"The second health system was really smart and said, 'you guys made a good business move. We wish we would've been in on it sooner. Can we buy into what you already have?' So that's where we allowed them to come in as a minority player because then you can create an ecosystem with a health system that's going to be a lot better for us."

Adam Berry, CEO of Woodbury, Minn.-based Summit Orthopedics

"What makes robotics sexy, I think, is the arm. But what really makes robotics work is the navigation. Being able to navigate and understand that your field is a certain number, it's reproducible and consistent."

Robert Swift, DO, orthopedic surgeon, Blue Sky Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Naples, Fla.

"The ability to 3D print instruments and implants that are patient specific is really going to be a significant advantage for ASCs in the future and for patient care."

Brett Shore, MD, orthopedic surgeon, DISC Sports and Spine Center in Newport Beach, Calif.

Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Centers: There is a growing trend of performing orthopedic and total joint surgeries in outpatient settings and ASCs. This shift is driven by advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia and postoperative care protocols, which enable same-day discharge for many procedures. ASCs offer a high level of convenience and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining safety and quality standards, thus appealing to both patients and healthcare providers. Further, Medicare and commercial payer coverage updates are allowing more orthopedic and total joint procedures to be done in the outpatient setting.

In a panel discussion on spine and orthopedic industry disruptors, Adam Berry, CEO of Woodbury, Minn.-based Summit Orthopedics, described the recent shift he's seen in health systems' stance on the outpatient trend — and the challenges it brings.

"We've had two different responses from the health systems," he said. "The first health system, when we tried to do outpatient care with them, their approach was, 'why would I ever take a patient out of the hospital?' And so for the last number of years, they've fought that trend. Now all of a sudden, in the last two years, they've built their first ASC to try and do joints in an outpatient environment. They totally went away from us and don't refer to us anymore. But that's because we captured the volume ourselves indirectly. The second health system was really smart and said, 'you guys made a good business move. We wish we would've been in on it sooner. Can we buy into what you already have?' So that's where we allowed them to come in as a minority player because then you can create an ecosystem with a health system that's going to be a lot better for us."

Minimally Invasive Surgery and Rapid Recovery Protocols: Minimally invasive surgical techniques are the gold standard in orthopedic and total joint procedures. These approaches involve smaller incisions, reduced tissue damage and lower risk of infection, ultimately resulting in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery periods for patients. Coupled with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, patients experience reduced postoperative pain, faster mobilization and earlier return to normal activities.

Biologic and Regenerative Therapies: The use of biologic and regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments, is gaining momentum in orthopedics. These therapies aim to harness the body's natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues and slow the progression of joint degeneration. While still under extensive research, these biologic options represent a potential paradigm shift in the management of orthopedic conditions, offering alternatives to traditional surgical interventions.

Navigation and Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Navigation and robotic-assisted systems are revolutionizing orthopedic surgery by enhancing precision and reproducibility. These technologies assist surgeons in preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance and executing complex procedures with greater accuracy. For total joint replacements, robotic systems help in aligning implants perfectly, thereby improving long-term outcomes and reducing revision rates. Surgeon training and proficiency with these tools are crucial to fully realize their benefits.

"What makes robotics sexy, I think, is the arm. But what really makes robotics work is the navigation," said Robert Swift, DO, orthopedic surgeon, Blue Sky Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Naples, Fla. "Being able to navigate and understand that your field is a certain number, it's reproducible and consistent."

Personalized Implants and 3D Printing: Orthopedic surgeons are increasingly utilizing 3D-printing technology to create customized implants tailored to the unique anatomy of each patient. This trend allows for more precise fits, potentially leading to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times. By leveraging advanced imaging techniques and software, surgeons can design and produce implants that conform to the individual's skeletal structure, reducing the likelihood of complications and improving joint function post-surgery.

In a panel discussion on orthopedic technologies, Brett Shore, MD, orthopedic surgeon, DISC Sports and Spine Center in Newport Beach, Calif., noted how 3D printing is an area that began as a kind of "novelty" but has evolved to enable multiple benefits in orthopedics. 

"ASC are required to store a significant amount of equipment — a lot of trays that don't necessarily get used all of the time," Dr. Shore said. "Alternatively, you end up having to order in specialized trays for certain cases. The ability to 3D print instruments and implants that are patient specific is really going to be a significant advantage for ASCs in the future and for patient care."