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