Robert Jackson, MD, of Orange County Neurosurgical Associates in Laguna Hills, Calif., examines the big challenges and opportunities in the spine device field.
Question: What emerging technology or technique do you think will have the biggest impact on the spine field five years from now?
Dr. Robert Jackson: Image guidance surgery will continue to facilitate both simple and complex surgery. Motion-preserving technology usage will increase as current studies continue to demonstrate superiority over fusion.
Q: What do you think will fade or disappear from the spine field over the next few years?
RJ: Narcotic consumption will decrease over the next five years as practitioners and public become more aware of the dangers.
Q: Where do you see the biggest room for innovation in spine?
RJ: Robotic-assisted surgery will improve and potentially will allow for less invasive, more precise decompression surgery and stabilization surgery.
Q: What do you need to provide better care that doesn't currently exist?
RJ: Better public and patient education with regard to lifestyle modification, fitness, accountability, surgical expectations and outcomes.
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.