Everything Cool in Spine Surgery

Please join us for the 8th Annual SSF Robotics Course, “Everything Cool in Spine Surgery,” scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Seattle Science Foundation in Seattle, WA. This event promises to be an enlightening experience for professionals in the fields of neurological and orthopaedic surgery, with nationally recognized speakers focusing on provocative topics and in-depth debates regarding spinal navigation and robotics application in spine surgery.

Dr. J. Patrick Johnson and SIF members Terrence Kim, MD, and Doniel Drazin, MD will be chairing the event.

Course Highlights

• Innovative Topics: Dive into the expanding frontiers of technology-assisted surgery, the role of artificial intelligence in pre-operative planning, and much more.
• Hands-on Demos: Gain practical experience with demonstrations including navigated lumbo-pelvic fixation and robotic-assisted surgeries.
• Engaging Discussions: Participate in debates about the latest trends in spinal navigation, robotics, imaging, and MIS techniques.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and leaders in the field.

Details

• Date & Time: Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA.
• Target Audience: This course is designed for professionals in neurological and orthopaedic surgery.
• Hybrid Format: Attend in-person or virtually. The first half of the day is CME accredited.

Registration

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in spine surgery. Click here to view the full course agenda and to register.

Dr. Johnson was recently a guest of Professor Alan Crockard and Professor Adrian Casey of the National College of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen’s Square in London, England.

Dr. Johnson had studied under Professor Crockard, who was Chief of Neurosurgery in the 1990s in London at Queen’s Square and also studied at the National Pediatric Hospital at Great Ormond Street in London.

Dr. Adrian Casey is now the Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery at Queen’s Square and a longtime professional colleague of Dr. Johnson, having been on teaching and research programs focused on artificial disc technology and caring for patients around the globe.

Dr. Vaccaro was recently a Visiting Professor with us at Cedars Sinai and lectured at the Spine Center Grand Rounds on the current treatment of spinal trauma, of which he is a renowned authority. He and Dr. Johnson have been close professional colleagues over their entire careers.

Dr. Vaccaro has been the President of Rothman Orthopedic Institute since 2014 and Professor of Orthopedics at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. His spinal care leadership and clinical research excellence earned him the Leon Wiltse award from the North American Spine Society (NASS) and past presidencies at prominent spinal and orthopaedic associations. Currently, he sits on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) board. Dr. Vaccaro also co-directs the Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of the Delaware Valley.

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. J. Patrick Johnson, alongside orthopaedic oncology expert Dr. Earl Brien, is conducting a computer-guided resection of an abnormal lesion located in the coccyx region, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This procedure showcases the integration of advanced technology in modern surgical practices to enhance precision and patient outcomes.

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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

The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

A recent study published in the journal Neurology reveals concerning findings about the long-term effects of concussions, even when suffered only once, on cognitive health in individuals. The results indicate that concussions may be linked to increased cognitive decline later in life, regardless of whether the individual seemed to have fully recovered from the injury.

Study Overview

The research followed twins who had served during World War II. An important highlight of this study was that many of these twins were identical. The genetic makeup of identical twins is almost the same, allowing for an exceptional opportunity for medical comparison. By studying one twin who had experienced a concussion and comparing their cognitive progression to their twin who hadn’t, scientists could observe the closest possible “what if?” scenario in medicine.

Why This Study is Significant

1. Control for Genetic Variability: Given that identical twins share the same genetic code, the study effectively controls for genetic variations. This means that differences observed between the twins (one with a concussion and the other without) are more likely attributed to the injury itself rather than genetic predispositions or other external factors.
2. A Window into Long-Term Effects: Although concussions and their immediate effects have been extensively researched, there is still a gap in our understanding of their long-term consequences. This study provides essential insights into the potential lasting effects of concussions on cognitive health, which may manifest years or even decades after the injury.
3. Implications for Clinical Practice: Understanding the long-term risks associated with concussions can guide clinicians in developing effective treatment and monitoring strategies. Patients who have experienced concussions may benefit from regular cognitive assessments throughout their lives to detect and address potential issues early on.

Key Takeaways

• Even a single concussion can potentially have long-term consequences on an individual’s cognitive health.
• Those who seem to have fully recovered from the immediate symptoms of a concussion are not necessarily free from the long-term risks.
• Further research is essential to determine the exact mechanisms through which concussions impact cognitive health and to develop interventions that may mitigate these risks.

Concussions, though often seen as mild and temporary injuries, might carry with them long-term implications that we are only beginning to understand fully. This research underscores the importance of timely diagnosis, careful monitoring, and ongoing research to further our understanding of concussions and their potential lasting impacts on the brain.

Neurology is the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Associations Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Decline Among Older Veteran Men – A Twin Study

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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. Dr. Johnson is a well-known concussion and sports medicine expert and a sideline concussion doctor with the NFL.

The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

DISC Sports & Spine Center (“DISC”) has welcomed Dr. J. Patrick Johnson to its roster of world-renowned spine surgeons. Dr. Johnson, who joins as partner, is a globally recognized neurosurgeon and instructor who is renowned for his trailblazing work in minimally invasive spine surgery.

“Pat’s reputation as both a leader and visionary in spine is truly unsurpassed, and his incredible depth of clinical experience will help DISC create the preeminent spine program in Los Angeles,” said Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr., DISC’s founding director. “I look forward to working alongside him again as we usher in DISC’s return to the Los Angeles market with a showcase center that will set a gold standard in outpatient care.”

Dr Johnson will maintain his practice and continue as a Director of the Cedars Sinai Spine Center at Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he has served since 2001. During Dr. Johnson’s more than two decades at Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest not-for-profit hospitals in the Western United States, he has trained and mentored some 167 spine surgeons.

“I am very excited to join Rob and DISC’s already stellar team in taking spine care to new heights in Los Angeles,” said Dr. Johnson. “The quality-driven model that DISC has created through its specialized surgery centers is really making a difference in patients’ lives, yielding safer recoveries and better outcomes. DISC has also redefined what’s capable in the outpatient setting, bringing advanced spine care to a more optimized environment.”