Episodes

  • Back in Uniform: A Police Officer’s Journey to Full Duty After Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery

    Back in Uniform: A Police Officer’s Journey to Full Duty After Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery
    Dec 17 2025
    In this special episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Andrew, a spine surgery patient and police officer from San Diego, California, who shares his powerful story of choosing motion-preserving artificial disc replacement (ADR) over fusion for his chronic back pain. In this first patient story ever on The Spine Pod, Andrew offers a powerful and personal perspective on his life before and after spine surgery. After years of chronic back pain, increasingly limited mobility, and being told fusion was his only option, Andrew began looking for spine surgery treatment options. His search for spine care led him to Dr. Todd Lanman, a leading spine surgeon in Beverly Hills, who offered him a different path beyond the standard spinal fusion. Andrew ultimately decided to make an out-of-pocket investment in his future and opted for a multi-level artificial disc replacement, which gave him back his movement, confidence, and identity. Andrew opens up about his experience navigating the healthcare system, what it felt like to take control of his care, and how the decision to prioritize motion over fusion changed his life. From the pain of being sidelined from his career and identity as a police officer, to the hope and healing that followed surgery, Andrew’s journey through chronic back and leg pain is honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it’s like to navigate the healthcare system as a patient looking for alternatives to spinal fusionWhy Andrew travelled and paid out of pocket for a motion-preserving spine surgeryWhat recovery from spine surgery was really like and how it compared to Andrew’s expectationsThe emotional and mental toll of living with chronic pain, and the impact of reclaiming motion and activityWhy patients are becoming more informed, more proactive, and more willing to seek innovative care options, even when insurance won’t cover it If you’ve been told spinal fusion is your only option, you’re not alone, and you’re not without alternatives. If you’re a patient exploring your options or wondering whether motion-preserving spine surgery might be right for you, Andrew’s story is a must-listen. If you want to chat with Andrew about his experience, you can follow him at @androo__c on Instagram. Learn more about Dr. Lanman: Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery: https://www.spine.md/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLanman Dr. Lanman's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtoddlanman?igsh=MWt6bGdoejdvcHc4Yg== You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22EiHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod...TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod Multi-level lumbar disc replacement is discussed throughout this podcast. 3-level lumbar disc replacement is considered an off-label procedure and device usage. Individual results vary. Consult with your spine surgeon for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment options for your specific pathology. All radiographic images shared with patient’s explicit consent and approval. Images are not to be repurposed or redistributed. The images contained in this episode are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • A Surgeon’s Blueprint: Building a Better Patient Experience in Spine Care, Kamal Woods, MD, MBA

    A Surgeon’s Blueprint: Building a Better Patient Experience in Spine Care, Kamal Woods, MD, MBA
    Nov 20 2025
    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kamal Woods, a double fellowship-trained surgeon in both orthopedics and neurosurgery, and founder of Vertrae® in Miamisburg, Ohio. Dr. Woods received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery from Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center. He later earned his MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, further deepening his understanding of the complex healthcare ecosystem and how to improve it. Since then, he has gone on to build a patient-centered practice rooted in the belief that one size does not fit all when it comes to spine care. Whether a patient needs a non‑surgical treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or motion‑preserving option, the goal remains the same: restore mobility, alleviate pain, and help patients return to what they love most. Throughout the episode, Dr. Woods shares his philosophy of combining surgical precision with compassionate, personalized care. He also discusses the importance of having a full “toolbox” of treatments, from conservative care and robotic‑assisted techniques to artificial disc replacement, and why patient education and shared decision‑making are essential. He goes on to share how his background, far from conventional, has shaped his patient‑first mindset and his vision for modern spine care. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why motion preservation is more than a trend, it’s about protecting function and long-term quality of life.How insurance and reimbursement barriers can impact patient care, and the changes needed to move the field forward.Why outpatient, motion-preserving spine care is gaining momentum and what it takes to build a successful model.How Dr. Woods prioritizes patients through individualized treatment plans for those dealing with chronic leg and back pain.Why enabling technologies such as navigation and robotics are expanding into more surgical facilities.How Vertrae® is driving local innovation through education, community events, and an empowering patient-centered care model. Drawing on his childhood roots in Saint Vincent, his surgical training in California, and the practice he’s built in Ohio, Dr. Woods is shaping an innovative spine care model centered on motion preservation—designed to help patients return to the activities they love, all in one integrated setting. Whether you’re a surgeon focused on emerging technologies, an industry professional tracking care trends, or a patient seeking clarity in a crowded spine landscape, this episode delivers compelling insights on how treatment pathways are shifting and how modern practice models are evolving. Learn more about Dr. Woods: Vertrae: https://vertrae.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamal-woods-md-mba-89172682/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vertrae.inc/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KamalWoodsMD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@vertrae360⁩ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22EiHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod... TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • The Origin Story of Endoscopic Spine Care: Building On A Family Legacy, Christopher Yeung, MD

