Here, Dr. Tally shares his views on the biggest technology trends for 2018 and where implant innovation is headed.
Question: What is the biggest spine technology trend for 2018?
Dr. William Tally: I think two things are going to continue to happen. I think true minimally invasive surgeries, not marketed MIS surgery but actually less invasive approaches, will continue to grow. I think ASC-based surgery will continue to grow as well, and I think this year we are seeing the beginning of the commercially viable spine robots being used. It will still need a few years before robotics is ready for prime time, but I do think it will become more common for surgeons to perform their minimally invasive procedures successfully and comfortably.
Q: Where do you see the biggest innovations in implant material?
WT: The continued use of more metal and mechanical interbodies utilization will continue to go up. The most novel material right now is molybdenum-based alloys containing rhenium; it’s the first new material that has been out in a long time. The material is a tougher metal which allows for a stronger, more durable procedure. It will be used similarly to other implants, but because it’s stronger and tougher it allows for implant designs to evolve. I think we’ll see a smaller implant from the material as we move in a more minimally invasive direction.
Q: Where do you see biologics and stem cells in spine headed for 2018 and beyond?
WT: More companies are starting to include some form of a cellular component with their products. We started three years ago with a bone graft material that had a cellular component and were one of two in the market. Now there are more, and I think there will be more studies on the regenerative use of stem cells. Clinically, they aren’t really viable yet, but there will be more studies on disc regeneration.
More articles on spine surgery:
9 spine surgeons discuss their favorite MIS technology
3 observations on spine implant technology from Dr. Christian Zimmerman
5 spine surgeons on the future of implant technology & material
