Links to information about spine surgery:

In the News :

FDA orthopedic panel: PMA application for spine stabilization system ‘not approvable’ Panelists reviewed data for Zimmer’s Dynesys device, which has already been used in 40,000 cases worldwide. November 4, 2009

Artificial Cervical Disc Surgery Cheaper Than Fusion

CMS: Lumbar Disc Replacement Is Not Reasonable and Necessary For Populations Older Than 60 Years , May 29, 2007

New York Times Examines Johnson & Johnson's Efforts To Obtain Medicare Coverage for Implantable Spinal Disk, Mar 20, 2006

CMS Proposes To Deny Medicare Coverage for Johnson & Johnson Artificial Spinal Disk, Feb 17, 2006

Outcome of Lumbar Arthrodesis in Patients Sixty-five Years of Age or Older

Spine Societies:
North American Spine Society (NASS)
Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
American Association of Neurosurgeons (AANS)

Other useful links:
NeckPainExplained.com
mSpine.com
Spinal braces
Books about Scoliosis
The Scoliosis Association
National Scoliosis Foundation
Scoliosis and Me - a personal webpage
NSF Forum (on-line chat room)
WebMD Chat "Cage Implants for Degenerative Disc Disease"
WebMD Chat "Treatment for Spinal Conditions"
WebMD Chat "Spine Surgery"

California now offers a federally funded health coverage program called PCIP for medically uninsurable individuals who live in California. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) www.pcip.ca.gov is a program that offers health coverage as a result of the federal health care reform. Please contact PCIP directly for eligibility requirements and application. Dr. Pashman accepts PCIP insurance.