Three orthopedic surgeons connected with Becker's to discuss how they predict knee and hip replacements will evolve over the next five years.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedic care. We invite all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
Next question: If you could describe the future of orthopedics in one word, what would it be?
Please send responses to Riz Hatton at rhatton@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Thursday, May 4.
Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Matthew Harb, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (Bethesda, Md.): Over the next five years, predictive models are showing replacements are shifting to the ambulatory surgery centers. With improved recovery techniques resulting in more effective and efficient recoveries, we can do more surgeries in the outpatient setting. Performing replacements in the outpatient setting also lowers costs and decreases the burden on both the patient and the healthcare systems. Overall, it is leading to improved patient outcomes.
Another way replacements will evolve is through the advancement of technology in the field. We will see an increased incorporation of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality in both the clinical and operative setting. We are also improving digital patient monitoring and tracking software to help with patients' recovery process. These future advancements in technology will continue to improve patient outcomes.
Frank Kanovsky, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon (Glendale, Calif.): More likely than not, joint replacement surgery will increase because people are more active and living longer. Age is not a barrier to joint replacement.
Earl Kilbride, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Austin (Texas) Orthopedic Institute: Technological advancements will continue to push the way we look at surgery, including replacements. Although robotics has become extremely popular, there are many other new technologies that are just as cutting edge. Nonetheless, the surgeons will be tasked with incorporating these methods into their skill set.