Christopher Delporte, Editorial Director12.12.05
Innovation in medical technology is clearly a key to this system, as techniques such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have dramatically reduced pain, clinical complications and hospital stays.
The summit, held in late October (see pg 42 for a report full report on the Cleveland Clinic Summit), offered attendees and presenters a forum to discuss the latest innovations in orthopedic and other medical technologies while examining their clinical and economic impact. Bringing orthopedic device manufacturers together gave all participants a rare opportunity to share visions and approaches to challenges ahead.It’s obvious that MIS is gaining popularity, as the summit kicked off its second day with live spinal procedures incorporating MIS (check out our own feature on MIS advances on pg 30). Other favored topics were advances in spinal and joint technologies. The overarching theme, Bench to Bedside and Back, was a powerful reminder that innovation is important not just to the technology industry, but mostly to the patients who will benefit from advances in the care they receive.
I recently learned that more than 30 million Americans suffer low back pain (myself included), and an increasing number of them will opt for spinal infusions. According to the Millennium Research Group, the U.S. market for spinal implants will grow steadily over the next five years, attaining annual sales exceeding $5 billion in 2010. As the U.S. population grows and ages, the need for cutting-edge technology that helps maintain quality of life will only increase.
As the new editor of Orthopedic Design & Technology, I have a similar charge to maintain innovation. While I am not creating the technology that will save and better patients’ lives, I do feel an acute responsibility to help guide you down the road to advancing healthcare for my loved ones and the rest of the nation.
Our premier issue was well received, and my staff has a strong idea of how to best serve you moving forward. At a recent trade show, I was often asked about my vision for this publication. Ultimately I would like you to consider this magazine as your own ongoing forum for innovation. That approach begins with a simple request: Let me know what you are thinking! What do you consider innovative in the orthopedic industry, and what challenges will you face? How can I best address your interests and needs in future issues?
I welcome your feedback and ideas. Please feel free to email me at jwhitney@rodpub.com, or call me at (201) 825-2552. Let’s combine our innovative ideas to create a regular “summit” in this journal that can further the development of original orthopedic technology.