Skip to content

Menger presented research on spinal instrumentation. He discussed the safety of the freehand pedicle screw technique without the use of X-ray guidance, navigation or robotic surgery.

Published Feb 20th, 2023

By Lindsay Hughes
[email protected]

Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A., chief of complex spine surgery at USA Health, recently was invited to speak at the International Spine Deformity Symposium (ISDS) in New York City. This meeting focuses on scoliosis and spinal deformity in adults.

Menger presented research on spinal instrumentation. He discussed the safety of the freehand pedicle screw technique without the use of X-ray guidance, navigation or robotic surgery.

“The focus is on safety, efficiency and anatomy,” said Menger, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. “With over 1,800 pedicle screws placed, we were able to prove that our instrumentation complication rate was equal to or less than that of robotic or other expensive technology dependent techniques.”

The research began during the summer session in 2022 in collaboration with USA Health’s orthopaedics department and the help of Maxon Basset, medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, and Patrick Young, M.D., orthopaedics resident at USA Health.

“This research would not have been possible without the University of South Alabama’s commitment to research and funding through the Medical Student Research Program,” Menger said.

Learn more about the research.

Recent News

USA Health’s Owen Bailey honored with Gold Medal of Excellence by Alabama Hospital Association
USA Health’s Owen Bailey honored with Gold Medal of Excellence by Alabama Hospital Association

“This award is not given lightly,” said Donald E. Williamson, M.D., president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association. “It reflects not only a record of exceptional service, but also the lasting influence of a leader who has shaped the future of healthcare in Alabama. We are proud to honor Owen Bailey for his lifelong commitment to advancing health and transforming lives.”

Posted 5 days agoRead Story >
Back to News Listing
This link will open in a new tab or window.