SPINE SERVICE
The expert spinal surgeons with the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery have advanced subspecialty training in the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques for the full range of spinal conditions . The spine service managed nearly 3,090 visits in FY2022 , encompassing more than 540 cases .
In addition to conducting extensive research , our team helps educate and train the next generation of spine surgeons through residency and fellowship programs . The team works closely with other medical specialties , including physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional pain management , to develop comprehensive care plans that offer the greatest chance of restoring or improving mobility and reducing or eliminating pain .
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE : SPINE SERVICE
“ From check-in and the initial visit to PT sessions , everyone was incredibly professional and courteous . I was seen in a timely manner and felt very comfortable from beginning to end . I will definitely be recommending UAB Ortho to friends and family .”
– UAB Medicine patient
FACULTY & APPS
• Luke Hiatt , MD
• Sakthivel Rajaram , MD
• Steven Theiss , MD
• Kathryn Mahaffey , PA
• Heather Wilson , CRNP
HIGHLIGHTS
• A monthly journal club sparks collaboration and learning with community surgeons .
• Outreach clinic established at the UAB Medicine Primary & Specialty Care of Gardendale location
• Use of 3-D X-rays in the OR , which improves safety and reduces radiation dosage
• Patients provided with an Enhanced Recovery Program ( ERP ) pathway after surgery
• Clinical and research fellowship continues to train the next generation of leaders
• Continued involvement at the national level with organizations such as the North American Spine Society , AO Spine , and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
CLINIC LOCATIONS
• UAB Hospital-Highlands
• The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
• UAB Medicine Primary & Specialty Care of Gardendale
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
• Prevalence , Bias , and Rank List Impact of Illegal Questions in Surgical Specialty Residency Interviews . Lauren M Theiss , John C Prather , John R Porterfield , Britney Corey , Herbert Chen , Gerald McGwin , Michael D Johnson , Steven M Theiss . J Surg Educ , Jan-Feb 2022 ; 79 ( 1 ): 69-76 . doi : 10.1016 / j . jsurg . 2021.07.015 . Epub 2021 Aug . PMID : 34400121 .
• Association of Mortality and Charlson Comorbidity Index in Operative Spinal Trauma Patients at a Level I Academic Center . Andrew McGee , Eli B Levitt , John Prather , Doug Crowther , Gerald McGwin , Steven Theiss , Sakthivel Rajaram . J Am Acad Orthop Surg , 2022 Mar 1 ; 30 ( 5 ): 215-222 . doi : 10.5435 / JAAOS-D-21-00916 . PMID : 35050938 .
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