Development in spine surgery had been left behind for so many years. Thanks to modernization, it made a way to improve instrumentation on spine procedures, biologics, and intraoperative neuro navigation which contribute a lot to achieve better patient outcomes. It is one of the reasons why keep us with news about technology. Moreover, innovations in the field of spine surgery do not slow down even a little.

There was no time in history that innovation committed so much to a procedure in just a short time span.

Spine Surgical Procedures

Below is the list of upcoming procedures that can make a large impact on the field of spine surgery:

1. Utilization of metals in spinal instrumentation

Basically, the metals that were commonly used for spinal instrumentation are cobalt chrome, titanium, and stainless steel. However, physical properties of these metals make the instruments to be big for such procedure.

And because of modernization in the incorporation of new metal alloys like molybdenum-rhenium, it provides a stronger and more durable instrument. Moreover, it also helps to enjoy the size compactness of the instrument.

In addition, this growth of smaller instruments becomes very beneficial for use in minimally invasive spine surgery. Furthermore, it also decreases allergenicity unlike the traditional metals being used.

2. 3D Printed Implants

One of the technological trends incorporated in the field of spine surgery is the 3D printing. Mostly, neurosurgeons including spine doctor in Austin, Texas, utilized 3D printing technologies for operational procedures. These 3D printing technologies include the 3D Printed Cranial Implants and the 3D Printed Models of Complex Spine Cases.

But, as innovations take place, the 3D Printed Implants become the demand in spine surgery. This is due to the various benefits that it may provide.

• The 3D Printed Implants can be shaped and personalized to fit to the patient.
• Less production of material waste
• Can able to randomized the porosity and pore size that contribute to the improvement of integration and scaffolding.

3. Nanotechnology incorporated in Spinal Implants

Old model implants have smooth appearance and surfaces due to nanoscale setting. However, the newer ones are produced with nanotopographies and nanoroughness. These properties boost the signaling patterns to promote bone growth as well as to reduce the complications related to implant devices. Additionally, these are coated with antibiotics that minimize the occurrence of infections after surgery.

4. Automation process in the operating room

Alongside with the growth of modernization, robotics made a remarkable introduction in the field of neurosurgery. These robots assist neurosurgeons on the instrumentation process inside the operating room. The robots performance were monitored by the surgeons through virtual or augmented technology.

5. Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic Spine Surgery is a procedure that have been a great help for surgeons for so many years. But, it also keeps on moving with the changes brought by technology through the enhancement in surgical instrument and imaging. These may provide lowered infections after operations, hospitalization period, and the potential of having instability requiring fusion.