Spine and orthopedic experts this year spoke with Becker's Spine Review about topics from physician shortages to long-term practice strategies.
"The next decade of spine surgery will be defined by spinal motion preservation technologies. Artificial discs have already changed the way we manage disk disease, and I think we will continue to see innovative designs. For example, the next five to 10 years will see the development of artificial facet joint devices. I can envision artificial discs and spinal facet joint devices used in combination, relieving pain and preserving nearly natural motion of the spine. These devices will not only enhance the way we treat degenerative spinal conditions but will allow spine surgeons to partially correct abnormal alignments of the spine like scoliosis and kyphosis." — Todd Lanman, MD, of ADR Spinal Restoration Center in Beverly Hills, Calif.
"In 2024, savvy spine practice owners should consider implementing a few strategies for long-term stability. They should prioritize innovation and stay up to date with the latest advancements in spine surgery techniques and technologies. This may involve investing in new equipment, training staff on emerging procedures, and attending industry conferences and workshops." — Brian Fiani, DO, of Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists in West Bloomfield, Mich.
"The orthopedic field is gearing up for some changes due to a projected physician shortage. This could mean more patients looking for orthopedic services and, unfortunately, longer delays for them to acquire care. The orthopedic surgery residency programs at Jersey City (N.J.) Medical Center and Monmouth (N.J) Medical Center are on a mission: shaping the future of orthopedic surgeons. They're bridging the gap, ensuring excellent care remains a constant. These programs, initiated in 2015 and 1945, respectively, produce outstanding orthopedic surgeons who are committed to excellence, compassion, and the advancement of medical education. By training the highest quality residents, these programs contribute to the future workforce of orthopedic surgeons, helping to mitigate the effects of the anticipated shortage in the field." — Frank Liporace, MD, of RWJBarnabas Health in West Orange, N.J.
"If the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule continues to follow the aged Medicare budget neutrality rule, and the Medicare conversion factor for physicians continues to decline, I anticipate a trend in 2024 of more and more private practice orthopedic surgeons closing their office doors to Medicare beneficiaries who have non-emergent orthopedic needs. The consequences are predictable: shifting of non-emergent orthopedic care for Medicare beneficiaries to hospital-based orthopedic groups, increasing use of the emergency room and immediate care facilities for non-emergent orthopedic care, relatively long wait times for elective orthopedic surgery appointments and elective surgeries, and an increase in wasteful spending." — David Kalainov, MD, of Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago
"The outpatient spine surgery landscape will greatly expand beyond what we are seeing currently. With the increased adoption and utilization of endoscopic spine surgery in the U.S., more surgeries can be performed in the ASCs using these ultra-minimally invasive techniques. In addition, awake spine surgery techniques with epidural, spinal and fascial blocks can allow more patients to undergo spine surgery without the need for general anesthesia. This will allow older patients with more medical comorbidities to have endoscopic spine surgery performed in the outpatient setting." — Don Park, MD, of UCI Health in Orange, Calif.