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:

• How Dr. Lanman’s own journey through 11 spine surgeries shaped his philosophy on motion preservation.

• What it takes to build a spine practice focused entirely on disc replacement, hybrid constructs, and restoring motion.

• Why fusion reversal is gaining momentum as an option for select patients, and why fusion is no longer the only option for revising a disc replacement when necessary.

• How ADR Spine is creating a network of premier spine surgeons that focus exclusively on motion preservation while treating spinal conditions.

• The variety of motion-sparing technologies patients have been treated with in lieu of spinal fusion, including disc replacement, facet replacement, and lumbar total joint replacement.

• Why today’s patients are more informed, more mobile, and more willing to advocate for motion, and how that’s changing the landscape of spine care.

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:

-Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery: https://www.spine.md/

- ADR Spine: https://www.adrspine.com/

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLanman

-Dr. Lanman's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtoddlanman?igsh=MWt6bGdoejdvcHc4Yg==

-ADR Spine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrspine?igsh=d3h6dHVtdzZ2aTdz

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

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:

• How motion preservation became a cornerstone of Dr. Rutz’s care philosophy, and when it should be considered over fusion.
• The differences in cervical disc replacement (ACDA) and cervical fusion (ACDF) and the right circumstances to choose each respective treatment.
• Why surgeon-industry collaboration is essential for developing new technologies and treatment pathways.
• The importance of training and mentorship for upcoming surgeons to learn how to safely and effectively provide the highest possible level of care.
• What technologies Dr. Rutz is most excited about in the rapidly evolving landscape of spine surgery.
• How Dr. Rutz’s experience as a spine patient influenced his surgical approach and patient care.

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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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311

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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?id=61558880652712

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.