Join us on this episode of the Spine Pod with Dr. Avinash Patwardhan as we discuss the fundamental components of spine biomechanics and the driving principles behind why restoring natural motion in the spine is the key to long-term successful outcomes and improved quality of life for patients seeking spine care.

Dr. Avinash Patwardhan is a professor at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and a world-renowned biomechanical engineer and researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of spine surgery. His work on sagittal balance and alignment, motion preservation, spinal kinematics and the follower load model has placed him at the forefront of biomechanics in the spine community for nearly 50 years, with more than 300 publications to date.

Over the last twenty years, Dr. Patwardhan has committed his research to the advancement of motion preservation devices, including cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement and lumbar total joint replacement. His research lab at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital has played a major role in testing the safety and efficacy of many motion-preserving devices used in spine care in the United States today.

Listen as Dr. Patwardhan talks about the evolution of motion-preserving devices in spine surgery, highlighting the importance of understanding the biomechanical principles of the native spine and the impact that fusion can have on adjacent segments. He also discusses his early work with the first ever artificial disc approved in the United States, the Charité disc, and the challenges faced in developing and testing new motion-preserving devices throughout his career. Dr. Patwardhan wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of patient selection and his future vision of utilizing both radiographic and pre- and postoperative clinical data to improve surgical outcomes.

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Join us on The Spine Pod as we delve into a behind-the-scenes look at spine surgery with Dr. Armen Khachatryan, a world-renowned orthopedic spine surgeon known for his expertise in motion preservation and cervical disc replacement procedures. Founder of The Disc Replacement Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Khachatryan is pioneering patient care with advanced surgical techniques in motion surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Khachatryan shares his insights on the concept of promoting functional spine surgery, emphasizing the significance of preserving natural range of motion in the spine. Learn about how his surgical approach challenges traditional spinal fusion and his continual drive toward his ultimate goal of enhancing mobility and quality of life for each of the patients he treats. His discussion ranges from his early days in clinical trials with artificial disc replacements, and his most recent trials including the MOTUS lumbar total joint replacement, which just completed enrollment of its U.S. clinical trials.

Listen as Dr. Khachatryan, alongside our hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf, discusses the shifts that have occurred in spine care towards motion preserving alternatives, the evolution of surgical specialization, and the critical role of patient education in making informed treatment decisions. Tune in to The Spine Pod for this in-depth conversation about the future of spine care and learn why the right surgical approach can transform your health journey.

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Welcome to The Spine Pod, hosted by Courtney Schutze & Brady Riesgraf. Whether you’re a patient seeking alternatives to spinal fusion for leg and back pain, a surgeon eager to learn from top experts, or an industry professional keeping up with the latest innovations, this podcast is for you. Explore the latest in motion preservation technologies and join discussions that challenge the conventional reliance on fusion. Dive deep into the innovations driving a new standard of care in spine and discover how these advancements are transforming spine health for everyone.