Kevin Farmer, MD, is an associate professor at the University of Florida Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in Gainesville. He also serves as team physician for the UF Athletic Association.
Dr. Farmer spoke to Becker's Spine Review about the future of orthopedics and what his organization is doing to stay on the forefront.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for style and clarity.
Question: What do you think will be the biggest trend for orthopedics in 2020?
Dr. Kevin Farmer: I believe the future of orthopaedics will trend toward the less-invasive, bone-preserving and force-distributing joint arthroplasty systems. As the population ages, patients want to remain active. Fitness and an active way of life are at the forefront of many lifestyles, and patients do not want to be restricted. It's important for patients to be able to resume their active lifestyles, and joint preservation implants will be in higher demand as time progresses.
In my opinion, the Arthrosurface shoulder arthroplasty systems are uniquely positioned to minimize loosening of the glenoid through an inlay design, and decrease glenoid forces through a truly anatomic humeral head implant while allowing patients to resume a pain-free active lifestyle.
Q: How can organizations support their orthopedic specialists as they prepare for the aforementioned trend?
KF: I think all organizations need to strive for anatomic joint preservation arthroplasty procedures that minimize wear and loosening and provide patients with excellent postoperative results. Patients want to remain active after a joint arthroplasty procedure, and every organization should strive to help them attain this.
Q: What is one significant thing your organization is doing that you think others from across the country can learn from?
KF: Our organization is proud to offer one of the most joint-preserving shoulder arthroplasty systems on the market. We all know the glenoid is the weak link in shoulder arthroplasty, but the Arthrosurface shoulder arthroplasty system is unique in its approach with the inlay glenoid. By dispersing the forces between the inlay component and the native glenoid, surgeons are more comfortable allowing their patients return to activities and sports that used to be prohibited after shoulder arthroplasty.
Want to participate in future Q&As? Email Angie Stewart: astewart@beckershealthcare.com.
More articles on spine and orthopedics:
Dr. Tony Mork: Reimbursement, lack of training shackles progress of endoscopic spine surgery
Neurosurgeon Dr. Griff Harsh joins ownership group of MLS franchise
DePuy Synthes recalls devices used in spine fixation system: 6 things to know