In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Christopher Yeung, the current President at the Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) in Phoenix, Arizona, a nationally recognized leader in endoscopic spine surgery and a driving force behind the shift toward outpatient, function-preserving procedures.

Dr. Yeung’s approach to spine care blends innovation, mentorship, and generational legacy. As the son of Dr. Anthony Yeung, one of the earliest pioneers of endoscopic techniques in the U.S., Dr. Yeung was immersed in the world of minimally invasive spine surgery from an early age. His training under Dr. Robert Watkins IV, renowned for treating elite professional athletes, further shaped his philosophy of preserving function, reducing recovery time, and getting patients back to the activities they love.

Today, Dr. Yeung carries that mission forward as the spine surgeon for Arizona State University, the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and a host of additional professional sports teams. His work with high-performing athletes continues to influence his broader practice, reinforcing the value of outpatient surgical care, early mobility, and long-term performance.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Yeung shares how combining endoscopic tools with a spine-focused ASC model is transforming both outcomes and the patient experience. He discusses the evolving expectations of active patients, the accelerating shift towards outcome-driven decisions, and why outpatient spine care is no longer just for athletes, it’s for anyone who values function, mobility, and a faster recovery.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why outpatient spine surgery is gaining traction across patient populations and what it takes to do it safely

• How Dr. Yeung’s work with professional athletes shaped his thinking on recovery, function, and surgical decision-making

• How Dr. Yeung’s father, Anthony Yeung, MD, pioneered endoscopic spine surgery in the U.S. and how Dr. Yeung has built upon that foundation over the past 20+ years

• The importance of motion preservation, function, and expectation-setting when preparing for spine surgery

• The variety of modern treatment options for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain

This conversation captures the mindset and momentum of one of the field’s most forward-thinking MIS and endoscopic spine surgeons and offers a glimpse into the future of spine care.

Learn more about Dr. Yeung:

• DISC: https://www.sciatica.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-yeung-01a10347/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeungspine?igsh=OWVtM2xwMGhuZHVk

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertInstituteforSpineCare

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Todd H. Lanman, founder of Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery and the ADR Advanced Disc Replacement Spinal Restoration Centre in Beverly Hills, California.

As one of the most experienced and vocal advocates for motion preserving spine surgery in the U.S., Dr. Lanman brings not just clinical expertise, but deeply personal experience. Having undergone 11 spine surgeries himself, he understands firsthand what it means to navigate spinal degeneration, chronic back and neck pain, and make difficult surgical decisions, all while striving to maintain mobility and function.

This lived experience, combined with decades of surgical leadership, has made Dr. Lanman a true pioneer in spine surgery and motion preserving technologies. From his involvement in early artificial disc replacement trials to his groundbreaking work in fusion reversal and hybrid constructs, he has helped reshape what's possible and attainable in spine care.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Lanman discusses how his multidisciplinary training laid the foundation for a motion-first practice, why high surgical volume in motion preservation matters for patient outcomes, and how patient demand is driving a paradigm shift away from fusion as the default treatment for back and leg pain. He also shares how he approaches complex cases, including restoring motion in patients with prior fusions, and the role of enabling technologies in raising the bar for precision and safety.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Whether you're a surgeon, industry leader, or someone passionate about patient outcomes, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who is not only leading the future of spine surgery but living it.

Learn more about Dr. Lanman:

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kevin Rutz, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in St. Louis who brings over two decades of experience in spine care, including nearly 2,000 disc replacement procedures.  With this breadth of experience in motion preservation, Dr. Rutz shares his insights and knowledge on the best applications for when to use motion preserving surgeries for the best possible patient outcomes.

Dr. Rutz isn’t just a surgeon who treats spine conditions; he’s experienced one himself. After he experienced pain and numbness radiating down his arm and into his hand, he decided on treatment and opted to undergo a cervical disc replacement for his own care. With this experience, he brings both surgical expertise and firsthand patient insight to his approach. That dual perspective has shaped his belief in motion preservation as a critical tool for helping patients maintain function and quality of life.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rutz shares how his own recovery journey influenced the way he talks with patients, evaluates treatment plans, and helps people avoid unnecessary fusions when possible. He also dives into the practical realities of building and running a high-volume, patient-centered practice; the role of mentorship in shaping surgical philosophy; and how collaboration with industry partners continues to drive innovation in spine care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

As a spine surgeon who began his career primarily in fusion techniques and later switched to become a motion-preserving provider, Dr. Rutz is able to share a unique perspective on how our spine care has evolved and improved over time. Whether you're a provider, industry professional, or patient seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to prioritize motion in modern spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Rutz and his practice Orthopedic Specialists:

• Orthopedic Specialists: https://stlorthospecialists.com/ 

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf head to Shreveport, Louisiana to sit down—scrubbed in and ready—with one of the true leaders in modern spine care, Dr. Pierce Nunley. Founder of the Spine Institute of Louisiana, Dr. Nunley brings decades of surgical experience, a passion for research, and a hands-on approach to patient care that’s shaping the future of the field.

