New technologies like smart implants and AI, the continued rise of ASCs and personalized surgery are all giving orthopedic surgeons optimism about the future of the industry.
These six orthopedic surgeons and CEOs recently connected with Becker’s to share what is exciting them about orthopedics.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What gets you excited/optimistic for the future of orthopedics?
Adam Bitterman, DO. Orthopedic surgeon of Northwell Health Huntington (N.Y.) Hospital: The future of orthopedics is exceptionally promising, propelled by innovation in technology, technique and data-driven care. Robotics, advanced imaging and AI are transforming surgery into a more precise and predictable science, while patient-specific 3D printing and biologics continue to expand our ability to restore function and preserve joints in ways not possible a generation ago. Minimally invasive surgery further underscores this progress, allowing us to accomplish more through less thereby reducing pain, shortening recovery and improving outcomes for patients across subspecialties. Collectively, these advances are moving orthopedics toward greater precision, personalization and safety, ultimately reshaping how we define successful care.
Equally inspiring is the parallel growth of education, collaboration and patient partnership. Simulation and virtual reality are enhancing how we train the next generation of surgeons, ensuring preparedness before ever stepping into the operating room. Multicenter research networks and global communities are breaking down silos and accelerating discovery, while patients themselves are becoming active participants in their care through improved preoperative education, digital recovery platforms and telehealth. Together, these innovations reflect a future grounded in innovation, personalization and true partnership. This is a trajectory that will continue to elevate the quality, reach and impact of orthopaedic care.
Brian Bizub. CEO of Raleigh (N.C.) Orthopaedic Clinic: Even with the added regulatory changes and challenges ASCs are facing in the future, I’m still really excited about where things are headed, especially with the advancements in technology, biologics, implants and the chance to care for more people in our communities thanks to the proposed CMS IPO list updates.
These changes make it possible to create a more patient-focused experience, lowering out-of-pocket costs, faster recovery, reducing infection risks and giving patients access to newer, less invasive procedures.
What really excites me is the ability to deliver high-quality, safe care using the latest technology in an ASC environment that truly puts patients first not just in orthopedics, but in other surgical specialties too.
John Brady. CEO of Fox Valley Orthopedics (Geneva, Ill.): The growing recognition of ASCs as an optimal site of care for orthopedic surgery has me very bullish on the practice of orthopedics. Patients want access to ASCs and understand they can receive high quality, convenient care without having to deal with the hospital setting. The opening of the Medicare IPO list also sends a clear message to payers that patients are well cared for in the ASC setting. This will lead to payer preference due to the greater efficiency and cost effectiveness of ASC operations. This advance will give independent practices greater opportunities to compete against large health systems and academic centers, which supports the triple aim of improved quality, cost and access to care.
Emeka Nwodim, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon of Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (Bethesda, Md.): What makes me most optimistic about the future of orthopedic surgery is that it is a niche sub-specialty with some of the most talented physicians, surgeons and entrepreneurs in medicine. Of course, this comes with my own personal bias, but I believe that orthopedic surgeons in general are innately skilled in navigating the entrepreneurial side of healthcare and medicine. With the challenges that we are currently facing in healthcare; ever-increasing expenses, constricted reimbursements, administrative burden, etc., we orthopedic surgeons have a skill that will remain in high demand, is not easily disseminated and as long as we work cohesively, we can optimize our return on investment.
Sean Rajaee, MD. Orthopedic surgeon of Cedars-Sinai (Los Angeles): What gets me excited for the future of orthopedics is the ability to use technology to customize and personalize surgery. Ultimately, technology and genomic testing will allow us to identify individualized phenotypes before surgery and subsequently be able to personalize procedures to patients. This I think will lead to extremely high rates of patient satisfaction.
John Williams, DPT. CEO of Advanced Orthopedic Center (Port Charlotte, Fla.): Orthopedic care is buzzing with new tech and trends that are getting both doctors and patients genuinely excited. Over the past year, smart implants have really shaken things up for knee replacement surgeries. These implants come with tiny sensors that track things like how well a patient is moving or walking, sending that info straight to an app on their phone. It’s like having a coach in your pocket, surgeons can keep tabs on recovery in real time and tweak rehab plans based on solid data. For patients, it’s reassuring to know someone’s watching their progress, which makes them feel more confident and motivated to stick with their recovery.
Robotic-assisted surgeries aren’t new in orthopedics; they’ve been helping surgeons nail precision for a while. But in the future, AI is stepping in to make them even better. It’s not just about the operating room, though AI is also making life easier behind the scenes, handling things like scheduling, insurance approvals and sorting out claim denials. As this tech keeps improving, it frees up doctors to focus more on what matters most: taking care of patients.
Ambulatory surgery centers are popping up everywhere, and it’s easy to see why they’re a hit. More orthopedic procedures are getting the green light to be done in these centers, which are all about convenience, affordability and top-notch care. Patients love the streamlined experience, and surgeons appreciate the efficient, patient-friendly setups. As ASCs keep growing, they’re making advanced orthopedic care more accessible and tailored to what patients want.
These advancements, smart implants, AI-powered robotics and the boom in ASCs, are coming together to make orthopedic care smarter, more personal and easier to access. It’s an exciting time, and the future looks bright for better outcomes and happier patients.
