Dr. Benjamin Geddes, MD, fellowship trained spine surgeon with Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, has completed the first successful series of U.S. surgeries for total joint replacement for the lumbar spine at the company’s ambulatory surgery center in Chattanooga. He was assisted by Alex Sielatycki, MD, of Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute and UC Health Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, Co.

“The initial procedures went very well," said Dr. Geddes. "Each patient was up and walking within two hours after surgery, using the early mobilization protocols for hip and knee arthroplasty patients. The first six weeks post op are more similar to fusion with some restrictions on motion and lifting. At the eight-week mark is where it begins to significantly diverge – with specialized therapy to help restore normal spinal motion. Our first group of patients is just beginning physical therapy now, and the early results are exciting. We look forward to following the progress of these patients and continuing with enrollment in the clinical trials.”   

3Spine’s MOTUS device, the implant used in the BalancedBack Total Joint Replacement procedure, is a ’first of kind’ technology replacing the function of the disc and facet joints in the lumbar spine. The procedure is intended to broadly address leg pain, back pain, and spinal instability, while correcting posture and restoring freedom of movement through reconstruction of the functional spinal unit.  Through aging, injury, or misalignment of muscles or vertebrae, the spine can lose its ability to naturally alter its curvature, resulting in progressively worsening pain. Individuals who are hoping to avoid spinal fusion and its long-term consequences have another option – total joint replacement – which restores natural balance and maintains range of motion while preserving adjacent spinal levels.    

“When it comes to spine surgery, there is still much room for growth and improvement – which can be both frustrating and exciting," said Dr. Geddes. "That’s why we’re focused on adopting technologies and procedures that can make a real difference in the quality of life our patients experience. BalancedBack is a revolutionary procedure that changes how we think about spine surgery – reconstructing segments in the back to restore movement and improve mobility. Our practice has a strong focus on motion and returning patients to the activity level they once enjoyed. This technology allows the spine surgeon to have more options that align with this focus.”    

Jenneth Randall, Hamilton County auditor, will be presenting a proclamation to the Hamilton County Commission on Aug. 31, declaring Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day. Ms. Randall lost her ... (click for more)

A recent decision concerning a rare disease will allow more Tennesseans to donate blood and save lives with Blood Assurance. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated guidance ... (click for more)

Dr. Benjamin Geddes, MD, fellowship trained spine surgeon with Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, has completed the first successful series of U.S. surgeries for total joint replacement ... (click for more)

Jenneth Randall, Hamilton County auditor, will be presenting a proclamation to the Hamilton County Commission on Aug. 31, declaring Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day. Ms. Randall lost her 19-year-old granddaughter, Jasmine, to fentanyl poisoning in February. She will be making this presentation on behalf of the many families who have lost loved ones to fatal overdoses. Most ... (click for more)

A recent decision concerning a rare disease will allow more Tennesseans to donate blood and save lives with Blood Assurance. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated guidance regarding Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, commonly referred to as “mad cow.” Based on new evidence, the FDA’s guidance removes the blood donor deferral requirements associated with geographic risk ... (click for more)

The Catoosa County Board of Commissioners adopt their Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget that is balanced and reflects a millage rate of 7.348 mills, an increase of 1.53 mills over the 2022 calculated rollback rate of 5.818. The Board also ratified the Catoosa County Public Schools’ Board of Education approved millage rate of 15.04 mills, resulting in a total county millage rate of 22.388 ... (click for more)

D'Avonte Wofford, 20, has been arrested in connection with the death of Tekia Clay inside the Brainerd Tunnel. On Thursday 2t 12:25 p.m., Chattanooga Police were alerted to the location of a fugitive listed on TBI's Most Wanted. Police were alerted to the location of D'Avonte Wofford near 7200 E. Brainerd Road, where he was subsequently found. He was arrested on outstanding ... (click for more)

Noticing Roy’s Opinion Piece on Hapeth Hall “Girls School” this morning, it is worth noting that we are having our own battle with “woke” here in Chattanooga in a place least expected and for a reason that makes no sense. This weekend the Volkswagen plant is purporting to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of women at Volkswagen. At this annual event at their plant in ... (click for more)

The Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, after badly misjudging the school’s community, put a “pause” on its ‘gender diversity philosophy’ on Friday after two nights of terse meetings and over 1,000 signatures from concerned parents, alumnae, and the private school’s donors. There will be no biological boys attending the prestigious all-girls school anytime soon. In a descriptive ... (click for more)