Technological advances have best chance to improve spine surgery outcomes

NEW ORLEANS — Advancements in biologics and implant technology may be the main factor in driving and improving outcomes of spine surgery in the next several decades, a speaker said here.

The “Law of Accelerating Returns” shows that technological change is exponential, Michael Y. Wang, MD, said at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting. This is evident in the spine surgery field and will continue to improve the field for decades into the future, he said, and keeping up with these changes and embracing technology is key.

Twenty years ago, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, lateral mass screws and transpedicular screws were new technology, Wang said. All of these are now routine.

“Take the first generation X-Stop, for example. I have taken out more than I have put in, but I think there may be a point in the future where we constantly use this technology in our patients,” he said.

Michael Y. Wang

However, Wang stressed that orthopedic surgeons, the FDA, the medical professional societies, industry and venture capitalists need to work together to guide the technical advancements and to determine how to best utilize the new technology.

“Meeting the needs and demands of the future will be tough, but too much technology is just one step in the right direction. Talking to your patients is still key,” Wang noted. – By Robert Linnehan

Reference: Wang MY. Paper: Advancements in Biologics and Implant Technology: Effects on Spinal Surgery Outcomes. Presented at: Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting; Sept. 26-30, 2015; New Orleans.

Disclosure: Wang reports he has a consulting agreement with Aesculap Spine and Depuy Spine. He reports receiving intellectual fees from Depuy Spine.