MEDIA ALERT: Surgeons, Patients to Discuss Pros and Cons ...

[Harrison]

SOURCE: Arthroplasty Patient Foundation, Inc.
Apr 30, 2008 11:48 ET

MEDIA ALERT: Surgeons, Patients to Discuss Pros and Cons of Groundbreaking Spine Surgery During National Webcast & Conference

MIAMI BEACH, FL--(Marketwire - April 30, 2008)

WHAT: The Arthroplasty Patient Foundation will present a free, live forum Monday, May 5th in Miami Beach to engage spine patients and surgeons in a first-of-its-kind, thorough discussion of artificial disc replacement (ADR).

The presentation will take a webinar format to include a panel debate and receive questions worldwide from patients, addressing topics such as ADR qualification, ADR efficacy and disc design. Rounding out the discussion, the presentation will consider such issues as patient qualification for ADR and general concerns from patients and surgeons.

WHO: Presenters include nationally recognized spine surgeons Scott Blumenthal, M.D. and Sohail K. Mirza, M.D., MPH along with the founder of the Arthroplasty Patient Foundation, Richard Longland, who himself is an artificial disc replacement patient. Matthew Scott Young, a world-renowned spine surgeon will also be in attendance.

WHEN: Monday, May 5, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. (ET)

WHERE: Loews Hotel (Sunrise room), 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

HOW: Attend in person or online. All attendees must register online.

WHY: "As a lumbar artificial disc patient myself in 2004, I was able to get back on my feet quickly and resume an active life. While spine treatment technology continues to evolve, it presents many challenges to patients. That's why I launched the Arthroplasty Patient Foundation, a non-profit organization serving spine patients," Longland explained. "Patients need information from all different sources to make intelligent decisions. And these needs are a focal point for this first public event."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Arthroplasty Patient Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to establishing connections between spine patients. It is the first non-profit devoted to supporting spine patients, while promoting patient education and advocacy that focus on treatments that preserve spinal motion. As a diverse network, it also allows patients to exchange complex information and obtain support from an international patient community. Richard Longland founded the predecessor organization, ADRSupport in 2004 and has since facilitated a network for thousands of patients globally.

A board certified spine surgeon with Texas Back Institute, Scott Blumenthal, M.D. is known for his research and application within the artificial disc community. Blumenthal earned his extensive artificial disc knowledge while serving as principal investigator of the Charite Artificial Disc study and has experience with a diversity of artificial discs on the market.

With a predominant interest in surgery of the spine and research, Sohail K. Mirza, M.D., MPH has published forty-five peer-reviewed articles, eight book chapters and has participated in sixteen research projects acting as the principle investigator on eleven of those studies.

Sponsors include: Blackstone Medical Inc, an Orthofix Company; DePuy Spine, a Johnson & Johnson Company; Synthes Spine; and Scient'x.
For more information, contact:

Wendy B. Kula, APR
(214) 789-1150 mobile
(972) 991-5852 office
Email Contact

Richard J. Longland
Arthroplasty Patient Foundation, Inc.
Email Contact

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