The Institute For Spine Surgery https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/ Coming Soon Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:20:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-instituteforspinesurgery.com_-32x32.png The Institute For Spine Surgery https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/ 32 32 The Importance of Step Count in Recovery After Lumbar SpineSurgery https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/the-importance-of-step-count-in-recovery-after-lumbar-spinesurgery/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:20:32 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=453 The post The Importance of Step Count in Recovery After Lumbar SpineSurgery appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

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By John M. Abrahams, M.D.

Recovering from lumbar spine surgery is a delicate process that necessitates a balanced approach to physical activity. One of the key metrics is the number of steps taken per day.

  • Monitoring step count can significantly contribute to a successful rehabilitation by promoting gradual increases in physical activity, which is crucial for restoring strength and function to the spine and surrounding muscles.
  • The average adult takes 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day.
  • We strongly recommend keeping track of your daily step count as you recover and even after you heal.

Post-Operative Goals

Week 1: A simple goal should be 500 to 1,000 steps per day in the first week after surgery. In older patients, this may be slightly lower.

Weeks 2 – 3: Patients should target 1,000 to 3,000 steps per day as their pain begins to subside and they are feeling better. If you are having trouble achieving this goal, please alert our care team.

Weeks 3 – 5: By this point, you should be close to the daily average for an adult or around 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day. Older patients (over 75 years) may be lower and if you have a deficit such as weakness or numbness, this may cause the numbers to be lower.

Benefits

  • Gradual Increase in Activity: Post-surgery recovery programs emphasize the importance of slowly and steadily increasing physical activity. Initially, patients may be limited to walking short distances around the home. As recovery progresses, gradually increasing the number of steps taken each day can help rebuild endurance and muscle strength without overloading the healing spine. It is vital that these increases are discussed and planned with a healthcare provider to tailor activities according to individual recovery rates and surgical outcomes.
  • Promotes Healing and Reduces Complications: Walking is a low-impact activity that enhances blood flow and promotes healing. Increased circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the surgical site, aiding in faster and more effective healing. Furthermore, regular walking helps prevent common post-surgical complications such as blood clots and pulmonary issues. It also helps maintain spinal flexibility and reduces the risk of muscle atrophy.
  • Supports Mental Health: Recovery from lumbar spine surgery can be a challenging time, not just physically but also mentally. Walking increases the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular increments in daily steps can help combat feelings of depression and anxiety that might arise during the recovery period. This psychological benefit is crucial as mental health is deeply intertwined with physical health, especially in prolonged recovery phases.
  • Monitoring and Motivation: Keeping track of daily steps with a pedometer or fitness tracker offers patients a tangible way to measure their progress. This monitoring can serve as a motivational tool, providing patients with immediate feedback and helping them meet their recovery goals. Setting daily or weekly goals and achieving them can significantly enhance a sense of accomplishment and encourage continued effort in the rehabilitation process.
  • Establishes Long-term Health Habits: The habits formed during the recovery process can set the foundation for long-term health and mobility. Regular walking can evolve into a permanent routine, encouraging patients to lead a more active lifestyle even after full recovery. This can have lasting benefits for spinal health and overall well-being, reducing the likelihood of future back problems and improving quality of life.

It is important to note that every patient’s recovery journey is unique. The optimal number of steps will vary depending on individual factors such as the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions. Therefore, it is essential that patients work closely with their healthcare team to set appropriate step goals that align with their specific recovery needs.

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]]> Best practices guidelines in the postoperative management of patients who underwent cervical and lumbar fusions https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/best-practices-guidelines-in-the-postoperative-management-of-patients-who-underwent-cervical-and-lumbar-fusions/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:54:14 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=357 Best practice guidelines for the postoperative management of patients who have undergone cervical and lumbar fusions emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to optimize recovery and outcomes. Key recommendations include effective pain management, early mobilization, and the use of physical therapy to promote healing and restore function. Guidelines also stress the importance of monitoring for complications, such as infection or hardware failure, and providing patient education on activity restrictions and lifestyle modifications. By adhering to these best practices, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction and improve overall surgical results. To read the full article, please click here.

