D. Greg Anderson, MD, a spine surgeon with Philadelphia-based Rothman Institute and clinical director of the spine section of the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, offers insight into the biggest spine technology trends for 2018 and beyond.
Dr. Anderson is the president of the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Society and active in several other organizations, including the North American Spine Society.
Question: What is the biggest spine technology trend for 2018?
Dr. D. Greg Anderson: There is a continued trend toward cost containment and complication prevention in the field. Technologies that support this are slated to win out over traditional techniques. Therefore, minimally invasive approaches, pre-packaged sterile products and disease-based procedural solutions are expected to gain ground in 2018.
Q: Where do you see the biggest innovations in implant material?
GA: Biologically active materials are a hot topic these days. Several competing approaches including nano-coatings and bioactive polymers have been launched that offer the potential of enhanced interbody implant incorporation. More clinical outcome data is needed to compare the efficacy of these competing technologies in improving clinical outcomes in patients.
Q: Where do you see biologics and stem cells in spine headed for 2018 and beyond?
GA: Selective use of bone morphogenetic protein-2 continues to be seen in the market, although the amount of off-label usage has fallen. Cell-based products seem to enjoy pockets of popularity. A wide array of less-expensive, lower efficacy products continue to be used with limited clinical data to support their usage. Companies will likely have to provide stronger supportive data to support biologic products in the future in order to gain reimbursement acceptance.