Spine surgeons are looking for new innovations that will create better outcomes, but also enhance their practice.
It's becoming more difficult for spine surgeons to maintain independence and troubling new data about old techniques are pushing surgeons toward new innovations. They're looking for device companies to help them meet the triple aim and maintain their careers.
"Partnerships can help how surgeons practice by allowing surgeons to share the cost of overhead," says Kasra Ahmadinia, MD, a spine surgeon at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center. "As practicing medicine becomes more and more expensive, many surgeons have noticed that having a solo practice is hard to maintain. By developing partnerships, costs per surgeon can be reduced and also the partnerships will be able to cast a wider net for new patients."
The leaders in the industry — surgeons who are at the cutting-edge — constantly seek-out new ways to meet and exceed their goals. They are actively involved in demonstrating the value of spine surgeons and back pain care.
"You often hear about the changes that will be coming to medicine in the near future and the reliance on value-based medicine," says Dr. Ahmadinia. "The key for spine surgeons is to demonstrate the value of our procedures and show properly selected patients will benefit from our spinal procedures."
Here are seven key thoughts on how technology can improve in the future:
1. Motion preserving — Spinal fusion has been the gold standard for years, but new studies showing the potential negative impact of fusion, including adjacent segment disease, allow for alternative opportunities. "Motion preservation such as cervical disc replacements are showing promise as an alternative to fusion surgery with comparable if not better results," says Dr. Ahmadinia. "If the results continue to be promising as longer term data is released, I do believe motion preservation devices will become a vital part of the spine surgeon's armamentarium."
2. Lower radiation — Less invasive procedure can use navigation technology exposing surgeons, staff and patients to less radiation. "This factor is often overlooked, however, the accumulation of radiation during a spine surgeon's career can be extremely dangerous," says Dr. Ahmadinia. "Any techniques that reduce radiation exposure should be seriously considered."
3. Computer navigation — There are "up-and-coming" navigation technologies for computer- and robotic-assisted surgery designed to improve pedicle screw placement accuracy and preoperative planning. "With intraoperative CT scan capabilities, we are now able to perform our surgeries with better visualization of the anatomy," says Dr. Ahmadinia.
4. Cost-effectiveness — Surgeons are feeling the pinch to save dollars whether they're employed by the hospitals or not. Economically available options could make a difference. "With the state of healthcare where it is now, it is important to provide treatment without necessarily breaking the bank," says Dr. Ahmadinia. "This has led to a great deal of research regarding the cost-effectiveness of treatments and has helped shape treatment protocols for physicians."
5. Psychological assessments — The patient's mindset and attitude is important to achieving good outcomes, recent studies suggest. Unfortunately, by the time they're candidates for spine surgery many back pain patients are depressed, stressed or have other issues that could limit their recovery due to living so long with back pain. They may also have opioid dependence.
"Patients who are depressed tend to have increased pain," says Dr. Ahmadinia. "New treatment protocols have focused on treating the psychological aspect of the patients' pain along with any organic pathologies evident in their back."
6. Ease of use — The easier it is for surgical technicians, physician assistants, nurses and surgeons to identify necessary equipment, the faster their procedure will be. Operating room time is expensive and surgeons are looking to move through as many cases as possible for their patients. When device companies are able to develop systems and instrument sets easily identifiable and streamlined in the operating room, the procedure goes more smoothly.
Some companies are simplifying their trays while others color-coat devices. In addition to making the procedure more efficient, these systems can eliminate potential complications.
7. Power tools — Technology that can help surgeons exert less energy in the operating room will make the procedures more effective and could prolong the surgeon's career. If power tools are designed at a low weight with the right angles, they can reduce fatigue and potentially prolong the surgeon's career.