Fluoroscopy and standalone imaging are among technologies that are most likely to be outdated in the next 10 years, spine surgeons say.
Three surgeons discuss what’s headed out the door and the innovations that will take prominence.
Note: Responses were lightly edited.
Question: What’s a spine technique or technology that will be obsolete by 2035? Why?
William Taylor, MD. University of California San Diego: Fluoroscopy will be completely outdated by 2035. It’s only available now as a holdover and as systems become simpler or faster, easier and less expensive, it will be used for every part of spine surgery.
There is simply no reason to use fluoroscopy if navigation can be achieved, even with the simplest of procedures.
Lali Sekhon, MD, PhD. Spine Surgeon at Reno (Nev.) Orthopedic Center: I think given time, everything will be obsolete. Biologics we have not even discovered are ahead of us. Regeneration may be a reality one day. Prevention of degeneration may also become reality. The genetics of spinal disease may be better understood and prevented. Self maintenance should peak. We’ve had pedicle screws for about 40 years and cages for about 30 years. That’s an eye blink of time. Everything will become obsolete as we know it today. In hindsight, we are dinosaurs and patients in 2035 will scoff at cortisone, pedicle screws and most likely, implants.
Philip Louie, MD. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, (Seattle):
Using standalone X-rays for surgical planning and correction. Pre-op planning is rapidly moving toward 3D imaging, AI-driven modeling, and “digital twins.” Improved CT/MRI imaging with lower radiation, automated measurement tools, and AR/VR planning platforms that integrate biomechanics are rapidly changing how we prepare and execute our plans.
