J. Patrick Johnson, MD, recently appeared on ABC News 7, Los Angeles, speaking about a new ALS treatment developed at Cedars-Sinai and published in the journal Nature Medicine. The groundbreaking treatment could potentially protect diseased motor neurons in the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“We’re excited that we proved the safety of this approach, but we need more patients to really evaluate the efficacy, which is part of the next phase of the study,” said Johnson, who is also the vice chair of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai. “Proving that we have cells that can survive a long time and are safe in the patient is a key part in moving forward with this experimental treatment.” ―J. Patrick Johnson, MD

J. Patrick Johnson, MD, hosted Dr. Luiz Pimenta, a longtime friend and colleague, during his recent visit to Los Angeles. Dr. Pimenta is an innovator in developing lateral access spine surgery called XLIF (Nuvasive INC) and DLIF (Medtronic Inc) procedures, among others.

Dr. Pimenta’s visit focused on a relatively new concept of single position (simultaneous 2-stage procedure) with a lateral spinal fusion surgery done in a prone (face down) position through a small incision and the posterior instrumentation procedure with screws placed and +/- decompression. In the past, spinal fusions were done primarily through open surgical methods via anterior or posterior approaches. More recently, methods have been developed that approach the lumbar spine laterally. (See: Simultaneous Lateral Interbody Fusion and Posterior Percutaneous Instrumentation: Early Experience and Technical Considerations, a clinical study authored by Dr. Johnson, along with Doniel Drazin, MD, and Terrence T. Kim, MD.)

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J. Patrick Johnson, MD is a renowned neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders and has served as the Director of the Institute for Spinal Disorders at Cedars Sinai Medical Center since 2001 and previously as the Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center from 1993-2001. He now serves as the Director of Education and Co-Director of the Spine Stem Cell Research Program at Cedars Sinai. He also serves as a Director for the California Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Luiz Pimenta, MD, is an associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, former president of the World Spinal Column Society (WScS), and member of the board of directors of The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISSAS). He is also a member of Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), North American Spine Society (NASS), American Association of Neurosurgeons (AANS), Society of Lateral Access Surgery (SOLAS), Brazilian Spine Society (SBC) and Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery (SBN).

J. Patrick Johnson, M.D., will be Course Co-Chair at the 7th Annual SSF Robotics Course being held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., at the Seattle Science Foundation in Seattle, WA.

From the Seattle Science Foundation:

The 7th Annual SSF Robotics Course aka “Everything Cool in Spine”, focuses on provocative topics and in-depth debates regarding spinal navigation and robotics application in spine surgery with nationally recognized speakers. The design is to gain knowledge and experience of the new modalities in spine surgery, addressing both the guidelines and controversies in the field.

This hybrid course will offer the opportunity for learners to attend virtually as well as in-person. The first half of the day is CME accredited.

Click here to view the course agenda.

Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of the role of emerging technologies in improving the care of neurosurgical and orthopedic patients with spinal disorders
• Identify the indications to use and the expected outcomes of utilizing navigation and emerging technologies in the treatment of spinal disorders
• Develop a strategy to implement new technologies providing beneficial spinal care for patients with spinal disorders

J. Patrick Johnson, M.D., will be a featured participant at the upcoming Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, held on October 8th through the 12th in San Francisco. On Monday, October 10th, Dr. Johnson will be among the faculty speaking at the CNS Dinner Symposia 2: “Enabling Technologies in Spine Surgery: Fad or Future?”

The dinner will be held at the popular Prospect restaurant and promises to be an eventful evening for those interested in spine surgery. Attendees can expect to hear detailed discussions on how new technologies like expandable cages, awake surgeries, and navigation systems are changing spine surgery.

Dr. Johnson will also be a moderator at Wednesday’s Sunrise Science Abstract Spine and Peripheral Nerve session.

Learn More and Register »

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been ranked one of America’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Cedar-Sinai is ranked No. 2 in the nation on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll and regionally ranked as the No. 1 hospital in California and No. 1 in the Los Angeles metro area.

The hospital was recognized for 11 adult specialties, including a High-Performance rating in back surgery compared with over 6,000 hospitals in the country.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings are based on numerous factors, including survival rates, patient safety, reputation among medical specialists, and more.

J. Patrick Johnson, MD is a renowned neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders and has served as the Director of the Institute for Spinal Disorders at Cedars Sinai Medical Center since 2001 and previously as the Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center from 1993-2001.

Chiari malformation and syringomyelia are related disorders that occur when the cerebellum, part of the brain, extends down too far into the spinal canal. This can cause problems with balance, movement, and thinking. Chiari malformation and syringomyelia can also cause tethered spinal cord, a condition in which the spinal cord is attached to tissues in the lower back. This can restrict movement and lead to other problems. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks may also occur with these disorders. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. A CSF leak occurs when this fluid leaks out of the spinal canal. This can cause headaches, neck pain, and other problems.

The best way to treat these disorders is with surgery. Surgery can often improve symptoms and help prevent further problems. In some cases, a shunt may be needed to drain excess CSF. A shunt is a small tube that is placed under the skin. It drains excess CSF into another part of the body where it can be absorbed. If you have any of these disorders, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in treating them. Treatment often requires a team of specialists. This may include a neurosurgeon, neurologist, and other healthcare providers. With proper treatment, many people with these disorders can lead normal, healthy lives.

If you think you or your child may have any of these disorders, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for the best possible outcome.

These disorders can be complex, and it is important to have a doctor who is familiar with them. J. Patrick Johnson, MD is a renowned neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders and has served as the Director of the Institute for Spinal Disorders at Cedars Sinai Medical Center since 2001 and previously as the Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center from 1993-2001.

Dr. Johnson has written extensively on these conditions, with articles appearing in Neurosurgical Focus, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, the official journal of the AANS.

 A Clinical Case Example

A 22 year old female presented with headaches and gait imbalance from a Chiari malformation and a large syrinx (cyst) cavity in the spinal cord. This was treated surgically by Dr. Johnson to enlarge the foramen magnum (i.e., opening for the spinal cord at the base of the skull) and create room for the spinal cord and allows the syrinx slowly drain over several months. Essentially all the preoperative symptoms have resolved after 6 months.

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This article is offered as informational only and not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.