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]]> Best practice guidelines for the postoperative management of patients who have undergone cervical and lumbar fusions emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to optimize recovery and outcomes. Key recommendations include effective pain management, early mobilization, and the use of physical therapy to promote healing and restore function. Guidelines also stress the importance of monitoring for complications, such as infection or hardware failure, and providing patient education on activity restrictions and lifestyle modifications. By adhering to these best practices, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction and improve overall surgical results.

To read the full article, please click here.

The post Best practices guidelines in the postoperative management of patients who underwent cervical and lumbar fusions appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

]]> Cranial neurosurgical robotics https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/cranial-neurosurgical-robotics/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:51:00 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=355 Cranial neurosurgical robotics refers to the integration of robotic systems in cranial surgeries to enhance precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. These advanced technologies assist surgeons in various procedures, such as tumor resections and biopsies, by providing enhanced visualization, stability, and dexterity. Robotics can reduce the invasiveness of surgeries, minimize complications, and improve recovery times. Ongoing research and development in this field continue to expand the capabilities of robotic systems, making them a promising tool for the future of neurosurgery. To read the full article, please click here.

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]]> Cranial neurosurgical robotics refers to the integration of robotic systems in cranial surgeries to enhance precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. These advanced technologies assist surgeons in various procedures, such as tumor resections and biopsies, by providing enhanced visualization, stability, and dexterity. Robotics can reduce the invasiveness of surgeries, minimize complications, and improve recovery times. Ongoing research and development in this field continue to expand the capabilities of robotic systems, making them a promising tool for the future of neurosurgery.

To read the full article, please click here.

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]]> Single Neurosurgeon Experience with the ZimVie LDR-C ROI Implant: A Study of 236 Patients with Predictive Outcome Modeling https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/single-neurosurgeon-experience-with-the-zimvie-ldr-c-roi-implant-a-study-of-236-patients-with-predictive-outcome-modeling/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:48:00 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=351 The study titled “Single Neurosurgeon Experience with the ZimVie LDR-C ROI Implant: A Study of 236 Patients with Predictive Outcome Modeling” investigates the outcomes of 236 patients who underwent spinal surgery using the ZimVie LDR-C ROI implant. Conducted by a single neurosurgeon, the research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the implant, utilizing predictive modeling to identify factors influencing surgical success and patient recovery. The findings highlight the implant’s performance, complications, and potential for improving patient outcomes, offering valuable insights for clinicians in spinal surgery. To read the article, please visit this link.

The post Single Neurosurgeon Experience with the ZimVie LDR-C ROI Implant: A Study of 236 Patients with Predictive Outcome Modeling appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

]]> The study titled “Single Neurosurgeon Experience with the ZimVie LDR-C ROI Implant: A Study of 236 Patients with Predictive Outcome Modeling” investigates the outcomes of 236 patients who underwent spinal surgery using the ZimVie LDR-C ROI implant. Conducted by a single neurosurgeon, the research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the implant, utilizing predictive modeling to identify factors influencing surgical success and patient recovery. The findings highlight the implant’s performance, complications, and potential for improving patient outcomes, offering valuable insights for clinicians in spinal surgery.

To read the article, please visit this link.

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]]> Neurosurgeons Navigate Changing Landscape: Balancing Costs, Reimbursements, and Private Equity https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/neurosurgeons-navigate-changing-landscape-balancing-costs-reimbursements-and-private-equity/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 13:33:00 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=340 [West Harrison, NY] – In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, neurosurgery is undergoing significant transformations. The article titled “The Future of Private Practice Neurosurgery and the Pitfalls of Private Equity,” authored by John M. Abrahams, MD, sheds light on the changing dynamics in the field of neurosurgery. Traditionally, neurosurgery prioritized surgical procedures, resections, and reconstructions. However, the focus has now shifted towards minimally invasive approaches and catheter-based treatments. Alongside this shift, neurosurgeons are grappling with rising malpractice costs, lower reimbursements, and a growing trend towards consolidation among hospital or large-group multispecialty practices. One noteworthy change is the rise of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and the push to make many spine procedures outpatient rather than inpatient. This trend is putting financial pressure on neurosurgeons to consider joining ASCs. Furthermore, private equity, while more common in orthopedics, is now becoming commonplace in neurosurgery, leaving many neurosurgeons uncertain about how such deals could impact their practices. The financial landscape of neurosurgery reflects the challenges faced by practitioners. The costs of maintaining a neurosurgeon in private practice range from $250,000 to $500,000 per year, including staffing, office space, malpractice insurance, technology, and supplies. The pressure to manage increasing expenses while maintaining quality care and […]

