Navigating the Future of Spine Surgery: 2024 Insights from Our Spine Specialists
Navigating the Future of Spine Surgery: 2024 Insights from Our Spine Specialists
From robotic techniques to advanced navigation technologies, there are multiple emerging trends in spine surgery. Lowcountry Orthopaedics’ spine surgeons share the emerging trends of the moment. “Back pain, for many, is a debilitating condition that affects every aspect of daily life. Fortunately, advancements in spine surgery provide solutions,” shares Don Stovall, MD, spine specialist at Lowcountry Orthopaedics. “Dr. Christopher Battista and I have curated some trends in spine treatments of note.”
Continued Advancements in Minimally Invasive Techniques
The wave of the future in spine surgery lies in the technique’s ability to reduce the impact on the body. With minimally invasive decompression and fusion techniques, surgeons make smaller incisions, which leads to less soft tissue dissection. Patients benefit from a lower risk of infection, faster recovery times, and reduced reliance on narcotics for pain management.
Motion Preservation Technologies
Traditionally, spinal fusion has been the gold standard for treating many spine conditions, but motion preservation techniques are emerging as viable alternatives, allowing for more flexibility and quicker return to normal activities. Cervical and lumbar disc replacements are among these promising procedures.
The Rise of 3-D Printed Spinal Implants
One of the most recent groundbreaking advancements in spine surgery is the use of 3-D printed cages. These implants are designed for improved stabilization and fusion rates, tailored specifically to fit the patient’s anatomy. Dr. Battista was among the first spine surgeons in the area to effectively use 3-D Printed Spinal Implants for patients.
Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery
Globus ExcelsiusGPS is an example of the strides being made in robotic-assisted spine surgery. This technology increases the accuracy of procedures, which champions patient safety and less invasive intervention. Drs. Stovall and Battista have both completed, with excellent outcomes, GPS robot-assisted procedures for hundreds of patients in the Lowcountry.
The Shift to Outpatient Fusion Surgeries
A byproduct of minimally invasive techniques is the ability to perform outpatient fusion surgeries. Patients no longer have to endure lengthy hospital stays, which translates to quicker recoveries and less risk of hospital-acquired infections. Choosing outpatient procedures as well as independent practices like Lowcountry Orthopaedics is a significant cost savings for patients.
Emergence of Endoscopic and Prone Lateral Surgeries
Endoscopic and prone lateral surgeries, though not yet universally adopted, are trends to watch. These procedures offer the potential for performing complex surgeries with less disruption to patients’ lives.
Meeting the Changing Needs of Spine Surgery Patients
“At Lowcountry Orthopaedics, our commitment to patient care means we are constantly exploring these and other trends in an effort to provide the highest caliber of spine care,” explains Dr. Christopher Battista, MD, spine specialist at Lowcountry Orthopaedics. “Our team is dedicated to integrating these cutting-edge treatments to foster optimal outcomes for our patients.”
Whether you’re dealing with a recent back injury or have been battling chronic spine issues, understanding these trends can give you a clearer picture of the future of spine care and the opportunities that may be available for you.