Here are three quick trends in spinal implant technology from Kern Singh, MD, co-founder of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Rush in Chicago.
1. Biggest innovation in spine implant material: 3-D titanium printing with customizable implants that are particularly important for tumor surgery in the pelvis.
2. Where stem cells and biologics are headed: Now the shift has been towards different surface coatings and material properties of the implants that may allow bone in- and on-growth. These newer technologies may obviate the need for biologics.
3. Biggest spine technology trend: Robots, robots and more robots. Almost all are geared toward pedicle screw placement. Newer technologies may not require preoperative imaging.