August 27, 2019 | By Dr. Sandra Mitic
New technologies are transforming the world of
medicine, including the field of orthopaedics and trauma. The years to come
promise even greater advances, given developments in materials science,
computer-simulation and robotics.
The positive effects of such developments on the
body’s locomotor system and other parts have big implications for the duration
of a patient’s recovery, as well as for associated disabilities, bringing
earlier and better functionality, and reduced morbidity.
Aside from the benefits for the disability and
workers’ compensation industries, the life insurance sector will also feel the
impact of these developments - so it’s worth gaining an understanding of some
of the most important emerging and future trends in orthopaedics before they
fully enter the mainstream.
In spinal surgery, for example, recent studies
on patient outcomes have shown that total disk replacement with artificial ones
can lead to adjacent segment disease.
A new, alternative approach employs the
implantation of tissue-engineered intervertebral discs made of canine disk
material seeded into collagen and alginate hydrogels. These implanted
tissue-engineered intervertebral disks demonstrated significantly higher
retention of their position, structure, disc height and physiological hydration
in in vivo studies.
Osteoarthritis of the knee, where cartilage
wears away, is a common complaint. The condition causes stiffness and
discomfort that worsen over time. For people in daily pain, treatment options to
slow the progression of osteoarthritis are very limited. But now an implantable
shock absorber has been released that could delay, or even avoid, the need for
total knee replacement. Implanted for the first time in the U.S., it is
designed to lower the pressure applied to knee joints, thus allowing the
patient to remain active without being in pain. Made from advanced
biomaterials, it attaches to the sides of the femur and tibia bones and doesn’t
alter the joint itself.
Meanwhile, monitoring devices are also being
refined to make knee implants last longer. A group of scientists in the U.S.
has developed a knee implant sensor that is self-powered by friction.
Three-dimensional printing has many uses,
including orthopaedic device manufacture. Modern 3D printers can produce
patient-specific implants and prosthetics that are fully customized to the
individual. Producing implants in this way brings greater flexibility, accuracy
and reduced risks, making recovery faster and better for the patient.
Virtual reality is now commonly used in
orthopaedic surgery training. and in pre-operative planning software. The idea
of learning to operate on a virtual patient is not new, but virtual technology
has only recently become advanced enough for simulators to be practical.
Simulation is also used for planning procedures.
Surgeons are being assisted by robots, improving
accuracy beyond human limits. Robot systems provide planning, workflow,
procedural execution and confirmation capabilities for accurate placement of
instruments and tools, for example, during spinal surgeries. The system allows
computerized surgical planning, 3D assessment of spine anatomy, robotic
guidance and live navigation feedback throughout the surgical procedure.
Cameras, guidance markers and a robotic arm continually monitor the location of
surgical instruments in relation to the spine and position them precisely
as planned.
But what are the implications of these emerging
technologies for Life, Disability or Workers’ Compensation insurance? Well, the
outlook is certainly very positive as the physical mobility of people who have
suffered diseases of the musculoskeletal system or have been injured in
accidents will continue to improve.
It means that periods of occupational disability
will become shorter for those who are able to return to work, at least in
countries with health systems that have access to modern technologies. With
effective aids to overcome physical limitations, an individual’s work
performance could be restored to greater levels than previously imagined.
Clearly, it makes good business sense to start
thinking now about how underwriting guidelines can take account of the benefits
promised by the continuing technological revolution.
No comments:
Post a Comment