Orthopaedic surgery has entered an era of rapid technological evolution, revolutionizing patient care across all phases of treatment – pre-op, intra-op, and post-op. From computer-assisted navigation and robot-assisted surgeries to 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI), these innovations promise better outcomes. However, the influence of insurance on orthopaedic care raises vital questions about the future of the field.
In the pre-operative phase, computer-assisted navigation systems help surgeons ensure precision in their work and allow for more accuracy in planning. Patients experience less invasive procedures and speedier recoveries. Robot-assisted surgeries have ever further elevation precision and promise fewer complications. Post-operative care has seen the integration of 3D printing and AI. Customized implants and AI-driven predictive analytics are redefining and streamlining patient-specific care.
While new technologies are continuously being created and approved, such as the Tibia (PNP Tibia) surgical system, all this technology isn’t just in the developmental phase. It is being used by surgeons and helping improve patient outcomes world-over now. In Jerusalem, a neurosurgeon used robot-guided, augmented-reality-assisted imaging to repair a spinal fracture. Kleiner Device Labs has done 50 cases with their KG 2 Surge flow-thru interbody system. Dr. Robert Burke has done 1,000 surgeries with the assistance of technology. Even outside of the operating room, technology, like patient-reported outcome remote monitoring systems, is currently being used to improve the quality of care provided.
The role of insurance companies in orthopedic care is pivotal. Can they keep up with these rapid technological shifts? Denying coverage for groundbreaking technologies risks creating disparities in patient care. Those who can afford it benefit, while others lag behind.
If insurance companies consistently reject claims for these innovations, the future of orthopaedic surgery faces uncertainty. Stagnation in adopting cutting-edge solutions could lead to suboptimal outcomes, hindering progress. The outcome might include higher healthcare costs, extended recovery times, delayed patient care, and decreased patient satisfaction.
Can insurance companies adapt to the ever-changing landscape of orthopedic surgery, striking a balance between innovation and affordability? Or will the relentless pace of technological progress collide with insurance constraints, shaping a future that lacks accessibility and quality in patient care?
