Tag Archive | technology
February 8, 2018  

With New Technologies, Slow Adoption is Best

MoM for OBuzzThe enemy of the good is the better. It’s an axiom we hear during our surgical training, and it was my first thought when reading the article by Hunt et al. in the February 7, 2018 edition of JBJS.  The authors examine failure rates associated with the rapid adoption and widespread use of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and hip resurfacings.

Carefully analyzing data from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 2003 to 2014, Hunt et al. ascertained that MoM hip resurfacings and MoM total hip arthroplasties resulted in 10-year revision rates that were almost 3 and 5 times higher, respectively, than the expected revision rates for standard hip procedures. This meant that within 10 years, there were almost 8 excess revisions for every 100 MoM hip resurfacings and almost 16 excess revisions for every 100 MoM total hip arthroplasties. Just as troubling was the finding that 20% of those excess revisions needed at least one additional revision within 7 years.

As orthopaedic surgeons, we strive to make things better for patients, which may tempt us to try a “new and improved” technology for a nominal (or presumed) improvement in outcome, when the one we are currently using works just fine. It is our responsibility as surgeons not to be blind to the unintended consequences new technologies may have on our patients.

I agree with the blunt directive Hunt et al. issue in the final sentence of their abstract: “This practice of adopting new technologies without adequate supporting data must not be repeated.”

Chad A. Krueger, MD
JBJS Deputy Editor for Social Media

May 27, 2016  

JBJS Reviews Editor’s Choice–How Should New Orthopaedic Technology Be Introduced?

Over the past several decades, orthopaedic surgery has enjoyed an explosion in the development of new technologies. These technologies have largely improved the quality of orthopaedic care. The development of new technologies results in both disruptive and nondisruptive evolution and requires that orthopaedic surgeons gain specific knowledge of their appropriate use in clinical practice.

However, despite the advances developed from orthopaedic innovation, many discoveries have been associated with unanticipated adverse events. As an example, the original total hip replacement developed by Charnley featured a 1-piece femoral component with a 22.5-mm head. This was later changed to a larger-diameter head, resulting in increased volumetric wear of conventional polyethylene. In addition, new implants with sharp corners led to cement fractures and the development of so-called cement disease. More recently, metal-on-metal articulations have been associated with metallic particles and ion-induced bone and soft-tissue destruction. Ceramic-on-ceramic articulations may lead to implant breakage, striped wear, and squeaking. There is no question that total hip arthroplasty is an exceptionally successful technology, but there is concern regarding the way in which improvements and innovations gain regulatory approval and surgeon acceptance.

In the May 2016 issue of JBJS Reviews, Goodman et al. discuss the introduction of new technologies in orthopaedic surgery. They review the use of novel biologics and combination products and, in particular, single out platelet-rich plasma for the insufficient clinical evidence to support its use. Moreover, they describe the initial enthusiasm regarding the use of recombinant human BMP-2 for spine fusions but note that a review of clinical trials has revealed that there may be concerns regarding insufficient numbers of patients to assess safety, under-reporting of serious complications, conflict of interest among the investigators, and potential bias.

Goodman et al. address some very simple but nonetheless profound issues. For example, they ask, “How should new technologies be introduced into orthopaedics?” They further ask, “How should a surgeon learn to use new technology?” Perhaps most importantly, they raise the issue of ethical considerations related to the use of new technology.

The future of orthopaedic innovation looks bright. Some have commented that there are too many perceived barriers to gaining regulatory approval of new technologies. Recently, the structure and methodology by which approval of new medical technology is managed across the United States has come under increased scrutiny.

I do not think you can ever be too safe or too careful. This article by Goodman et al. is an excellent review of the issues and considerations. It’s a quick read but leaves plenty of room for thought!

Thomas Einhorn, Editor

JBJS Reviews