Neurospine News

Prestigious Book Chapter Published

2011-08-20T19:29:00.001+10:00

The 6th edition of Youman's Neurological Surgery has been published and includes a chapter by Dr Ball. Entitled 'Concepts of Disk Degeneration and Regeneration', the chapter covers the basic science and epidemiology of spinal disc disease.

Youman's is a 4 volume textbook of neurosurgery, with this edition described as the 'cornerstone of unquestioned guidance on surgery of the nervous system'.

EMST Senior Instructor Workshop

2011-08-14T19:23:00.002+10:00

Dr Ball has attended a workshop for senior instructors and directors of the Early Management of Severe Trauma course of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The course, held in Melbourne on August 12 & 13, covered new developments in trauma care and course delivery.

Based on the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course, EMST trains doctors in the principles of trauma care. After completing his initial EMST training in 1999, Dr Ball was approached to become an instructor and teaches on up to 3 courses each year.

EOS scanner at Dalcross

2011-07-02T14:18:00.002+10:00

Dr Ball's involvement at Dalcross Hospital has allowed him early access to the newly installed EOS scanner at Dalcross radiology.

From the official launch ....

'The EOS Imager will change the way orthopaedic and spinal patients are diagnosed and treated. It will have implications for patients with back pain, hip and knee problems – where vertical weight bearing images of bones are helpful. It has significant implications for children with paediatric scoliosis.

Significantly, the EOS:

Results in up to 9 times less radiation dose (significant less radiation risk)
Takes only 10-20 seconds for a scan (patients stand in a booth)
Provides amazing images of full size standing weight bearing patients (Drs now have one continuous digital image and can now see weight-bearing impact on patients; piecing together of multiple individual x-rays no longer required)
Provides geometrically accurate pictures (allowing true length and angle measurements; x-ray has geometric distortion)
Views images in real time (quicker diagnosis)
Gives better clarity of images (can result in better diagnosis/better view of spinal alignment/potentially less repeat surgery)
Enables potentially treatment transforming research into spinal anatomy
Is Nobel Prize winning technology'

Dr Ball has started to operate at Dalcross and continues to work with his mentor and colleague Dr Bill Sears both there and at the Spinal Injuries Unit of the Royal north Shore Hospital.

Teaching in May and June

2011-06-30T09:00:00.001+10:00

Dr Ball's commitment to education has continued in May and June.

He was a Senior Instructor on the Early Management of Severe Trauma Course at Royal North Shore Hospital in May and co-directed the Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET) course held at Royal North Shore in June.

He was invited by DePuy Spine to speak to training surgeons at an 'Elevating Best Practice in Spine' education event. Dr Ball spoke on thoraco-lumbar spine trauma and has continued his delivery of lectures on spine conditions to the medical students at the Northern Clinical School.

A particular highlight was being invited to the Hills Grammar School to speak to a Year 4 group about neurosurgery and the brain.

Dalcross Adventist Hospital

2011-06-01T21:00:00.001+10:00

Dr Ball has started performing surgery at Dalcross Adventist Hospital in Killara on Sydney's upper North Shore. Dalcross Adventist Hospital is owned by the Sydney Adventist Hospital (The SAN).

Dr Ball's practice remains based in St Leonards, where he consults in the North Shore Medical Centre, operates at the North Shore Private and Royal North Shore Hospitals and works in the prestigious Spinal Injuries Unit.

The opportunity to operate at Dalcross allows Dr Ball to continue working with his mentor and colleague Dr Bill Sears and have access to specialised technology at Dalcross such as the O-arm and Stealth neuronavigation.

Welcome to New Staff (and a sad farewell)

2011-05-01T09:00:00.002+10:00

The end of April has seen some changes in the Sydney Neurospine Practice. Our valued receptionist, Jill, has decided to retire. Jill came to Dr Ball's practice when he first returned to Sydney and has worked tirelessly for 2 years to help look after our patients. She will be sorely missed.

