Some of the inventions included devices that aid in spinal fusions and a plate used in neck surgery.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Using the Medicare-claims database, the Journal found this surgeon performed 276 spinal fusions on Medicare patients in 2008, by far the most of any surgeon in the country.

WSJ: Top Spine Surgeons Reap Royalties, Medicare Bounty

As many as 20% of spinal fusions are for ordinary low back pain and may not be supported by good evidence, says Derrick Sung, an analyst at Sanford C.

FORBES: Neurosurgery

Complex fusions increased 15-fold among Medicare beneficiaries with spinal stenosis from 2002 to 2007, according to the JAMA study.

WSJ: Top Spine Surgeons Reap Royalties, Medicare Bounty