    The Origin Story of Endoscopic Spine Care: Building On A Family Legacy, Christopher Yeung, MD
    Jul 23 2025
    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Christopher Yeung, the current President at the Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) in Phoenix, Arizona, a nationally recognized leader in endoscopic spine surgery and a driving force behind the shift toward outpatient, function-preserving procedures. Dr. Yeung’s approach to spine care blends innovation, mentorship, and generational legacy. As the son of Dr. Anthony Yeung, one of the earliest pioneers of endoscopic techniques in the U.S., Dr. Yeung was immersed in the world of minimally invasive spine surgery from an early age. His training under Dr. Robert Watkins IV, renowned for treating elite professional athletes, further shaped his philosophy of preserving function, reducing recovery time, and getting patients back to the activities they love. Today, Dr. Yeung carries that mission forward as the spine surgeon for Arizona State University, the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and a host of additional professional sports teams. His work with high-performing athletes continues to influence his broader practice, reinforcing the value of outpatient surgical care, early mobility, and long-term performance. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Yeung shares how combining endoscopic tools with a spine-focused ASC model is transforming both outcomes and the patient experience. He discusses the evolving expectations of active patients, the accelerating shift towards outcome-driven decisions, and why outpatient spine care is no longer just for athletes, it’s for anyone who values function, mobility, and a faster recovery. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why outpatient spine surgery is gaining traction across patient populations and what it takes to do it safely • How Dr. Yeung’s work with professional athletes shaped his thinking on recovery, function, and surgical decision-making • How Dr. Yeung’s father, Anthony Yeung, MD, pioneered endoscopic spine surgery in the U.S. and how Dr. Yeung has built upon that foundation over the past 20+ years • The importance of motion preservation, function, and expectation-setting when preparing for spine surgery • The variety of modern treatment options for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain This conversation captures the mindset and momentum of one of the field’s most forward-thinking MIS and endoscopic spine surgeons and offers a glimpse into the future of spine care. Learn more about Dr. Yeung: • DISC: https://www.sciatica.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-yeung-01a10347/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeungspine?igsh=OWVtM2xwMGhuZHVk • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertInstituteforSpineCare You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E • iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod... -TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Rewriting the Rules of Spine Surgery: A Surgeon’s Mission to Restore Mobility, Todd Lanman, MD

    Rewriting the Rules of Spine Surgery: A Surgeon’s Mission to Restore Mobility, Todd Lanman, MD
    Jul 9 2025

    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Todd H. Lanman, founder of Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery and the ADR Advanced Disc Replacement Spinal Restoration Centre in Beverly Hills, California.

    As one of the most experienced and vocal advocates for motion preserving spine surgery in the U.S., Dr. Lanman brings not just clinical expertise, but deeply personal experience. Having undergone 11 spine surgeries himself, he understands firsthand what it means to navigate spinal degeneration, chronic back and neck pain, and make difficult surgical decisions, all while striving to maintain mobility and function.

    This lived experience, combined with decades of surgical leadership, has made Dr. Lanman a true pioneer in spine surgery and motion preserving technologies. From his involvement in early artificial disc replacement trials to his groundbreaking work in fusion reversal and hybrid constructs, he has helped reshape what's possible and attainable in spine care.