A big welcome to Erin who takes over her role. With a background experience in general practice and ophthalmology practice, we look forward to working with Erin into the future.

Erin is in the Sydney Neurospine office from Tuesday to Friday. Please call on 02 9438 3785 or email enquiries@neurospine.com.au with your enquiries.

North Shore Private Clinical Conference

2011-04-14T22:13:00.003+10:00

Dr Ball attended the North Shore Private Hospital Annual Clinical Conference on April 10-11.

He presented a paper on 'Digital Practice and the Paperless Office'. Dr Ball uses electronic medical records to facilitate better access to information and improve patient care, both in and out the office. He shared his insights regarding the challenges and benefits of this modern technology.

Dr Ball was awarded the Medical Advisory Committee prize for the best paper presented at the conference.

Clinical Decision Making in Spine Surgery

2011-03-20T22:06:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball attended an educational forum on 'Clinical Decision Making in Spine Surgery' on Friday March 18. This forum was hosted by DePuy Spine as part of their Elevating Best Practice in Spine series of educational events. He also attended a 'peer to peer' evening session on the use of minimally invasive surgical technologies in complex spine problems.

These educational events help ensure Dr Ball has up-to-date knowledge about the best treatments available for the treatment of spine disorders.

Study Tour to the Netherlands

2011-02-23T20:05:00.003+11:00

Dr Ball has just returned from a trip to the Netherlands in Europe. One of the highlights of this trip was a visit to the St Elisabeth Hospital in Tilburg. He had the opportunity to perform minimally invasive spinal surgery with Dr C. Diekerhof (orthopaedic surgeon) and Dr J.C. de Nie (neurosurgeon).

Dr Ball subsequently attended a course on the Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity held in Amsterdam and the University of Leiden. This course was held by Medtronic Academia. This course content covered the treatment of adult deformity and the challenges encountered in this difficult patient group. The program comprised of scientific lectures and dynamic clinical case discussions. Some surgical management techniques were highlighted in a hands-on anatomic workshop led by distinguished faculty.

Clinical Innovation Working Group

2011-02-12T21:09:00.003+11:00

Dr Ball has being invited to join a Clinical Innovation Working Group for a project that looks to improve the care of spinal injuries.

The NSW Lifetime Care and Support Authority (LTCSA) provides care and support services for people who have experienced a severe injury in a motor vehicle accident. LTCSA have engaged Ernst and Young to undertake a project to review and identify best practices for delivery of spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury services in NSW so that the services deliver better lifetime outcomes for participants.

Dr Ball and his colleague Dr Bill Sears are the two neurosurgeons at the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNS) Spinal Injuries Unit, providing services to spinal injured patients from the northern half of NSW. The RNS unit is the only NSW spinal cord injuries unit in a major Level 1 trauma centre. One of Dr Ball's key interests is the management of spinal cord injury and he is excited by the opportunity to be part of a project that will hoperfully lead to better outcomes.

Invited Lecture in February - Spinal Cord Injury

2011-02-08T19:56:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball has spoken at the Royal North Shore Hospital's Spinal Injuries Unit “From Injury to Independence” course held at Royal North Shore Hospital in February, 2011.

Dr Ball's presentation focussed on the early medical and surgical management of spinal cord injuries.

A wide range of participants

who are involved in the management and care of individual’s with spinal cord injury across the continuum of care

attended this course. This included those

from both metropolitan and rural areas working in various clinical areas from a mix of disciplines including nursing, social work, physio and occupational therapy.

Do you have to travel to see Dr Ball ? IPTAAS can help.

2011-01-07T21:20:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball sees many patients who travel from around NSW to see him in Sydney. Many are unaware of the existence of the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) which helps with the expenses if a patient has to travel more than 100km (one way) for specialist medical treatment.

For further information visit the NSW Health IPTAAS site or download the IPTAAS form from Dr Ball's website by clicking here.

