand-drawn sketch led to a breakthrough medical device, his struggles and triumphs in navigating the medical device industry, and why he believes motion preservation is the future of spine surgery. Although Dr. Humphreys is native to Alaska, he started his medical education journey in the Midwest - graduating from the University of Notre Dame, receiving his medical degree at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and completing his spine fellowship at The Medical College of Wisconsin. With over 25 years of experience, he has treated thousands of patients, contributed to major clinical advancements, and played a pivotal role in bringing motion preservation to the forefront of spine surgery. He has been instrumental in shaping the future of motion-preserving spine surgery, advocating for better long-term patient outcomes, and partaking in groundbreaking clinical trials. In this episode, you’ll learn: The reality of developing a medical device: Why bringing new technology to market takes decades.The evolution of spine care: Why the shift to motion preservation matters and is gaining momentum.The origins of MOTUS - the first lumbar total joint replacement: How a simple idea turned into a breakthrough device.The fight to change the standard of care: Why motion preservation is facing the same uphill battle as total hip and knee replacements once did.The availability of new technology: How new advancements are providing alternatives to spinal fusion for patients struggling with leg and/or back pain.A lifetime of impact: His philanthropic work through the Carolyn Jane Foundation, bringing critical pediatric spine care to Africa. Beyond his contributions to spine care in Alaska, Dr. Humphreys and his wife, Julie Humphreys, RN, are deeply committed to philanthropy and global healthcare access. Through the Carolyn Jane Foundation, they provide life-changing scoliosis surgeries to children in underserved regions of Africa, ensuring that spine care is accessible to those who need it most. Their work has helped countless families, and their commitment to service is just as impactful as their innovations in spine surgery. This episode is Part 1 of a 2-Part Founder Series. Check out Part 2 with Dr. Scott Hodges, where we go even deeper into the promise of motion preservation and patient outcomes! https://youtu.be/F8mdFKVf_2I Note: The MOTUS device is currently in the data collection phase of a US IDE FDA Trial and is not available for commercial use at the time of recording. To keep up with the progress of the trial, you can visit www.3Spine.com. Learn more about Dr. Humphreys and The Carolyn Jane Foundation: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-humphreys-md-87a8b234/ Dr. Humphreys Practice: https://spine.cpgh.org/Carolyn Jane Foundation: https://carolynjane.org/Cure Kenya Website: https://kenya.cure.org/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: / @thespinepod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f... iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... 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.
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    1 h y 25 m
  • From Ideas to Action: How Spine Surgery is Evolving for Better Patient Outcomes, Lali Sekhon, MD

    From Ideas to Action: How Spine Surgery is Evolving for Better Patient Outcomes, Lali Sekhon, MD
    Jan 15 2025
    Ep. 15 From Ideas to Action: How Spine Surgery is Evolving for Better Patient Outcomes, Lali Sekhon, MD Welcome to Season 2 of the Spine Pod! In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Lali Sekhon, a neurosurgeon dedicated to improving patient outcomes through patient-centric treatment options. Operating out of Reno, NV at the Reno Orthopedic Center, Dr. Sekhon is driving the future of spine care forward by utilizing the most cutting-edge technologies and surgical approaches. Aside from his commitment to surgical solutions, Dr. Sekhon founded the non-profit ThinkFirst of Northern Nevada, aimed at educating communities and organizations on promoting preventative safety and the impact of traumatic brain injury. Dr. Sekhon also proves his commitment to improving patient outcomes through research and clinical trials, including numerous publications surrounding early-stage motion-preserving technologies, which have helped the spine industry better understand cervical implant orientation, placement, and the importance of patient specificity. In this episode, Dr. Sekhon delves into the complex world of spine care and opens up about the challenges surgeons face when balancing long-term patient outcomes with the demands of modern healthcare systems. Dr. Sekhon also explores one of the largest problems facing postoperative spine patients - adjacent segment disease - and how SpinePoint, his stiffness-reduced implant company, is working on solving that problem. He goes on to discuss the evolution of spine surgery techniques, exploring how tools like navigation and robotics are redefining precision and patient safety in the operating room. With a career that spans from groundbreaking motion preservation work to innovations in implant design and multi-speciality care models, Dr. Sekhon provides deep expertise and novel insights on the most pressing issues currently facing spine care. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why surgery centers are gaining popularity for specific patients and fueling the push for more outpatient surgery options.The different biomechanics and genetic components driving adjacent segment disease and how we can begin to go about protecting adjacent levels after spine surgery.Why stiffness in the spine matters and what Dr. Sekhon is doing to solve that problem with innovative implant options. How integrated, multi-disciplinary care teams can provide a more comprehensive approach to treating back and/or leg pain for spine patients.The importance of enabling technologies and how they are coalescing to provide new alternatives to patients. As a surgeon known by many titles - innovator, hockey fan, father, husband, and leader across the spine industry, Dr. Sekhon is paving the way for the next generation of spine surgeons, focused on providing the novel technologies and treatment options for all patients he treats. As a prominent advocate and educator across the community, Dr. Sekhon provides a breadth of knowledge for surgeons, patients, and industry personnel in this enlightening episode of The Spine Pod. Learn more about Dr. Lali and ROC: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalisekhon/ Dr. Lali's Website: https://lalisekhonmd.com/ ROC: https://www.renoortho.com/ ThinkFirst of Northern Nevada: https://www.thinkfirstnevada.org/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f... iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... 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?...
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