A collaboration of China’s top orthopedic surgeons and Dr. B. Christoph Meyer, a surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, has led to an international partnership allowing our countries to explore similarities and differences in treatment approaches for patients with conditions of the spine.
 
For six years, Meyer has been in connection with the program, sponsored by DePuy Synthes Spine, a Johnson & Johnson Company. Meyer has had the opportunity to visit China and Japan several times to speak at national spine meetings on topics including the treatment of degenerative spine conditions and spinal deformity.

Three Chinese surgeons recently came to Houston Methodist West to learn techniques used for treating lumbar degenerative conditions. In addition to extensive discussions about broader strategies and ideas for treating a number of different spinal conditions, Meyer also took the visitors to the MITIE lab (Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education) at Houston Methodist Hospital.

“With its massive population and growing economy, China will play an important role in global healthcare in this century,” said Meyer. “These visits help build bridges critical to the future of medicine in the U.S. and China.” 

The Chinese delegation included leaders representing three different medical schools, Dr. Sheng Jun of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Dr. Zhang Shuncong of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and Dr. Zhou Wenyu of The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen. 

A leading expert in the treatment of disorders and abnormalities in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, Meyer helped develop several spinal instrumentation systems. He also is among the first surgeons in Houston to incorporate stem cell treatments for his patients.

“Spine patients often have complicated medical issues that leave them miserable and unable to function,” Meyer said. “The ability to solve problems and provide comfort to people gives me great satisfaction.”

Meyer believes the future is bright for patients with spinal problems. He cites Houston Methodist’s work with new technologies including autologous stem cells and allograft cellular products to improve patient outcomes as well as minimally invasive techniques to help patients get through surgery as easily as possible. 

About Houston Methodist West Hospital
Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers nearly 200 beds and access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, full-spectrum heart care, state-of-the-art imaging, cancer care, labor and delivery with a level II neonatal ICU, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, outpatient rehabilitation and 24/7 emergency services. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/west or call 832.522.5522 for a physician referral.