Asia Pacific Cervical Spine Society & Spinal Trauma Techniques Course

2010-11-07T18:20:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball attended these 2 back-to-back meetings in Sydney in early November.

The Spinal Trauma Techniques Course was hosted by Medtronic Australasia on November 1 - 2. This course focussed on management of spinal trauma conditions in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine with a guest presenster from Vancouver, Canada, Dr Marcel Dvorak.

The 4th Asia Pacific Cervical Spine Society Meeting was held from November 3 - 6 and focussed on a wide range of cervical spine topics including "myelopathy, OPLL,deformity, adjacent segment disease, rheumatoid disease, spinal cord injury, cervical spinal column trauma and tumour and on the underlying biomechanics in the emerging specialty of cervical motion preservation devices."

Neurosurgical Society of Australasia Annual Meeting

2010-10-04T16:52:00.003+11:00

Dr Ball has attended the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia's Annual Scientific Meeting.

Highlights of the meeting included a session on spinal surgery with the guest speaker being Dr John Hurlbert from the University of Calgary, with whom Dr Ball has studied previously. Dr Ball also attended a valuable seminar on patient centred practice.

The NSA is committed to the study and advancement of the art and science of neurosurgery and its membership includes over 95% of all Australasian neurosurgeons. Its annual scientific meeting is the peak neurosurgical meeting in Australasia.

First Case in North Shore Private Hospital Expansion

2010-09-21T17:01:00.000+10:00

North Shore Private Hospital, where Dr Ball works, has opened its redevelopment and expansion. The neurosurgical ward has moved to a new ward where all patients now have private single rooms, all with ensuites.

The redevelopment includes a new neurosurgical operating theatre with enhanced capabilities for image guided and minimally invasive surgery. It is a fully equipped Stryker iSuite digital operating room with state of the art equipment including Zeiss microscope and BrainLab BrainSuite equipment.

Dr Ball was honoured to perform the first operations in this new operating room and looks forward to continue to provide the very best of surgical care in this exciting environment.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Teaching

2010-09-18T21:15:00.003+10:00

Dr Ball has given an invited presentation on Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Techniques at the Approaches to Lumbar Spine Course held by DePuy Spine at the Macquarie University Hospital.

Speaking to a group of spine surgeons, Dr Ball shared his experience of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques in a lecture followed by instructing in a practical hands-on workshop.

Dr Ball is honoured to have been recognised for his experience in this area and the opportunity to share his thoughts and ideas with his colleagues.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Presentation

2010-08-25T12:45:00.002+10:00

Dr Ball has given a presentation on Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) to the Cerebrospinal Forum (CSF) - a group of allied health staff from Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital with an interest in neurosurgical care.

The presentation outlined the principles behind the philosophy of MISS and highlighted the challenges and limitations, as well as the expected benefits of these approaches.

Minimally invasive spine surgery describes a philosophy of spine surgery where minimising damage to the normal spinal structures is a key goal of surgery. This goal can apply to both the surgical approach to the spine and the intervention on the spine itself. The potential benefits of this philosophy are less pain, quicker recovery, shorter hospital stay and fewer long term complications. Minimally invasive spine surgery is also known as minimal access spine surgery or less invasive spine surgery. It is an emerging specialised area, which requires specific training in instrumentation and techniques. Dr Ball has had specilaised training in minimally invasive spine surgery.

Surgical Education Courses

2010-08-16T12:38:00.000+10:00

Dr Ball recently attended 2 courses held by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Newcastle, NSW. The Supervisors and Trainers for Surgical Education and Training (SAT SET) course covered how to effectively fulfill the responsibilities expected as a surgical educator under the new Surgical Education and Training (SET) program. The Surgical Teachers Course emphasised improving educational skills, which were further developed during the course through practical application.

7th Asia Pacific Spine Symposium

2010-07-02T17:48:00.002+10:00

Dr Ball has attended the 7th Asia Pacific Spine Symposium held in Brisbane, QLD by Stryker Spine. This meeting gathered "global opinion leaders ..... to focus on minimally invasive spine interventions and emerging cervical spine surgical techniques".