In this episode, we step inside the operating room to talk about what it means to build a comprehensive, research-driven, spine practice. From his early days fixing motorcycles on a farm to leading national clinical trials, Dr. Nunley shares the mentors and experiences that shaped his commitment to patient-first care, education, and innovation.

Dr. Nunley goes on to discuss the creation of the Spine Center of Excellence, a dedicated spine-only ambulatory surgery center focused on safety, efficiency, and patient care. He shares insight into his leadership of multiple clinical trials, including recent studies on MOTUS, a lumbar total joint replacement under IDE investigation, and PerQdisc, a nucleus replacement - with both implants focused on the primary goal of restoring function to spine patients while preserving motion.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Nunley emphasizes the importance of real-world data, the responsibility of training future surgeons, and the value of applying experience with humility when evaluating new technologies. His leadership in research, education, and clinical care continues to influence the direction of spine surgery across the country and provides new and improved treatments for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

As a surgeon, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Nunley has built a model for what it means to advance spine care thoughtfully. From running a world-class clinical practice to engaging in nearly 40 clinical research studies as a principal investigator, his voice is a trusted one across the industry. This episode of The Spine Pod is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Pierce:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA 

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jason Cuéllar, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, whose practice is built on a simple but powerful goal—restoring motion and function to every patient possible.

Learn more about Dr. Cuéllar: 

Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..⁠. 

The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jonathan Stieber, Director of the Spine Center at both OrthoManhattan and OrthoEnglewood, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai and Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Practicing in the heart of New York City for more than 17 years, Dr. Stieber brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective on how spine care has evolved—and where it’s headed.

Having trained during the early surge of motion preservation, Dr. Stieber shares his firsthand experience participating in some of the first clinical trials for lumbar disc replacement and, almost two decades later, clinical trials for the first lumbar total joint replacement. From the early days of the Flexicore disc to being one of the first to utilize annular closure devices, Dr. Stieber has evolved alongside the technologies that have become a mainstay in spine care today. His early exposure to the promise and limitations of these technologies helped shape a surgical philosophy rooted in function, durability, and thoughtful patient selection. And as a spine patient himself, Dr. Stieber opens up about what really matters when making treatment decisions—restoring function, durability, and giving patients treatments tailored to their specific needs. 

Dr. Stieber also explores how enabling technologies like navigation, robotics, and advanced imaging are redefining precision in the OR and expanding access to motion-preserving procedures. Beyond the operating room, he discusses his latest endeavor: launching a purpose-built outpatient spine and joint surgery center just outside Manhattan, designed to deliver a more streamlined and personalized care experience for patients.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Whether it’s cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive procedures, or lumbar total joint replacement, Dr. Stieber brings a deep understanding of the full motion preservation toolbox—and when to use each option. With a strong focus on individualized care, innovation, and surgical excellence, Dr. Stieber offers invaluable insight for surgeons, industry professionals, and patients alike.

Learn more about Dr. Stieber:

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Struggling with leg and/or back pain and overwhelmed by confusing MRI results? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

In this special episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf rejoin forces with Dr. Ahilan Sivaganesan (Dr. Siva), a neurosurgeon building an all-encompassing spine program with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) at NCH in Naples, Florida. After creating a successful practice at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Dr. Siva has taken a bold step into a new frontier—starting from scratch and building a spine program designed to treat the breadth of back and leg pain patients that all too often ‘fall through the cracks.’ His goal is to design a new-style spine practice, utilizing the whole spectrum of the care continuum—from conservative care options to surgical treatment methods, specifically aimed at addressing patients' needs earlier, more thoughtfully, and with more innovative options.

Dr. Siva offers an honest take on the realities of spine care today—especially for the millions of patients suffering from chronic low back pain who often fall into the category of "non-specific back pain." In this episode, he shares why it’s time for spine surgeons to reframe their role—not just as proceduralists, but as clinicians.

In the second half of this episode, Dr. Siva breaks down the difference between imaging findings and a true diagnosis. He outlines how to navigate complex radiology reports and explores how endoscopic techniques and motion-preserving implants can offer outpatient alternatives to the traditional spinal fusion. He also walks us through real patient images, demystifying common findings like facet degeneration, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis, and how a thoughtful, diagnosis-first approach can radically improve care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

With a passion for patient-centered decision-making, innovation in technique, and humility in practice, Dr. Siva is helping lead a quiet revolution in how back pain is evaluated and treated—and invites us all to be a part of that evolution. Whether you're a surgeon, patient, or industry professional, this episode offers new insight into how we understand—and treat—the most common cause of disability in the world: chronic back pain.

