Cone-beam CT enhances spinal navigation

S. Raymond Golish, MD, PhD; Paul A. Anderson, MD

Intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy has evolved to allow rapid production of axial images by computed tomography (CT). Traditional C-arm units rotate in a cam shape that does not create a fixed center; with isocentric C-arm technology, the X-ray emitter rotates about a fixed center on the patient, who is positioned on a radiolucent table. As the C-arm rotates, it takes conventional images from a typical cone-shaped X-ray beam, which can be used to reconstruct CT images in any plane.

Making the case for Level I evidence

Annie C. Hayashi

Case series no longer sufficient to push field forward Although the quality of orthopaedic clinical research continues to improve, most studies still lack the appropriate level of evidence needed to address the growing musculoskeletal burden in the United States. More than 35 million Americans report some type of musculoskeletal disorder, reported Theodore Miclau, MD at the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) sponsored Clinical Research Forum.

Spinal synergy

Sally T. Halderman

Searching for new ways to treat IDD Joon Yung Lee, MD; Nam Vo, PhD; and James D. Kang, MD, know they’ve fielded a real “dream team” at the University of Pittsburgh’s Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research. Drs. Kang and Lee are spine surgeons at Ferguson, and Dr. Vo is working with them to research disk degeneration and the treatment of related health issues.

USBJD becomes USBJI

Toby King

Nine years ago, the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD) brought the musculoskeletal community together in a unified effort to raise awareness of the burden of musculoskeletal disease. Much has been accomplished, but as the decade draws to a close, it is clear that much remains to be done. So, the USBJD will continue beyond 2011, under a new name—the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI). The global Bone and Joint Decade also has received a mandate to continue this important work, worldwide.