As fast as orthopedic technology improves, it is changing how orthopedic problems are found, treated, and controlled. In 2024, many significant trends are reshaping the field, opening up exciting new ways to improve patient results and surgery accuracy. These technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), process of 3D printing, digital templates, and, PACS make orthopedics much better in deep ways. Healthcare workers who want to stay at the forefront of medical innovation and give their patients the best care possible need to understand these trends.
What is Orthopedic Technology?
Orthopedic technology includes a wide range of tools, apparatus, and methods used in the musculoskeletal system-focused discipline of orthopedics. The musculoskeletal system comprises the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. All sorts of orthopedic problems, from acute injuries (such as broken bones) to chronic ones (such as arthritis and osteoporosis), rely heavily on orthopedic technology for their diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
1. PACS
A cloud-based solution comparable to Google Drive or Apple’s iCloud would be perfect. “PACS” is an abbreviation for “Picture Archiving and Communication System.” There is no longer a need to locate tangible files, since it eliminates the need to bridge the gap between imaging technologies and those who want the acquired pictures.
2. Orthopedic template program
To better fit an orthopedic implant to a patient’s unique anatomy, orthopedic templating software allows for a more precise determination of optimal implant position and size.
In order to equalize limb length and restore a joint’s center of rotation, digital templating is superior to an analog technique for anticipating the size, location, and alignment of an implant.
Digital templating, similar to traditional analog templating, uses radiographs, such as X-ray pictures and CT scans. Nevertheless, you can evaluate a digital model of the implant rather than superimposing transparencies of the implant onto these radiological pictures.
You may see how the size and placement of the implant will look when compared to the patient’s specific anatomy in the preview.
This way, you may make any necessary alterations before the treatment begins based on your improved expectations of the postoperative outcomes, such as the length of your legs.
3. Applications for patient monitoring
You may provide patients extensive assistance at home with the aid of patient monitoring applications, which also decreases the need for expensive hospital stays. Thanks to this innovation, patients may rest easy at home knowing that their doctor is monitoring their vitals. Patients’ pain levels and reactions to treatment procedures may be better understood with the use of data collected remotely.
With the rise of digital health, there is a chance to enhance patient engagement and the tracking of personal health data. In 2020, researchers discovered that more than 64 % of orthopedic physicians consistently used apps in their routine clinical practice, making them one of the most prevalent types of digital health in the field. Healthcare practitioners and patients alike might benefit significantly from patient monitoring using smartphone applications rather than investing in yet another wearable device, a cost that some insurance plans may not even cover.
4. The process of 3D printing
Making and manufacturing orthopedic devices is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. We can now make things at lower prices because of the advent of 3D printing technology. Also, with the aid of 3D printing, doctors may create medical equipment right in their workplace.
5. Non-surgical orthopedic advanced treatment
The advancement of non-surgical orthopedic therapy has resulted in the development of innovative methods for the treatment of orthopedic diseases that do not need invasive or surgical treatments. Stem cell therapy and plasma injections are two methods that may give patients comfort without the need for surgical intervention.
6. Augmented reality
One innovative usage of augmented reality (AR) is in the field of surgery, where it is helping to increase accuracy. Orthopedic doctors may now have “X-ray vision” to see a patient’s interior anatomy without taking their focus off the patient to gaze at a computer screen.
An augmented reality solution allows you to see your preoperative plan in your field of vision, allowing you to better position implants or devices rather than mentally mapping 2D radiological pictures to a patient’s 3D anatomy.
A number of spine operations are now using AR, although its primary applications are in complete knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. Throughout the surgery, an augmented reality view offers a topographical map of the spine in addition to different viewing angles.
There will be less need for revision surgery because of a misplaced screw, and your confidence in correctly inserting bone screws will increase.
In comparison to robotics-assisted surgery, which often requires expensive and space-consuming apparatus, AR-enabled orthopedic technology offers a more simplified and economical option.
7. Computer-Assisted Surgery
In the field of medicine, the word “computer assisted surgery” (CAS) refers to the use of technology to assist in the performance of surgical operations.
When performing spine procedures, orthopedic surgeons have the ability to employ navigation technologies for viewing, tracking, and angling purposes. With the use of preoperative orthopedic and imaging tools, the process of CAS starts even before the surgery itself.
8. Online visits to orthopedic specialists
Because of the pandemic, we have been able to redefine a great deal of the options that are available to us in the entire world. Patients gained the knowledge that they may obtain first-rate medical treatment in the comfort of their own homes.
When it comes to physical therapy and rehabilitation, the utilization of the Internet has made virtual health care a popular option of choice for both patients and their providers.
There are a number of telehealth platforms that have collaborated with medical professionals in order to make it feasible for patients.
Wrapping It Up
With the correct orthopedic devices, you can improve the precision and dependability of your surgical procedures, while also learning more about your patients’ healing processes. While these technologies may improve your operations, the real value is in the quantity of data you possess. Improve your decision-making for future patients by gathering more accurate data on them before, during, and after surgery. This will allow you to identify what worked and what didn’t.