    In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Lanman discusses how his multidisciplinary training laid the foundation for a motion-first practice, why high surgical volume in motion preservation matters for patient outcomes, and how patient demand is driving a paradigm shift away from fusion as the default treatment for back and leg pain. He also shares how he approaches complex cases, including restoring motion in patients with prior fusions, and the role of enabling technologies in raising the bar for precision and safety.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How Dr. Lanman’s own journey through 11 spine surgeries shaped his philosophy on motion preservation.

    • What it takes to build a spine practice focused entirely on disc replacement, hybrid constructs, and restoring motion.

    • Why fusion reversal is gaining momentum as an option for select patients, and why fusion is no longer the only option for revising a disc replacement when necessary.

    • How ADR Spine is creating a network of premier spine surgeons that focus exclusively on motion preservation while treating spinal conditions.

    • The variety of motion-sparing technologies patients have been treated with in lieu of spinal fusion, including disc replacement, facet replacement, and lumbar total joint replacement.

    • Why today’s patients are more informed, more mobile, and more willing to advocate for motion, and how that’s changing the landscape of spine care.

    Whether you're a surgeon, industry leader, or someone passionate about patient outcomes, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who is not only leading the future of spine surgery but living it.

    Learn more about Dr. Lanman:

    -Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery: https://www.spine.md/

    - ADR Spine: https://www.adrspine.com/

    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLanman

    -Dr. Lanman's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtoddlanman?igsh=MWt6bGdoejdvcHc4Yg==

    -ADR Spine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrspine?igsh=d3h6dHVtdzZ2aTdz

    Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠

    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558880652712

    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepodcast/?igsh=N2UzY3NiaTI0MHUz&utm_source=qr#

    -TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod

    The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • Rethinking the Standard: One Spine Surgeon’s Move Toward Motion Preservation, Kevin Rutz, MD

    Rethinking the Standard: One Spine Surgeon’s Move Toward Motion Preservation, Kevin Rutz, MD
    Jun 18 2025

    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kevin Rutz, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in St. Louis who brings over two decades of experience in spine care, including nearly 2,000 disc replacement procedures. With this breadth of experience in motion preservation, Dr. Rutz shares his insights and knowledge on the best applications for when to use motion preserving surgeries for the best possible patient outcomes.

    Dr. Rutz isn’t just a surgeon who treats spine conditions; he’s experienced one himself. After he experienced pain and numbness radiating down his arm and into his hand, he decided on treatment and opted to undergo a cervical disc replacement for his own care. With this experience, he brings both surgical expertise and firsthand patient insight to his approach. That dual perspective has shaped his belief in motion preservation as a critical tool for helping patients maintain function and quality of life.

    Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rutz shares how his own recovery journey influenced the way he talks with patients, evaluates treatment plans, and helps people avoid unnecessary fusions when possible. He also dives into the practical realities of building and running a high-volume, patient-centered practice; the role of mentorship in shaping surgical philosophy; and how collaboration with industry partners continues to drive innovation in spine care.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How motion preservation became a cornerstone of Dr. Rutz’s care philosophy, and when it should be considered over fusion.
    • The differences in cervical disc replacement (ACDA) and cervical fusion (ACDF) and the right circumstances to choose each respective treatment.
    • Why surgeon-industry collaboration is essential for developing new technologies and treatment pathways.
    • The importance of training and mentorship for upcoming surgeons to learn how to safely and effectively provide the highest possible level of care.
    • What technologies Dr. Rutz is most excited about in the rapidly evolving landscape of spine surgery.
    • How Dr. Rutz’s experience as a spine patient influenced his surgical approach and patient care.

    As a spine surgeon who began his career primarily in fusion techniques and later switched to become a motion-preserving provider, Dr. Rutz is able to share a unique perspective on how our spine care has evolved and improved over time. Whether you're a provider, industry professional, or patient seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to prioritize motion in modern spine surgery.

