systems.
That trend could help drive down the cost of orthopedic care;
larger physician groups and facility partnerships can curb case
costs by negotiating volume-based pricing for implants and sup-
plies. I'm also envisioning the possibility of surgery centers part-
nering with large physician groups to capitalize on the self-
insured market by striking deals with major firms to offer their
employees access to affordable, quality surgical care.
• Less invasive techniques. Endoscopic orthopedic surgery
continues to advance, letting surgeons perform major procedures
through smaller incisions. That's particularly evident in spine.
Surgeons can perform muscle-sparing endoscopic decompression
fracture surgery through a series of stab wounds instead of a tra-
ditional midline incision.
In joint replacement surgery, smaller prosthetics and bone- and
tissue-sparing techniques have dramatically improved outcomes
and how well patients recover, leading to more procedures being
performed in the outpatient setting. For example, the anterior
approach to the hip socket minimizes tissue damage, allowing for
faster, less painful recoveries.
Robotics and image-guidance have made joint replacements
more reproducible and accurate, but that doesn't necessarily
translate into better outcomes. Still, patients are seeking out sur-
geons who operate with robotics and increasing numbers of facili-
ties are investing in the technology, so it could alter the landscape
of the specialty.
• Regenerative medicine. Platelet-rich plasma and stem cell
treatments are slowing the degenerative effects of rheumatoid
arthritis, and helping patients avoid hip and knee replacements.
Although the treatments have not yet been proven to effectively
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