Where pediatric spine would benefit from more data: 2 Qs with Dr. John Anderson

Spine
Laura Dyrda -

John Anderson, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Children's Mercy Kansas City (Mo.), discusses the big trends in spine surgery and where pediatric spine care is headed in the future.

Q: What do you think will fade or disappear from the spine field over the next few years?

Dr. John Anderson: I think fewer young children will require intraoperative spine casting for early onset scoliosis as bracing technology advances. This will hopefully allow us to reduce the number of general anesthetics these children are exposed to.

Q: Where do you see the biggest room for innovation in spine? What do you need to provide better care that doesn't currently exist?

JA: I personally would like to see more data in areas of pediatric spine that are not deformity related. For example, I am referred a lot of children and adolescents with disc herniations and apophyseal ring avulsions. There is no shortage of adult data but a paucity on the pediatric side. It would be nice to have higher levels of evidence to guide those of us that treat these kids.

To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com

For a deeper dive into the future of spine, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-5, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.

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