The Future of Orthopaedic Surgery (British Orthopaedic Assoc)
As the 21st century comes of age and the global burden of disease shifts increasingly towards musculoskeletal conditions, orthopaedic surgeons will be called upon to rise to the challenge.
Orthopaedic surgery is on a path towards less invasive and more precise operations, with a greater proportion of outpatient and overnight procedures1 . This trajectory is likely to continue and will be further facilitated by new technologies, making surgery more selective and the orthopaedic surgeon an increasingly proactive specialist in the management of injuries and conditions.
As the saying goes: “Predictions are difficult, especially about the future.” It would be remiss to presume too much about how orthopaedic surgery will look tomorrow, but there are a few key trends that are becoming apparent. This is occurring against a backdrop of increasing demand for orthopaedic services worldwide and the rising threat of antibiotic resistance2,3,4. Clinical expertise and experience will be needed to inform appropriate responses.
Technology is reshaping the world and, with it, orthopaedic surgery. Whilst many recent ad...
