'Spine surgery is still in its infancy': The spine technologies exciting Dr. Tan Chen

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Spine surgery is expected to evolve with more outpatient cases and growing technologies, Tan Chen, MD, told Becker's

Dr. Chen, of Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute in Wilkes Barre, Pa., shared his proudest moments from the year and his outlook on future healthcare trends.

Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity.

Question: What are you most proud of from the last year? 

Dr. Tan Chen: This year has been a very productive year for me. I’ve continued to hone and develop my surgical techniques in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery to provide better clinical outcomes and faster rehabilitation for my patients. I’m most proud that I’ve made a positive difference and impact on the lives of my patients and have helped them recover to daily function.  

Q: What are the biggest trends you're following in healthcare right now? 

TC: In the field of spine surgery, the continued integration of cutting-edge technology in the operating room allows for more efficient, effective and precise procedures. There is a trend of moving more and more spinal procedures to the outpatient and ASC setting which I’m a strong proponent of, and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store.  

Q: What are you excited about for 2024? 

TC: Spinal knowledge and innovation will continue to evolve in 2024, and I’m excited to see and work with companies as they develop and release new technology in minimally invasive surgery, interbody cage design, navigation and robotics, biologics and motion sparing technology. I think spine surgery is still in its infancy much like how hip arthroplasty was 50 years ago, and patients will continue to have better outcomes and faster recoveries as our understanding of spinal pathology evolves and our surgical tools become more advanced.   

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