Contemporary Spine Surgery Series: Nuclear Replacement Technology - Coming Soon? Hype or Help?

Scott H. Kitchel, MD presents a comprehensive update on the development of nucleus replacement technologies and their possible clinical impact.

Scott H. Kitchel, MD looks back at early use of lumbar nuclear replacement devices, examines how this experience compares to what is now known and leads to improved patient selection. While these devices are currently not available, he demonstrates how this technology may have great potential to patients to seek alternative care.

Release Date: July 22, 2009
Expiration Date: July 22, 2010

Faculty

  • Scott H. Kitchel, MD About

    Orthopedic Surgeon

    Orthopedic Spine Associates
    Eugene, OR

    Doctor Scott H. Kitchel is an orthopedic physician and surgeon specializing in the spine.   Dr. Kitchel received his medical degree from the University of Oregon Medical School in Portland, OR, completed his surgical internship at Bexar County Hospital in San Antonio, TX, and his orthopedic residency at the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio. His fellowship training in spine surgery was completed at the University of Miami School of Medicine.    Read More

Target Audience

The online continuing education program is intended for orthopaedic and neurological surgeons, residents, and fellows who include spinal surgery in their practices.

Educational Objectives

  • Demonstrate potential for growth in nuclear replacement technology is projected to be high as lumar discectomy and degenerative disc patients seek treatment alternatives
  • Describe criteria for optimal patient selection
  • Discuss the availability of nucleus pulposus devices

Course Completion Time

Based upon trials, the estimated time to complete this program is 0.5 hour.

Sponsorship

This activity is sponsored by Medical Education Resources, Inc., a non-profit medical education company. BroadWater, a Vertical Health, LLC company, was selected to manage program development logistics.

Educational Grant

This activity received a restricted educational grant from K2M, Inc.

Physician Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Medical Education Resources and BroadWater. Medical Education Resources is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Medical Education Resources designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure Policy

It is the policy of Medical Education Resources (MER) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational activities. All faculty/ authors participating in our programs are expected to disclose any relationships they may have with commercial companies whose products or services may be mentioned so that participants may evaluate the objectivity of the presentations.

Faculty Disclosure

In accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ACCME guidelines, the financial and significant relationships to this program are listed below.

Scott H. Kitchel, MD has indicated the following relevant financial relationships: SpineWave: Consultant, Stock/Shareholder

Staff Disclosure

Jeremy Longhurst, Susan Spinasanta: Nothing to disclose.

The staff at MER has nothing to disclose.

Advisor/Staff Disclosures
Jason M. Highsmith, MD: Speakers Bureau: Boston Scientific, Globus Medical

Disclaimer

The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect those of Medical Education Resources.

A restricted educational grant in support of this program was provided by: K2M, Inc.

Purpose
This program is for educational and scientific purposes only. Any discussion
of a product will be objective, balanced, and scientifically rigorous.

Off-Label/Investigational Use

It should be noted that specific medicines and medical devices discussed or referred to in this program may not yet be specifically cleared by the FDA for use in the United States. It is emphasized that package inserts must be referred to for labeling limitations for products used in the United States.

Software Requirements