Deciding whether new technologies are worth their hype for orthopedic surgeons to integrate into their practice and workflows depends on a variety of factors, including the technology’s impact on patient outcomes, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Doing the research to make sure that a new piece of tech will be beneficial is also crucial.
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.
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Please send responses to Cameron Cortigiano at ccortigiano@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CT on Aug. 11.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: How do you evaluate whether a new surgical technology is worth adopting?
Daniel Acevedo, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at DISC Surgery Center at Thousand Oaks (Calif.): As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex shoulder cases, I’m constantly searching for ways to improve patient outcomes, reduce any possible complications and improve the surgery “flow.” Evaluating new surgical technologies is an important part of this process. Before I adapt any new technology, I search peer-reviewed literature for clinical evidence, with the hope of finding positive results for it in high-quality trials. I also try to determine what value the new technology will have: Better healing? Better strength? Improved durability? I want to see if leaders in our industry have spoken openly about results with new technologies they’ve implemented.
Additionally, I want to determine whether new technologies can be applied safely to a range of cases and without a major learning curve. Technologies that improve efficiency and workflow are especially helpful to me when dealing with demanding, complex cases. Anything that simplifies my setup or shortens the OR turnover time is worth considering if it can be safely incorporated.
The most important thing to me, however, is what new technologies can do to benefit my patients by decreasing postoperative pain and getting them back to their active lives faster. And, of course, cost is a necessary consideration. It’s not a matter of finding the most economical solution, but rather finding the right solution that can actually justify its cost through measured results.
Ryan DiGiovanni, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at UCI Health (Orange, Calif.): When evaluating new technology, I prioritize whether it addresses the clinical challenges I frequently encounter, especially in complex or revision cases. I give particular attention to technologies that enhance surgical accuracy, reduce variability and improve patient outcomes. I also consider the impact on my role as an educator and whether the technology enriches or detracts from the learning experience for residents. While the surgeon’s experience is essential, it is equally important to understand how the entire operating room team engages with the technology. My decisions are guided by peer-reviewed evidence and the real-world experiences of trusted colleagues. In my practice, tools that improve component positioning in cases of distorted anatomy have proven especially valuable when traditional landmarks are unreliable. After adopting a new technology, I continuously assess its clinical impact on patient recovery to ensure it delivers meaningful benefits.
Ronald Gardner, MD. Founder of Gardner Orthopedics (Fort Myers, Fla.): I look to see there is objective evidence the new technology is, in order, effective, practical in application, available and affordable.
David Kugelman, MD. Joint Replacement Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): I assess whether the technology is cost-effective and if it meaningfully enhances surgical efficiency, safety or patient outcomes. It must demonstrate a clear value proposition in improving care.
Madhish Patel, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at Gardner Orthopedics (Fort Myers, Fla.): There are multiple factors involved in adopting new technology. First and foremost is what clinical benefit is it to my patients, is it reproducible and cost effective? Is it effective and sustainable? It is a holy grail of a product/technology if it meets all these criteria in my opinion. Understanding the history helps determine the need and future of this ever-changing landscape. One of the key technologies worth keeping track of is the integration of AI into musculoskeletal diagnostic and therapeutic robotics.
