2020: The Year In Review

As you are all aware 2020 was a challenging year due to COVID. But, as I have done every year, here is 2020 in-review:

COVID Publications

I utilized the time to create and author publications that provided for a Safe Return to Spine Surgery. It was an honor to publish in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS). I was interviewed via podcasts by Nuvasive and Becker’s Health care regarding these publications. 

Spine Clinical Research

I further had six papers accepted and presented at ISASS this year. The papers all focused on safety in minimally invasive spine surgery. We were able to provide the opportunity to include a medical student from Indiana University as well as a college student in the research. One paper has demonstrated a 99.4% accuracy rate for placement of over 1400 cortical screws during the last 4 years. 

Patient Care Awards

I was honored to receive 6 patient care awards in 2020 which was an honor and reinforces my commitment to patient first health care. Treating patients as family members has always been a guiding force in my approach. This included being rated in the America’s Most Honored Doctors Top 1%.

Advanced Spine Surgery and Techniques

The integration of stealth CT guided navigation into spine surgery has now brought the most advanced spine techniques to the region. I have accumulated the largest clinical experience utilizing this cutting edge technology. An intraoperative CT scan is performed and the spine instrumentation is placed utilizing stealth guidance. This leads to minimally invasive procedures being performed in more complex spine surgical procedures. 

Clinical Results

I am proud to have had a 0% infection rate in 236 spine surgeries for 2020. This follows an infection rate of 0.5% for 2019 and 2018. The utilization of advance minimally invasive technology has dramatically changed the outcomes for my spine patients. The 30 day take back to surgery rate has been below 2% for the last 3 years as well.

Textbook Chapter

I was asked to participate as an expert co-author a Textbook Chapter for Dr Frank Phillips, in his Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. During my time as a Spine Fellow at RUSH, I had participated in many academic pursuits. I continue to work international spine colleagues on a variety of projects as we continue to move the field forward.

What’s Coming In 2021

I have been asked to join the program committee for ISASS 2021. 2 papers were submitted for presentation at ISASS 2021. I co-authored a paper with surgeons from major academic centers that will be submitted to the North American Spine Society and to the Scoliosis Research Society for 2021. I continue to serve as an Associate Editor for SPINE and have two manuscripts being submitted to SPINE for 2021. We will be expanding the Stealth and Minimally invasive disc replacement program for Northwest Indiana.  

I look forward to caring for patients in 2021 and moving past the COVID pandemic.

Thank you for your support,

Nitin Khanna MD