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Tony Schnuerer, PA
Consultant - Medical Devices Tony completed the Primary Care Physician Assistant program at the Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation in 1974 after serving three years as a corpsman in the United States Navy. In 1974, Tony completed the National Certifying Examination for Assistants to the Primary Care Physician and became a certified Primary Care Physician's Assistant in 1975. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cleveland State University. Active in the establishment of the PA profession in Ohio, Tony served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants for four years. He was president of the organization in 1978 when the PA medical practice act was passed by the Ohio State Legislature. He practiced as a PA for more than 13 years in Northeast Ohio, with significant experience in orthopedics and spine surgery. In 1987, Tony left the clinical side of medicine to join the medical device industry. He began his industry career as a sales representative for US Surgical Corporation in general surgery. Later, Tony migrated back to the orthopedics field when he joined Zimmer Corporation as a Field Marketing Specialist. From 1993 to 1995, he was instrumental in the start-up and initial operations of DePuy Motech, a specialized spine company. In 1995, he joined Sofamor Danek as Director of Marketing for Deformity Products. Tony held a number of executive level positions at Sofamor Danek, and later Medtronic Sofamor Danek. His last position was as Vice President, Global Training and Development. While at Sofamor Danek, Tony was the primary author of the text, Basic Anatomy and Pathology of the Spine. He received several awards while at Medtronic Sofamor Danek, including the Eagle Award for field sales support in 2002 and the International Division's "Simply the Best" award in 2003. Tony retired from Medtronic Sofamor Danek in 2007 after 12 years of service. Tony now owns his own consulting company specializing in medical devices. He is an Associate Fellow in the Scoliosis Research Society. SpineUniverse articles from Tony Schnuerer, PA Cervical (Neck) Implants used in Spine Surgery Cervical implants are devices surgeons use to decompress (remove pressure from nerves) and to stabilize the neck. These procedures are performed to reduce neck pain. Cervical Spine Surgery To understand cervical spine surgery, it is important to know about neck anatomy and spinal structures affected by degenerative conditions that may cause neck pain. Cervical Spine Surgery and Degenerative Neck Disorders Degeneration in the cervical spine can lead to significant changes in anatomy. These changes can cause neck pain and other symptoms due to spinal cord and nerve compression. You may also develop neck pain as you learn to readjust your neck movements Cervical Spine Surgery: Surgical Techniques to Treat Neck Pain and Symptoms If cervical degeneration causes spinal cord dysfunction, radiculopathy, neck pain, or abnormal neck motion, surgery may be necessary. The surgical goal is to reduce pain and restore spinal stability. Lumbar (Low Back) Implants Stabilize the Spine New lumbar (low back) spinal implants, such as artificial discs, are designed to help preserve motion. Lumbar (Low Back) Surgical Implants The goals of low back (lumbar) spine surgery often include reducing nerve pressure (decompression) and spinal stabilization. Implants are devices (such as cages, rods, screws) that, when combined with bone graft, stabilize the low back. Lumbar Spine Surgery To understand lumbar spine surgery, it is important to know about low back anatomy and spinal structures affected by degenerative conditions that may cause back and leg pain. Lumbar Spine Surgery and Low Back Degenerative Disorders The lumbar discs are tough structures. Nevertheless, wear and tear from normal life can cause discs to break down and lead to low back osteoarthritis. Spondylosis is another term for spinal osteoarthritis. Lumbar Spine Surgery: Surgical Techniques to Treat Low Back and Leg Pain Low back surgery aims to reduce or relieve pain and restore lumbar spinal stability. Decompression and stabilization are two surgical techniques spine surgeons perform to treat lumbar disorders. Posterior Cervical Implants used in Spine Survery Cervical implants are devices surgeons use to decompress (remove pressure from nerves) and to stabilize the neck. These procedures are performed to reduce neck pain.
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