    Learn more about Dr. Rutz and his practice Orthopedic Specialists:

    • Orthopedic Specialists: https://stlorthospecialists.com/

    You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod

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    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311

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    Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558880652712

    The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Art Behind the Science of Surgery: Creativity, Clinical Research & Spine Outcomes, Pierce Nunley, MD

    The Art Behind the Science of Surgery: Creativity, Clinical Research & Spine Outcomes, Pierce Nunley, MD
    May 15 2025
    In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf head to Shreveport, Louisiana to sit down—scrubbed in and ready—with one of the true leaders in modern spine care, Dr. Pierce Nunley. Founder of the Spine Institute of Louisiana, Dr. Nunley brings decades of surgical experience, a passion for research, and a hands-on approach to patient care that’s shaping the future of the field. In this episode, we step inside the operating room to talk about what it means to build a comprehensive, research-driven, spine practice. From his early days fixing motorcycles on a farm to leading national clinical trials, Dr. Nunley shares the mentors and experiences that shaped his commitment to patient-first care, education, and innovation. Dr. Nunley goes on to discuss the creation of the Spine Center of Excellence, a dedicated spine-only ambulatory surgery center focused on safety, efficiency, and patient care. He shares insight into his leadership of multiple clinical trials, including recent studies on MOTUS, a lumbar total joint replacement under IDE investigation, and PerQdisc, a nucleus replacement - with both implants focused on the primary goal of restoring function to spine patients while preserving motion. Throughout the episode, Dr. Nunley emphasizes the importance of real-world data, the responsibility of training future surgeons, and the value of applying experience with humility when evaluating new technologies. His leadership in research, education, and clinical care continues to influence the direction of spine surgery across the country and provides new and improved treatments for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the Spine Center of Excellence was built as a spine-exclusive ambulatory surgery center—and what that means for patient outcomes.How Dr. Nunley is helping shape the future of spine surgery through clinical research and motion-preserving innovation.Why PerQdisc (a spine disc nucleus replacement), Synergy & Baguera (cervical disc replacements), and non-instrumented implants are generating excitement and what makes them different from currently available technologies.The early promise and current progress of MOTUS, the first lumbar total joint replacement under US clinical trials.How integrity, data collection, and a lifelong curiosity drive better care—and why first surgeries matter most for long-term outcomes. As a surgeon, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Nunley has built a model for what it means to advance spine care thoughtfully. From running a world-class clinical practice to engaging in nearly 40 clinical research studies as a principal investigator, his voice is a trusted one across the industry. This episode of The Spine Pod is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of spine surgery. Learn more about Dr. Pierce: Spine Institute of Louisiana: https://louisianaspine.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercenunley/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22EiHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558880652712 The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Restoring Motion in Spine: Disc Replacement & the Future of Treating Back Pain, Jason Cuéllar, MD

    Restoring Motion in Spine: Disc Replacement & the Future of Treating Back Pain, Jason Cuéllar, MD
    May 1 2025

    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jason Cuéllar, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, whose practice is built on a simple but powerful goal—restoring motion and function to every patient possible. With over two decades of education and training—earning his MD, PhD, and completing educational stints at prestigious institutions including UC-Davis, Stanford, NYU, and Cedars-Sinai—Dr. Cuéllar brings a rare mix of scientific depth, surgical expertise, and personal experience. Having also undergone spine surgery himself, he understands what it means to be both surgeon and patient. That dual perspective has shaped a career built on empathy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to preserving motion whenever possible. In this episode, Dr. Cuéllar shares what it was like training alongside motion preservation pioneers like Dr. Todd Lanman, Hyun Bae, and Neel Anand, and how those experiences fueled his passion for multi-level disc replacement and hybrid solutions. Now practicing in Florida, his reputation has drawn patients from across the country—and driven demand so high, he's expanding clinic locations from Jupiter to Miami and building a dedicated motion-preserving spine surgery center. Dr. Cuéllar goes on to discuss the philosophies that guide his decision-making—how his own experience as a spine surgery patient shaped the empathy he brings to each case, and why motion preservation isn't just a technique—it's a commitment to giving patients back their quality of life. From non-operative therapies to multi-level cervical disc replacement and fusion reversals, Dr. Cuéllar is pushing spine care forward with every patient encounter. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why Dr. Cuéllar’s personal experience with spine surgery led to a more empathetic, patient-first approach to care. • How cervical disc replacement has evolved into a routine, reliable solution—and what’s needed to bring lumbar procedures to the same level. • How research into the biological mechanism of pain and inflammation spurred the creation of a new non-operative treatment for degenerative conditions. • The biggest barriers to broader adoption of motion preservation—from training to reimbursement. • Why volume and specialization matter in motion-preserving surgery—and how they can drive better long-term outcomes for patients suffering from leg and/or back pain. As a surgeon, researcher, and patient advocate, Dr. Cuéllar is advancing the field of spine with thoughtful innovation and genuine compassion. Whether you're a surgeon, patient, or part of the spine industry, this episode offers a dynamic look at the shifting landscape of spine care—and how motion remains at the center of it all.