Dr Ball attended sessions on cervical arthroplasty (disc replacement) and spine navigation technology. He is now accredited to use the Cervicore disc replacement prosthesis.

Elevating Best Practice in Spine

2010-06-21T21:09:00.003+10:00

Dr Ball has attended an course on spinal osteotomy held as part of the Elevating Best Practice in Spine program offered by DePuy Spine.

Osteotomies are an advanced spine surgery technique that allows correction of complex deformities of the spine. The course brought together complex spine surgeons from around Australia to extend their skills in this area of surgery.

Dr Ball also spoke on anterior cervical spinal surgery (through the front of the neck) as part of the same education series.

Sydney Neurospine is Moving to a New Location

2010-06-08T21:43:00.005+10:00

Sydney Neurospine, the practice of Dr Jonathon Ball is moving to a new office in the North Shore Medical Centre from June 10, 2010.

We are staying in the same building but moving to a newly renovated office on Level 6. This larger office will allow us to provide the same service in a space specially designed for the needs of our patients and practice.

Our phone number and contact details remain the same and Sydney Neurospine will continue as normal during this period.

Our new address is

Suite 1, Level 6

North Shore Medical Centre

66 Pacific Highway

St Leonards NSW 2065

Spine Cancer Presentation

2010-05-01T18:56:00.000+10:00

Last week, Dr Ball was invited to speak to the NSW Radiation Oncology Training Program held at Royal North Shore Hospital about the role of surgery and radiation treatment for spinal metastases. Invited attendees included all members of the training program from NSW.

As treatment of cancer improves, metatstatic cancer in the spine is an increasingly common condition which, in some cases, can be helped with surgery. Working together with the other specialists involved, such as radiation oncologists, can lead to improved outcomes for patients.

Further Educational Achievements

2010-04-23T18:25:00.002+10:00

After recently teaching on another Early Management of Severe Trauma Course at Royal North Shore Hospital, Dr Ball has been awarded 'Senior Instructor' status by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr Ball is also now a co-director and committee member of the Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET) course, also run by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr Ball's commitment to medical education continues to be a major focus of his career and he believes it benefits his practice and patients by encouraging ongoing knowledge acquisition and skills improvement.

Spinal Surgery Workshop

2010-04-18T19:06:00.001+10:00

Dr Ball just returned from a 2 day workshop on spinal surgery held by the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia. The workshop was limited to 30 practicing neurosurgeons who have a strong clinical interest in spinal surgery.

This workshop covered a wide range of issues related to spinal surgery, covering minimally invasive spine surgery, biologics, trauma, reconstructive techniques and revision strategies. Dr Ball gave a well received presentation on the non-operative management of thoraco-lumbar spine fractures.

Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury Paper

2010-04-08T19:14:00.001+10:00

Dr Ball, together with some international colleagues, has had a paper e-published (ahead of print) entitled 'Clinical Predictors of Recovery after Blunt Spinal Cord Trauma: Systematic Review' in the Journal of Neurotrauma.

The paper examines what evidence exists for clinical, imaging, and therapeutic factors affecting recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Advanced Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

2009-12-19T09:35:00.005+11:00

Dr Ball has attended a symposium on Advanced Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery held by DePuy Spine International at their headquarters in Raynham, Massachusetts, USA (DePuy Spine is a manufacturer and distributor of spinal instrumentation based near Boston).

The symposium was held to allow 'key opinion leaders' from all over Europe to review and discuss the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery Dr Ball was one of 3 Australian neurosurgeons who also attended, giving him the opportunity to share ideas, discuss advances and review new and emerging technologies in this area.

ASSET Committee

2009-12-07T14:53:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball has been nominated to be the Neurosurgical Representative on the Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET) Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons which develops and provides the ASSET course.

