Policy Statements

ISASS Policy Statement – Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Morgan P. Lorio, MD, FACS Neuro-Spine Solutions, Bristol, TN Ralph Rashbaum, MD Texas Back Institute, Plano, TX This paper was originally published here. A PDF version of the Policy Statement is available here. Background The sacroiliac (SI) joints are paired diarthrodial articulations of the sacrum and ilium and serve as the connection between the spine and pelvis. The small amount of motion in the joint (2-4 degrees) occurs primarily through nutation and counternutation of the sacrum.¹ There are no muscles that cross solely the SI joint, thus there are no prime movers. Instead, movement is dependent on the articulations and movement within the lumbopelvic hip complex (e.g. flexion at the hip results in […]

ISASS Policy Statement – Cervical Artificial Disc Domagoj Coric, MD Department of Neurosurgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC USA Original Article Published at: http://dx.doi.org/10.14444/1006 A PDF version of the Policy Statement is available here. Introduction by Morgan Lorio, MD, FACS, Chair, ISASS Coding & Reimbursement Task Force The ISASS Task Force reached out to Domagoj Coric, MD to provide a timely summation on cervical disc arthroplasty given his special interest and recent IASP championship of this innovative technology to ensure enhanced spine patient access. The ISASS Task Force is pleased with this step towards published ISASS societal policy and applauds Dr. Coric’s effort; if ISASS is to continue to succeed we must continually harness the voluntary talents and energies of our members with gratitude. Background […]

ISASS Policy Statement – Vertebral Augmentation It is estimated that over 1.4 million people will develop vertebral compression fractures every year (Johnell & Kanis 2006).  Many will be clinically insignificant or heal with non-operative treatment.  A large group will have persistent pain, kypholic deformity, weight loss, depression and a reduced quality of life.  (Old & Calvert 2004; Borgstrom et al. 2006; Suzuki et al. 2008). Open surgical intervention is used when there is severe deformity, instability, or neurologic compromise. Vertebral augmentation such as Vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are minimally invasive techniques used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures.  There is good evidence that these techniques can provide immediate and lasting pain relief (Berlemann et al. 2004; Grafe et […]