Learn more about Dr. Siva and HSS at NCH:

The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Ep 17 Founder Series Pt 2: A 20-Year Journey to Make Motion Preservation the New Standard in Spine, Scott Hodges, DO

In Part 2 of our Founder Series, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with fellowship-trained, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Scott Hodges. Well known by several titles, including Medical Director at 3Spine, co-inventor of MOTUS, and leading advocate for motion preservation in spine surgery, Dr. Hodges shares his behind-the-scenes journey to bringing motion preservation to the forefront of spine care. His enthralling story includes the more than 20-year process of bringing a novel spine implant to market- from initial sketch drawings and early prototypes to clinical trials in South Africa and the U.S. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

This episode, recorded between the 3Spine headquarters in Chattanooga, TN and the world-renowned MERI Lab in Memphis, takes you inside the decades-long journey of bringing a new spine device to market, from the first clinical cases in South Africa to FDA trials in the U.S. As a pioneer, innovator, teacher, and leader, Dr. Hodges shares his compelling story of how data, surgeon training, and patient demand for motion preserving devices are driving the future of spine surgery.

This episode is a must-watch for spine surgeons, medical innovators, and anyone interested in the future of spine surgery and the journey of bringing a new device to the market.

Missed Part 1? Watch our interview with Dr. Craig Humphreys for the full Founder Series! 

Note: The MOTUS device is currently in the data collection phase of a US IDE FDA Trial and is not available for commercial use at the time of recording. To keep up with the progress of the trial, you can visit www.3Spine.com.

Learn more about Dr. Hodges: 

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Ep 16 Founder Series Pt 1: A Lifetime of Spine Surgery, Motion Advocacy & Giving Back, Craig Humphreys, MD

In this first episode of our two-part Founder Series, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Craig Humphreys, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, innovator, and pioneer in spine surgery, to discuss the evolution of motion preservation and the rewarding journey behind MOTUS—the first lumbar total joint replacement for the low back. From his early career in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to building a transformative spine practice in Soldotna, Alaska, Dr. Humphreys shares the journey of how he co-developed MOTUS (formerly the Kenai Device) with Dr. Scott Hodges. Their story began as a mission to offer patients a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion and culminated in the creation of a novel device aimed at restoring natural balance, maintaining motion, and preserving adjacent spinal levels. 

Beyond his contributions to spine care in Alaska, Dr. Humphreys and his wife, Julie Humphreys, RN, are deeply committed to philanthropy and global healthcare access. Through the Carolyn Jane Foundation, they provide life-changing scoliosis surgeries to children in underserved regions of Africa, ensuring that spine care is accessible to those who need it most. Their work has helped countless families, and their commitment to service is just as impactful as their innovations in spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Humphreys and The Carolyn Jane Foundation:

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Ep. 15 From Ideas to Action: How Spine Surgery is Evolving for Better Patient Outcomes, Lali Sekhon, MD

Welcome to Season 2 of the Spine Pod! In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Lali Sekhon, a neurosurgeon dedicated to improving patient outcomes through patient-centric treatment options. Operating out of Reno, NV at the Reno Orthopedic Center, Dr. Sekhon is driving the future of spine care forward by utilizing the most cutting-edge technologies and surgical approaches. Aside from his commitment to surgical solutions, Dr. Sekhon founded the non-profit ThinkFirst of Northern Nevada, aimed at educating communities and organizations on promoting preventative safety and the impact of traumatic brain injury. Dr. Sekhon also proves his commitment to improving patient outcomes through research and clinical trials, including numerous publications surrounding early-stage motion-preserving technologies, which have helped the spine industry better understand cervical implant orientation, placement, and the importance of patient specificity.

In this episode, Dr. Sekhon delves into the complex world of spine care and opens up about the challenges surgeons face when balancing long-term patient outcomes with the demands of modern healthcare systems. Dr. Sekhon also explores one of the largest problems facing postoperative spine patients - adjacent segment disease - and how SpinePoint, his stiffness-reduced implant company, is working on solving that problem. He goes on to discuss the evolution of spine surgery techniques, exploring how tools like navigation and robotics are redefining precision and patient safety in the operating room. With a career that spans from groundbreaking motion preservation work to innovations in implant design and multi-speciality care models, Dr. Sekhon provides deep expertise and novel insights on the most pressing issues currently facing spine care. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

As a surgeon known by many titles - innovator, hockey fan, father, husband, and leader across the spine industry, Dr. Sekhon is paving the way for the next generation of spine surgeons, focused on providing the novel technologies and treatment options for all patients he treats. As a prominent advocate and educator across the community, Dr. Sekhon provides a breadth of knowledge for surgeons, patients, and industry personnel in this enlightening episode of The Spine Pod.

Learn more about Dr. Lali and ROC:

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