Oesterle, 59, admits the back surgery field is "clouded by a lack of evidence, " even as he insists that fusion is effective for many patients.

FORBES: Neurosurgery

Prior to his appointment, Koop was surgeon-in-chief at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was a pioneer in the field of pediatric surgery.

CNN: Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop dies at age 96

Much of Medtronic's growth in recent years has come from the controversial field of spinal surgery, in which myriad screws, bolts, chemicals and gadgets are used to relieve chronic back problems.

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It's also cost effective: instead of two doctors (the standard in the field), each surgery is performed by one doctor with two assistants standing by.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

Jeter played the field for the first time since ankle surgery last fall and Pettitte made his 2013 spring training debut in the Yankees' 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night.

WSJ: Pettitte makes 2013 debut in Yankees' win

The Yankees captain played consecutive games in the field Friday and Saturday for the first time since ankle surgery last October.

WSJ: Teixeira rejoins Yankees, to start drills soon

Pineda, who missed all of last season after right shoulder surgery, parked his SUV Wednesday in a grass parking lot behind the left-field fence at the Yankees' minor league complex.

WSJ: Pineda's SUV window broken by homer

After graduating from medical school in 1975 and from an orthopedic surgery residency, also at Hahnemann, he followed his dream into what was then considered a backwater field.

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But Australia's hopes of wrapping up the tail were hindered when Harris was forced off the field when he broke down in his 28th over, later confirmed as a stress fracture which will require surgery.

BBC: England close in on Ashes victory in Melbourne