The continued explosion of new technologies, the lack of surgeons in private practice and a potential gap in joint replacement care are three predictions that orthopedic surgeons have for the industry by 2035.
These four orthopedic surgeons recently connected with Becker’s to share their predictions for the future of orthopedics.
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. CT on Sept. 8.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is one prediction you have about orthopedic surgery in 2035?
Ronald Gardner, MD. Founder of Gardner Orthopedics (Fort Myers, Fla.): Fewer orthopedic surgeons will be in private practice and without significant reforms many of the most successful and talented surgeons will no longer be providers under third party payer models.
David Kugelman, MD. Joint Replacement Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): With the growing volume of joint replacements, the revision burden will become substantial. Since many providers do not manage complex revisions, this will create a significant gap in care unless proactively addressed.
Madhish Patel, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at Gardner Orthopedics (Fort Myers, Fla.): With the continuing emergence and expansion of computer-assisted and robotic surgery, the skill of tactile feedback, “feel” and “balance” might become a rare and highly sought after surgeon quality.
Bishoy Saad, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group (West Orange, N.J.): Over the next 10 years, we will see continued technological advancements in the field of orthopedics, including robotic-assisted surgeries. The use of 3D printers to develop patient-specific orthopedic implants will reshape the industry. There will also be greater use of wearable devices, which provide patients and surgeons with information from microchips in implants to monitor the patient’s range of motion and function, as well as progression in physical therapy. We can also expect to see augmented reality and virtual reality become more common in surgical planning and procedures. Another exciting development is regenerative medicine, which can help enhance patient healing and further aid in the recovery.
