Three orthopedic surgeons discuss which areas in orthopedics have the greatest potential for new innovation.
Martin Malawer, MD, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: The way that complex fracture repair is approached has been relatively unchanged for quite some time, with orthopedic surgeons facing a number of challenges regularly in the treatment of pathological and non-pathological fractures. I see a significant opportunity for innovation in the orthopedics market in 2015, as technologies are being explored to potentially reduce orthopedic surgery time and morbidity rates, as well as lessen complications and improve patient outcomes.
This year, I am excited to be positioned to lead the first U.S. trial of the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for the treatment of metastatic legions using the world's first minimally invasive, intramedullary, patient-conforming polymer implant.
Gregory D. Schroeder, MD, Rothman Institute (Philadelphia): Over the last 10 years there have been substantial improvements in the manufacturing of different metals as well as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and these advances have allowed for improved implant fixation and survival. However, moving forward, the biggest opportunity for advancement in orthopedics is not with improvements in mechanical engineering, but rather in regenerative medicine.
Roger Ostrander, MD, Andrews Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center at The Andrews Institute (Gulf Breeze, Fla.): One of the biggest opportunities for innovation in the field of orthopedics is the need for postoperative pain management solutions that lessen the use of narcotics. No one disputes that opioid abuse is a problem, but what people may not know is that it can start in a post-surgical setting.
We at the Andrews Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center at The Andrews Institute, in order to help reduce the side effects of narcotics, use a non-narcotic option such as nerve blocks, to help control post-operative pain. We perform continuous peripheral nerve blocks, which greatly assist patients with their pain management and the benefits of nerve blocks utilizing regional anesthesia are high, specifically with the ON-Q Pain Relief System.