Three of the most underrated and overlooked clinical innovations in orthopedics are the development of arthroscopic surgery, the ability for surgeons to view results on the move and the advancements in regenerative medicine.
Many of the care delivery methods and physician quality-of-life improvements would not be possible without prior clinical innovations.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker’s invites all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
Next question: What are your biggest goals for the second half of 2025 at your practice/organization?
Please send responses to Cameron Cortigiano at ccortigiano@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. Central time Monday, July 14.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What clinical innovation has had the most underrated impact on your practice?
Alan Beyer, MD. Executive Medical Director of Hoag Orthopedic Institute (Irvine, Calif.): The most underrated clinical innovation in orthopedic practice is arthroscopic surgery. As an orthopedic surgeon who was trained in open surgery methods and then the actual use of arthroscopic surgery during my fellowship training, I cannot begin to tell you the impact this method and technology has had on orthopedic surgery. Today’s revolutionary surgical technology breakthroughs, such as robotics, come from this original innovation in orthopedics. All minimally invasive general surgical methods today owe a nod to the orthopedic pioneers of arthroscopic surgery. Today’s orthopedic surgeons take arthroscopic surgery for granted.
Nitin Bhatia, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon of UCI Health (Orange, Calif.): The ability to view imaging studies on portable devices such as cell phones and tablets has fundamentally changed orthopedic surgeons’ lives. While “simple” in modern technology, prior to this innovation orthopedic surgeons would be tied to their home desktop computer to view studies, and, in the even older days, may have had to come in to the hospital to view actual films at the hospital film library or ED — a practice which today’s training physicians likely could not comprehend, much like [operating] a rotary telephone. This clinical innovation allows orthopedic surgeons to provide real-time input on cases worldwide, greatly enhancing patient care and physician quality of life.
Nicholas Kusnezov, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon of DISC Surgery Center (Carlsbad, Calif.): As an evidence-based surgeon, I was initially skeptical of regenerative medicine. Early on, the field lacked rigorous data, and much of what circulated seemed anecdotal or commercially driven. I remained cautious, wary of overpromising results without strong scientific backing. However, over time, and especially in the past several years, I’ve seen firsthand how biologic therapies, most notably platelet-rich plasma, can deliver impressive outcomes in the right patient population. Patients with early arthritis, tendinitis or other degenerative conditions who are not yet candidates for surgery or looking to avoid surgery may respond remarkably well to these treatments, often experiencing significant pain relief and functional improvement.
What’s most striking is the consistency of these results when appropriately selected and timed. PRP, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool for managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients delay or even avoid surgery. In my own practice, it has become a valuable adjunct to care, offering a minimally invasive option that enhances patient satisfaction and bridges the gap between conservative management and surgical intervention. The impact on patient outcomes and recovery trajectories has been significant, and despite initial reservations, I now view regenerative medicine as one of the most underrated yet transformative innovations in modern orthopedics.