The ASSET course provides an educational package of generic surgical skills required by surgical trainees in Australia and New Zealand. A modularised version will soon be delivered to final year university students.

Dr Ball's commitment to surgical education now spans the EMST and ASSET courses, as well as serving on the Education Committee of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia.

High Distinction Result

2009-12-07T14:45:00.000+11:00

As part of his Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of New South Wales, Dr Ball completed a subject 'Regulatory Requirements of Biomedical Technology' in Session 2, 2009. Dr Ball has been awarded a High Distinction result for this subject.

Rapidly emerging biomedical technologies pervade all of medicine and especially neurosurgery/spinal surgery. Dr Ball's studies help him better evaulate and implement the most appropriate solutions for individual patient's problems.

Advances in Medicine Conference

2009-12-01T15:00:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball was invited to speak at the North Shore Private Hospital's Advances in Medicine Conference held in late November. He spoke on Advances in Spinal Surgery - Minimally Invasive Surgery. The conference allows various specialities to come together and exchange the latest innovations in different fields.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is an emerging group of technologies that allow surgical intervention with less damage to normal spinal structures. Dr Ball's continuing interest in this area was reflected in his presentation, which was well received.

Neurosurgical Education Committee

2009-09-08T21:17:00.000+10:00

Dr Ball has been appointed to the Education Committee of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia (NSA).

The NSA is delegated the responsibility to administer and manage the Surgical Education and Training (SET) Program in Neurosurgery by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

The NSA Education Committee specifically concentrates on the SET Program syllabus, modules, competency assessments and other educational initiatives.

Dr Ball was honoured to be asked to join this group and has already attended his first meeting - 'I am looking forward to engaging in my role to maintain and improve the already high standard of neurosurgical education in Australasia'.

North Shore Neurosurgery

2009-09-08T21:09:00.001+10:00

Dr Ball has joined the North Shore Neurosurgery group.

North Shore Neurosurgery (NSN) is a group of five neurosurgeons servicing both public and privaye patients on the North Shore of Sydney and the Central Coast. The reputation of the group means that referrals come from not only within these areas but from all over NSW, Australia and indeed, internationally.

Each member of the group has specific subspeciality interests that allow inter-referral amongst the group for various neurosurgical conditions. This allows for state-of-the-art treatment by surgeons with enormous experience and expertise in their particular area.

Dr Ball brings to the group specific expertise in spinal surgery - including reconstructive surgery, minimally invasive surgery and trauma.

For further information about the group see the North Shore Neurosurgery website.

More Invited Lectures and Teaching in June

2009-07-05T19:50:00.000+10:00

Dr Ball continued his commitment to educational efforts throughout June. He was asked to lecture medical students from the University of Sydney about spinal cord compression.

He was also invited to give a presentation to Medtronic Australia National Sales Meeting about intra-cranial pressure from a neurosurgeon's perspective.

Dr Ball has also continued his passion for education in trauma and travelled to Lismore in Northern NSW to teach on another EMST (Early Management of Severe Trauma) Course for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Teaching not only allows Dr Ball to share his knowledge and skills but drives him to keep up-to-date with the latest knowledge and developments in his field.

Spinal Injuries Core Course

2009-06-08T08:38:00.000+10:00

On June 1, Dr Ball presented on 'Acute Medical and Surgical Management of Spinal Injuries' at the Royal North Shore Hospital Spinal Injuries Core Course. The audience consisted of nurses and allied health staff from different facilities throughout the state. The Royal North Shore Hospital is the location of one of the two spinal injuries units in NSW and runs this course annually to provide education about spinal injuries. Dr Ball is one of the two neurosurgeons in the unit and was honoured to be asked to speak.