The post Neurosurgeons Navigate Changing Landscape: Balancing Costs, Reimbursements, and Private Equity appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

]]> [West Harrison, NY] – In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, neurosurgery is undergoing significant transformations. The article titled “The Future of Private Practice Neurosurgery and the Pitfalls of Private Equity,” authored by John M. Abrahams, MD, sheds light on the changing dynamics in the field of neurosurgery.

Traditionally, neurosurgery prioritized surgical procedures, resections, and reconstructions. However, the focus has now shifted towards minimally invasive approaches and catheter-based treatments. Alongside this shift, neurosurgeons are grappling with rising malpractice costs, lower reimbursements, and a growing trend towards consolidation among hospital or large-group multispecialty practices.

One noteworthy change is the rise of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and the push to make many spine procedures outpatient rather than inpatient. This trend is putting financial pressure on neurosurgeons to consider joining ASCs. Furthermore, private equity, while more common in orthopedics, is now becoming commonplace in neurosurgery, leaving many neurosurgeons uncertain about how such deals could impact their practices.

The financial landscape of neurosurgery reflects the challenges faced by practitioners. The costs of maintaining a neurosurgeon in private practice range from $250,000 to $500,000 per year, including staffing, office space, malpractice insurance, technology, and supplies. The pressure to manage increasing expenses while maintaining quality care and financial stability is evident.

Private practice consolidation is another significant trend. A survey by the American Medical Association (AMA) showed a decline in physician-owned practices, with more neurosurgeons opting for hospital or multispecialty medical practice settings. Consolidation offers salary security and reduces the burden of managing private practice operations.

The article also highlights the impact of the No Surprises Act, which aims to protect consumers from unexpected medical bills. Private equity has played a significant role in the healthcare industry’s consolidation, with large-scale transactions involving billions of dollars.

Neurosurgeons are at a crossroads, balancing the changing dynamics of their profession with the need for financial stability and quality patient care. The article by Dr. John M. Abrahams provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in private practice neurosurgery.

For more information on this topic, please refer to the full article titled “The Future of Private Practice Neurosurgery and the Pitfalls of Private Equity,” published in upcoming issue of The Journal Of Neurosurgery, accessible.

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]]> New York Brain & Spine Surgery Launching The Center for Cognitive Health https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/new-york-brain-spine-surgery-launching-the-center-for-cognitive-health/ Sat, 23 Sep 2023 13:31:00 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=337 New York Brain & Spine Surgery, P.C. announces the launching of the Center for Cognitive Health (CCH). The Center will be located in the same office at 4 Westchester Park Drive, Suite 325 in West Harrison, NY focused on the treatment of those patients with cognitive decline or similar diagnosis. Center for Cognitive Health4 Westchester Park Drive, Suite 325West Harrison, NY 10604(914) 618-4446https://www.cognitive-centers.com/ Dr. Abrahams developed an interest in Cognitive Treatment since as a Neurosurgeon he commonly evaluates concussion patients. Although concussion is on the rise within contact sports, there still remains a question regarding the best treatment options for the condition. In addition, after the Covid Pandemic, patients began complaining of Brain Fog and related cognitive ailments. Over the past year, he researched the area in preparation for the launch of a new and innovative program. This past September, Dr. Mark Herceg, a clinical Neuropsychologist with a background in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), was hired as a Co-Director with Dr. Abrahams. The Center evaluates a number of different patient profiles besides TBI and Concussion. This includes those patients with mild cognitive impairment secondary to brain tumors, stroke, cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s […]

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]]> New York Brain & Spine Surgery, P.C. announces the launching of the Center for Cognitive Health (CCH). The Center will be located in the same office at 4 Westchester Park Drive, Suite 325 in West Harrison, NY focused on the treatment of those patients with cognitive decline or similar diagnosis.

