Thursday Feb 13, 2025

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

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. 

 
For this episode, we had the opportunity to travel to Soldotna, Alaska and sit down with Dr. Humphreys in his home, situated on the Kenai River—the very place that inspired the original Kenai implant (now known as MOTUS). During our visit, Dr. Humphreys shares how a 3 a.m. epiphany and a hand-drawn sketch led to a breakthrough medical device, his struggles and triumphs in navigating the medical device industry, and why he believes motion preservation is the future of spine surgery.

 
Although Dr. Humphreys is native to Alaska, he started his medical education journey in the Midwest - graduating from the University of Notre Dame, receiving his medical degree at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and completing his spine fellowship at The Medical College of Wisconsin. With over 25 years of experience, he has treated thousands of patients, contributed to major clinical advancements, and played a pivotal role in bringing motion preservation to the forefront of spine surgery. He has been instrumental in shaping the future of motion-preserving spine surgery, advocating for better long-term patient outcomes, and partaking in groundbreaking clinical trials.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The reality of developing a medical device: Why bringing new technology to market takes decades.
  • The evolution of spine care: Why the shift to motion preservation matters and is gaining momentum.
  • The origins of MOTUS - the first lumbar total joint replacement: How a simple idea turned into a breakthrough device.
  • The fight to change the standard of care: Why motion preservation is facing the same uphill battle as total hip and knee replacements once did.
  • The availability of new technology: How new advancements are providing alternatives to spinal fusion for patients struggling with leg and/or back pain.
  • A lifetime of impact: His philanthropic work through the Carolyn Jane Foundation, bringing critical pediatric spine care to Africa.

 

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.


 
This episode is Part 1 of a 2-Part Founder Series. Check out Part 2 with Dr. Scott Hodges, where we go even deeper into the promise of motion preservation and patient outcomes! https://youtu.be/F8mdFKVf_2I  


 
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. Humphreys and The Carolyn Jane Foundation:

 

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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.

 

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