Jahangir Asghar, MD, is a spine surgeon with Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Cantor Spine Institute with a special interest in scoliosis correction and minimally invasive procedures.
Here, Dr. Asghar discusses technology in the spine field and where he sees the best opportunities going forward.
Question: What emerging technology or technique do you think will have the biggest impact on the spine field five years from now?
Dr. Jahangir Asghar: The 'real time' integration of several current technologies (i.e. robotics, precision cutting tools, augmented reality, data analytics and pre-surgical planning). Currently, each is a distinct technology and cumbersome to use in conjunction with the other. However, the coalescing of the technology, the use of surgical data analytics and our own human experience will allow the development of a 'seamless' workflow and a real increase in adoption of the technologies and the development of better techniques.
Q: What do you think will fade or disappear from the spine field over the next few years?
JA: Traditional open surgery. The increased precision of cutting tools, the increased precision of robotics and increased application of robotics will allow us to be much more 'structure sparing.'
Q: Where do you see the biggest room for innovation in spine?
JA: Motion preservation and biologics. There is still a lot to be done in both spaces. Both are very complex problems, but if solved can add real value for the patient.
Q: What do you need to provide better care that doesn't currently exist?
JA: Better and real-time data analytics for all surgeons. Ideally, this would include intraoperative aspects, as well. The current process is cumbersome and is only used by academic surgeons and is resource intensive.
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For a deeper dive into the future of spine, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-5, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.