Center for Cognitive Health
4 Westchester Park Drive, Suite 325
West Harrison, NY 10604
(914) 618-4446
https://www.cognitive-centers.com/

Dr. Abrahams developed an interest in Cognitive Treatment since as a Neurosurgeon he commonly evaluates concussion patients. Although concussion is on the rise within contact sports, there still remains a question regarding the best treatment options for the condition. In addition, after the Covid Pandemic, patients began complaining of Brain Fog and related cognitive ailments. Over the past year, he researched the area in preparation for the launch of a new and innovative program.

This past September, Dr. Mark Herceg, a clinical Neuropsychologist with a background in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), was hired as a Co-Director with Dr. Abrahams. The Center evaluates a number of different patient profiles besides TBI and Concussion. This includes those patients with mild cognitive impairment secondary to brain tumors, stroke, cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease to name some of the more common ones.

He also recruited Dr. Timonthy Pulverenti who obtained his doctorate in Neuromodulation and was hired as Director of Research and Data Science. Dr. Pulverenti manages testing modalities, data acquisition, and Neuromodulation research in all new patients evaluated by the Center.

The program offers evaluations from a Neurobehavioral and Neuropsychological perspective. Patients are then entered into a full testing program and depending on their results, can be remediated through a computer therapy program in the office or at home.
This is one of the first programs in the region and we are looking to expand north to Poughkeepsie and east to Stamford, CT. The Center is focused on data and providing the best care models available with a goal of making as much of the care remote to make it easier on patients who may not have transportation to the center.

Please call (914) 618-446 or email [email protected] for questions, appointments or referrals.

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]]> Grand Opening of New York Brain & Spine Surgery https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/grand-opening-of-new-york-brain-spine-surgery/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:29:00 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=334 Dr. Abrahams is proud to announce the opening of New York Brain & Spine Surgery, P.C. (NYBASS) as of May 1, 2023. This is his new Neurosurgical Group where he continues to provide high quality care to patients in the Hudson Valley Region. The practice is driven by clinical outcomes research and data, a cornerstone of developing new surgical treatments for patients who suffer from ailments of the brain and spine. Previously, Dr. Abrahams was President of Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York growing the practice from 6 providers to 26 providers over 7 years. The changing healthcare environment and rising costs made it difficult to support such a large group, and he decided to create his own practice. In conjunction with NYBASS, he will direct the Brain & Spine Research Institute to continue to collect and analyze their outcome data. He recently hired a director of the Institute to manage the data research and develop the overall program to compete with other larger institutions. As the practice develops, it will integrate a 24-hour communication portal into the website for patients to contact their team for any urgent matters. In addition, the website will soon have features allowing easy […]

The post Grand Opening of New York Brain & Spine Surgery appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

]]> Dr. Abrahams is proud to announce the opening of New York Brain & Spine Surgery, P.C. (NYBASS) as of May 1, 2023. This is his new Neurosurgical Group where he continues to provide high quality care to patients in the Hudson Valley Region. The practice is driven by clinical outcomes research and data, a cornerstone of developing new surgical treatments for patients who suffer from ailments of the brain and spine.

Previously, Dr. Abrahams was President of Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York growing the practice from 6 providers to 26 providers over 7 years. The changing healthcare environment and rising costs made it difficult to support such a large group, and he decided to create his own practice.

In conjunction with NYBASS, he will direct the Brain & Spine Research Institute to continue to collect and analyze their outcome data. He recently hired a director of the Institute to manage the data research and develop the overall program to compete with other larger institutions.

As the practice develops, it will integrate a 24-hour communication portal into the website for patients to contact their team for any urgent matters. In addition, the website will soon have features allowing easy access to the patient’s chart for your medical information.