    Learn more about Dr. Cuéllar: • Cuéllar Spine: https://cuellarspine.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cuellar-md-phd-34a6046/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuellarspine?igsh=MXFrbDI0ZXNzMjBnZg==

    You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8vODr8pDabWImOrHv3ZQ • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV... • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f... • iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th...

    Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..⁠.

    The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • From Early Trials to Today’s Tech: Motion Preservation, Robotics & Spine Care, Jonathan Stieber, MD

    From Early Trials to Today’s Tech: Motion Preservation, Robotics & Spine Care, Jonathan Stieber, MD
    Apr 8 2025
    In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jonathan Stieber, Director of the Spine Center at both OrthoManhattan and OrthoEnglewood, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai and Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Practicing in the heart of New York City for more than 17 years, Dr. Stieber brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective on how spine care has evolved—and where it’s headed. Having trained during the early surge of motion preservation, Dr. Stieber shares his firsthand experience participating in some of the first clinical trials for lumbar disc replacement and, almost two decades later, clinical trials for the first lumbar total joint replacement. From the early days of the Flexicore disc to being one of the first to utilize annular closure devices, Dr. Stieber has evolved alongside the technologies that have become a mainstay in spine care today. His early exposure to the promise and limitations of these technologies helped shape a surgical philosophy rooted in function, durability, and thoughtful patient selection. And as a spine patient himself, Dr. Stieber opens up about what really matters when making treatment decisions—restoring function, durability, and giving patients treatments tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Stieber also explores how enabling technologies like navigation, robotics, and advanced imaging are redefining precision in the OR and expanding access to motion-preserving procedures. Beyond the operating room, he discusses his latest endeavor: launching a purpose-built outpatient spine and joint surgery center just outside Manhattan, designed to deliver a more streamlined and personalized care experience for patients. In this episode you’ll learn: How motion preservation has evolved from early hype to real-world results—and why it’s here to stay this time.The importance of tailoring procedures to each patient—and how pre-operative goal setting can help patients make more informed long-term decisions.How enabling technologies like robotics, navigation, minimally-invasive approaches are coalescing to provide a higher-level of treatment options to patients suffering from chronic leg and/or back pain.Where non-instrumented motion preserving alternatives fit into the care continuum and how they may provide an alternative to patients who are facing a cervical or lumbar spinal fusion.How Dr. Stieber is creating a new approach to surgical care—giving patients expanded treatment options, across the entire orthopedic spectrum, under one roof. Whether it’s cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive procedures, or lumbar total joint replacement, Dr. Stieber brings a deep understanding of the full motion preservation toolbox—and when to use each option. With a strong focus on individualized care, innovation, and surgical excellence, Dr. Stieber offers invaluable insight for surgeons, industry professionals, and patients alike. Learn more about Dr. Stieber: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-stieber-m-d-aa09494/Jonathan Stieber: https://www.stiebermd.com/OrthoManhattan: https://www.orthomanhattan.com/OrthoEnglewood: https://www.orthoenglewood.com/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: / @thespinepodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f...iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..⁠. The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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    1 hr and 11 mins