I n 1977 , Dr . Stephen Hochschuler was practicing as a spine surgeon in Plano , Texas . He wanted to advance spine care for patients suffering from neck and back pain locally and all over the world . This would be the beginning of the dream that would become Texas Back Institute .
At the time , spine patients were generally given the same treatment plan across the United States . “ Back then , there was little differentiation about what was actually causing spine pain . We were interested in getting to the root of the problem the patient was having and work was needed to resolve that specific issue ,” explains Dr . Hochschuler . This would mean the doctors at TBI would have to change their diagnostic and treatment processes .
“ One of the initial thoughts was to create a clinic as an integrated multi-specialty model that would include prevention , conservative care , surgical care , rehabilitation , research , and development with a culture that considered surgery as a last option ,” says Dr . Hochschuler .
Drs . Rashbaum and Guyer would join Dr . Hochschuler in this endeavor over the next few years and the three of them would research various treatment options for spine care , and begin changing their patient care protocols .
As the doctors at Texas Back evolved in the treatment of neck and back pain , they made the decision to become a leader in spine care and would always look for innovative ways to change the future of spine care through technique , technology , or other treatment pathways . One of these elements was to have a significant role in the research of spine treatment .
In 1985 , they formed a non-profit research foundation so they could add an academic component to their private practice . This was almost unheard of at the time . Dr . Hochschuler says , “ The mission of Texas Back Institute was research , education , and development . We always wanted to know what was next and be part of that change .”
Over the years , TBI would bring on new physicians , expand their geography , and keep the multi-disciplinary approach by having doctors in different specialties that were involved in the development of spine imaging through Multiplanar CT and the MRI , fusion technologies such as the Pedical Screw Systems ; Anterior Cages ; and Facet Fusion Techniques .
As part of the desire to help change spine care around the world , TBI started a fellowship program in 1986 and has trained over 125 spine surgeons from various regions of the country and around the world . Texas Back also created internal learning opportunities and quality control processes like neuroscience , peer review , and interesting case conferences .
TBI brought cervical and lumbar artificial discs to the United States , kicking off a new era of motion preservation technologies . The company was also instrumental in the development of robots for spine care and has been part of the revolution of minimally invasive and ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery .
“ Texas Back Institute has also held key roles in national and international spine organizations such as North American Spine Society , International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery , and the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine and several others ,” says Dr . Hochschuler .
As Dr . Hochschuler retires this year , he feels fortunate he did what he loved with people he loved . “ Texas Back Institute has made a difference for spine patients all over the world and continues to do so ,” he says .
What does Dr . Hochschuler see in the future for TBI ? “ Working in regenerative medicine , augmented reality , predictive analytics , information technology , musculoskeletal population health , and the advancement of telemedicine and digital home , it is an exciting time in spine health ,” he says .
The culture of TBI continues to be strong . Its current mission statement : Texas Back Institute exists to provide the best possible spine care in an environment of innovation , education , and research .
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