Dr. Abrahams brings over 20 years of experience taking care of complex problems in patients who fail conservative treatment. The practice focused on the disorders of the brain and spine, and has developed specialty programs in the Cervical Center, Lumbar Center, and the Center for Cognitive Health. Patients can reach the new office using the same phone number, (914) 948-3008, or email at [email protected] for further information. The practice will remain at the current location, 4 Westchester Park Drive, Fourth Floor, West Harrison, NY.

The post Grand Opening of New York Brain & Spine Surgery appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

]]> EndoMedix Triumphs at Prestigious Ignite Healthcare Network Fire Pitch Competition https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/endomedix-triumphs-at-prestigious-ignite-healthcare-network-fire-pitch-competition/ Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:35:00 +0000 https://instituteforspinesurgery.com/?p=343 Houston, Texas – November 10, 2021 – EndoMedix, an innovative technology platform developing engineered biosurgery devices, proudly represented their groundbreaking work in the medical field at the Ignite Healthcare Network’s annual Fire Pitch Competition. Co-founder and Vice President of Research and Development, Piyush Modak, showcased its flagship product PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat for brain and spinal surgery. The Ignite Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization, supports female entrepreneurs in the health tech industry and held its competition on November 9th at the Ion in Houston. It featured 19 accelerated startup leaders, presenting to an audience of judges and esteemed guests. Dr. John M. Abrahams founded the Company with Weiliam Chen, Ph.D. in 2006 to develop hydrogels in surgery. To date, they with company have filed over 10 patents related to their technology. EndoMedix, based in New Jersey, was selected as one of the eight exceptional finalists amid tough competition. Modak presented the PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat technology, which was developed to address pressing clinical needs, demonstrating the promise it holds for improving surgical outcomes in critical brain and spinal procedures. “We are delighted to have been part of Ignite Healthcare Network’s annual Fire Pitch Competition,” Piyush Modak said. “It was an enriching experience […]

The post EndoMedix Triumphs at Prestigious Ignite Healthcare Network Fire Pitch Competition appeared first on The Institute For Spine Surgery.

]]> Houston, Texas – November 10, 2021 – EndoMedix, an innovative technology platform developing engineered biosurgery devices, proudly represented their groundbreaking work in the medical field at the Ignite Healthcare Network’s annual Fire Pitch Competition. Co-founder and Vice President of Research and Development, Piyush Modak, showcased its flagship product PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat for brain and spinal surgery.

The Ignite Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization, supports female entrepreneurs in the health tech industry and held its competition on November 9th at the Ion in Houston. It featured 19 accelerated startup leaders, presenting to an audience of judges and esteemed guests.

Dr. John M. Abrahams founded the Company with Weiliam Chen, Ph.D. in 2006 to develop hydrogels in surgery. To date, they with company have filed over 10 patents related to their technology.

EndoMedix, based in New Jersey, was selected as one of the eight exceptional finalists amid tough competition. Modak presented the PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat technology, which was developed to address pressing clinical needs, demonstrating the promise it holds for improving surgical outcomes in critical brain and spinal procedures.

“We are delighted to have been part of Ignite Healthcare Network’s annual Fire Pitch Competition,” Piyush Modak said. “It was an enriching experience sharing the stage with such incredible health tech startups, all working towards making a significant impact on healthcare. We believe that the PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat has the potential to revolutionize the future of biosurgery devices and patient outcomes. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to make that future a reality.”

EndoMedix is dedicated to developing high-quality, innovative products that can fundamentally change surgical procedures for the better.

For more information about EndoMedix and PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat, visit https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.endomedix.com&c=E,1,1OlUyHCX7QGQPR5dX3mHhzpktzB8tCayiUS1Jaf0zr2a0EK3gP8JfvZwGi3LNtnNq91fxz_Ko2ZuC6fLXa1L9GJlUj0PpScIBTaWyZYTZRAcIc,&typo=1

About EndoMedix: EndoMedix, based in New Jersey, is a health tech startup developing engineered biosurgery devices providing solutions to unmet clinical needs. Their premier device, PlexiClotTM Absorbable Hemostat is set to change the field of brain and spinal surgeries.

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