Robert Tatsumi, MD, a board certified spine surgeon at Oregon Spine Care, of Portland, talks about the future of the spinal field and technological advances.
Question: You're considered one of the leading experts considering spine and spinal surgery, what do you consider to be the future of the spinal field?
Dr. Robert Tatsumi: The United States continues to be the leader in spine innovation.
We are fortunate as a nation that surgeons and patients can utilize better instruments and devices that facilitate surgeries in a safer more efficacious manner.
Q: Concerning orthopedic devices, how has the recent technology influxation to the field complemented the work you do on spines?
RT: The recent spine technology advances include navigation and robotic systems. The imaging and software platforms help facilitate spinal instrumentation and provide a teaching platform for residents and fellows.
While implementing technology to better visualize the spine is important, recognizing and understanding basic spinal anatomy is paramount.
Surgeons who utilize these newer imaging systems should also be cognizant of how much radiation exposure the patient is absorbing during these procedures.
Q: With more and more of the field moving towards value based care models, how will that affect spinal surgeons?
RT: Surgeons need to have the tools to perform the surgeries in an efficient and safe manner.
With the presence of value based healthcare and cost sharing models, surgeons are becoming more aware of the costs associated with spine surgeries.
For example, I will utilize insert and rotate lumbar interbody cages instead of expandable cages to save on cost for the health systems I work in.
Learn more from Dr. Tatsumi at the 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in June 2017! Click here for more information.
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