A study of augmented-reality in joint replacements and four more studies catching the eyes of spine and orthopedic surgeons:
1. A study published Oct. 9 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that using spinal anesthesia for hip surgery patients did not result in better outcomes than using general anesthesia in older adults.
2. A pilot study found an augmented-reality system for total knee replacements was accurate and cost-effective, according to preliminary results published in the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics. The study examined the accuracy of the Pixee Medical Knee+ augmented-reality system with smart glasses compared to conventional techniques.
3. A study from New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery assessed the clinical and financial effects of initiatives for hip and knee replacement patients between 2014 and 2019. Researchers found during that time, implementation of bundled payment programs at HSS saved CMS nearly $24 million, reduced readmissions and reduced medically unnecessary postoperative treatments.
4. In a study published in the Journal of Spine Surgery, spine surgeons from Hospital for Special Surgery attempted to determine the learning curve associated with implanting pedicle screws with robotic systems compared to conventional techniques.
5. Patients who had total lumbar disc replacement with Centinel Spine's Prodisc L had positive clinical outcomes and low rates of revision surgery, a study in The Spine Journal found.