Continued improvements to robotic-assisted procedures and a new knee replacement technology are two of the emerging techniques that orthopedic surgeons are looking forward to implementing in the near future.
These two orthopedic surgeons recently connected with Becker’s to share what new technologies are on their radar.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedic care. Becker’s invites all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
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Please send responses to Cameron Cortigiano at ccortigiano@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST on Nov. 3.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What’s one emerging technique or tool you’re excited to try in the near future?
Hayden Baker, MD. Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon at Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute (Skokie, Ill.): I’m particularly excited about the continued advancement of robotic-assisted shoulder arthroplasty. The precision of preoperative planning combined with intraoperative navigation allows for more accurate glenoid placement, improved soft-tissue balance and enhanced reproducibility — especially in complex or revision cases. As technology evolves, I believe robotics will become an integral part of optimizing outcomes in shoulder replacement surgery.
Johan Forslund, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon with Providence St. Jude Medical Center (Fullerton, Calif.): One of the most exciting recent developments in knee replacement is the FDA approval of the Zimmer Biomet Oxford Cementless Partial Knee, a technology that has already demonstrated outstanding outcomes over the past decade in Europe. The data supports its safety, reproducibility and excellent functional outcomes. This implant represents a meaningful step forward in the evolution of unicompartmental knee replacement — offering the potential for biologic fixation and long-term bone ingrowth rather than relying on cement.
For appropriately selected patients, this may translate to improved implant longevity, reduced operative time, lower infection rates and faster recovery. I am very excited to finally be able to offer this proven technology to my patients here in the U.S., expanding access to an innovation that has already transformed outcomes abroad.
