Expectations and Current State of the Art in Complex Spine Surgery at HSS

Description

In this episode of HSS Presents, host Dr. Farah Musharbash, a spine surgery fellow at the Hospital for Special Surgery, welcomes esteemed guests Dr. Han Jo Kim and Dr. Francis Lovecchio to discuss advancements in spinal deformity surgery. The conversation explores the evolution of surgical techniques, improved patient care protocols, and the significant changes in recovery expectations over the past decades.



Dr. Kim highlights the transition from traditional methods, such as in-situ fusions and extensive casting, to modern practices emphasizing minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery pathways. He emphasizes the importance of preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, discussing how these strategies reduce hospital stays and complications.



Dr. Lovecchio contributes by discussing the optimization of patient conditions prior to surgery, including assessments of bone health and muscle strength, and the evolving understanding of biological age versus chronological age in surgical candidates. They both share real patient experiences, including those who have returned to active lifestyles post-surgery, challenging the common misconceptions surrounding the recovery potential following extensive spinal procedures.



The episode concludes with predictions about the future of spinal deformity surgery, focusing on personalized medicine and the integration of advanced genomic data to better assess and mitigate surgical risks. Drs. Kim and Lovecchio express their commitment to continue improving surgical outcomes through research and collaboration.

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