William C. Tally, MD, weighs in on spinal instrumentation and offers advice to young surgeons who may be interested in developing technologies and techniques.
Dr. Tally is a spine surgeon at Athens (Ga.) Orthopedic Clinic focusing on scoliosis/deformity correction, minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic techniques.
Question: What are some new trends in deformity correction?
Dr. William Tally: We're seeing more minimally invasive spine procedures. This allows us to do fuller correction in older and less healthy people and partial corrections in younger people to allow them to maintain a more active lifestyle.
Q: How did you become interested in developing spinal instruments/techniques?
WT: I've always had an interest in engineering and tool-making. I got interested in machining, machine tools and interested in developing equipment in my childhood. My interest in developing spinal instruments grew during my residency, as soon as I started to understand the technical problems of spine care. I started looking for solutions in instruments.
Q: What advice do you have for young surgeons interested in development of spinal instrumentation?
WT: I think you have to be interested in it for its own sake and not for the money or recognition. Don't worry about whether it's profitable or a big success — worry about whether it helps you address a specific problem and make it better. Keep working towards to making something better and eventually the sale will take care of itself. Also, nothing is ever right the first time. Keep re-designing and trying.
Learn more from Dr. Tally at the 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in June 2017! Click here for more information.