Dr. Siemionow noted two main advancements in cervical spine surgery that have developed in recent years:
• Neuromonitoring. Dr. Siemionow called neuromonitoring a key advance in cervical spine surgery and likened it to a radar system for surgeons. “Any abnormality can be picked up and allows you [to] change approach or even undo what you’ve done,” he said.
• Silicon nitride. This material has “become more and more popularized in spine procedures and some orthopedic procedures,” Dr. Siemionow said. The material promotes fusion through protein absorption. Additionally, early studies have shown that silicon nitride can inhibit or prevent bacterial growth, he explained.
Even though many strides have been made in spine surgery through modern technology, Dr. Siemionow stressed that complications are still common. “You and your patient have to be ready for them.”