Minimal Access Spine Technology Workshop

2009-06-08T08:20:00.000+10:00

On May 16, Dr Ball attended a workshop in Brisbane on Minimal Access Spine Technology held by Medtronic Australia. Minimally invasive spine surgery describes a philosophy of spine surgery where minimising damage to the normal spinal structures is a key goal of surgery. Dr Ball was trained in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques when working in Canada and has performed these surgeries in Australia. This workshop gave him an opportunity to further explore these techniques and share experiences with other spine surgeons.

Current Best Practice Session

2009-05-25T20:40:00.000+10:00

Dr Ball has attended the Royal North Shore Department of Anaesthesia's 'Current Best Practice Session. He was invited to act as an expert panel member for a presentation on the 'management of raised intracranial pressure' and to speak on 'fluid management on neurotrauma'. The session allowed members of the anaesthetic department to review the care provided to Royal North Shore neurosurgical patients, ensuring they receive 'current best practice'.

NSW Institute of Trauma - Trauma Update Evening

2009-05-14T20:58:00.001+10:00

Dr Ball has given a presentation on Spinal Injury Management at a Trauma Update Evening hosted by the NSW Institute of Trauma. The forum explored the current management of both spinal cord and spinal column injuries with an audience of 150 doctors, nursing staff, paramedics and allied health staff from around Sydney and NSW. As one of the 2 spinal neurosurgeons in the spinal injuries unit at the Royal North Shore Hospital, Dr Ball has a keen interest in best practice for the care of spinal injuries.

Early Management of Severe Trauma

2009-03-26T22:03:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball has returned to instructing on the Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) course for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons after a 12 month break. P868 at Royal North Shore Hospital is the 868th course held in Australia. Based on the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course, EMST trains doctors in the principles of trauma care. After completing his initial EMST training in 1999, Dr Ball was approached to become an instructor and teaches on up to 3 courses each year. EMST allows Dr Ball to share his knowledge about and experience in head and spine trauma while keeping up to date with the latest in trauma care.

Cervical Disc Replacement Presentation

2009-03-17T21:48:00.001+11:00

Dr Ball has given a presentation on Cervical Disc Arthroplasty to the Cerebrospinal Forum (CSF) - a group of allied health staff from Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital with an interest in neurosurgical care. The presentation outlined the principles behind the design of cervical disc replacements and highlighted how a new generation of prostheses will overcome some limitations of the first generation devices. Dr Ball has had specialised training in disc replacement surgery and published papers and a book chapter on this emerging technology.

Neurospine News

2009-03-07T22:53:00.001+11:00

Dr Jonathon Ball is an Australian neurosurgeon specialising in surgery of the spine, based on the North Shore of Sydney.

This blog will be regularly updated to provide news about Dr Ball, his practice and new developments in neurosurgery and spine surgery.

For further information about Dr Ball or his practice, see http://www.neurospine.com.au.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Training

2008-12-13T14:39:00.000+11:00

Dr Ball has attended a course in Less Invasive Technologies (LITe) for spine surgery run by Stryker Canada in Toronto. The course focussed on minimally invasive posterior surgical techniques for the cervical and thoracolumbar spines. Undertaking this course is part of Dr Ball's continuing committment to developing his skills in this emerging area of surgery and thus increasing the availability of minimally invasive spine surgery to the Australian community.

LoloWiki

2008-09-13T15:04:00.000+10:00

LoloWiki has just recorded its 3000th visitor. LoloWiki is a unique educational site set up by Dr Ball for the sharing of information between neurosurgeons and trainees. It was awarded the Noel Newton Medal and the Johnson and Johnson Best Paper Award at the RACS NSW paper day in 2007. A subproject dedicated to spine surgery - LoloWiki Spine Surgery - is also growing fast.

Prestigious Book Chapter

2008-09-13T15:03:00.000+10:00

Dr Ball has just completed a book chapter on 'Disc Degeneration and Regeneration for Youman's Textbook of Neurologic Surgery'. Youman's is considered one of the premier textbooks of neurosurgery. Dr Ball is honoured to contribute to this endeavour and have the opportunity to further participate in neurosurgical education regarding spine disorders.