Insights from Dr. Peter Derman, Dr. Richard Guyer, Dr. Scott Blumenthal, Spine Surgeons at Texas Back Institute.
One of the most powerful forces shaping spinal care is demographics. Since many countries, including the US, are experiencing an aging population, our roles as spine surgeons are greatly impacted. This shift from traumatic spine injuries in younger populations to non-traumatic injuries in older adults is evident in our examination rooms every day.
A key study found that patients over the age of 65 in the US experienced a 22% increase in non-traumatic spinal cord injuries (2013-18). European studies have identified similar concerns, with an aging population creating strain on medical care resources to address degenerative diseases.
As surgeons with spinal care medical center Texas Back Institute, our team has pioneered advances that have helped humanitarian causes around the globe, as well as aging and younger populations with traumatic and non-traumatic surgery care modalities. Here are three key care innovations that will help meet the demand of a growing, changing – and aging – world.
Key spine health innovation: Artificial disc replacement
Artificial disc replacement was a pioneering procedure in the early 2000’s, and Dr. Scott Blumenthal had the distinction of performing the first US procedure in March 2000, and also working in close cooperation with the nation’s Federal Drug Administration for testing and efficacy. The practice now has data from over 5,000 patient surgeries, and innovations in this arena make artificial disc replacement a much less risky solution with greater positive outcomes. For patients that have suffered through chronic conditions or a need for additional surgery, ADR can be a lifechanger.
In brief, there are two areas in the spine where discs tend to wear out, herniate, rupture, and basically degenerate. Those are in the cervical or the neck, and the lumbar, which is the low back.
We started with the lumbar region 25 years ago and then moved to the cervical region which we’ve been doing for about 23 years. The initial couple years were all under FDA trials, but since 2004, with the FDA approval of the first lumbar disc, it’s now pretty much available for anybody who would otherwise qualify. Previously, these patients were typically viewed as suitable only for fusion procedures.
Key spine health innovation: The rise of minimally invasive surgery for spine procedures
The ability to see within the spine and address internal problems without the need for large open incisions has long been an aspiration of spine care specialists. Relatively recent technological advancements ha