Introduction of New Technology in Orthopaedic Surgery: Lessons From Joint Arthroplasty and Relevance to the Coming Digital Instrumentation Revolution (Presidential Guest Lecture)

Description

In this enlightening lecture, John Skinner introduces Professor Dan Berry as the Presidential Guest Lecturer, celebrating his remarkable career and contributions to orthopedic surgery. Professor Berry, who trained at Harvard and completed his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, has significantly impacted the field, publishing nearly 400 peer-reviewed articles and authoring multiple books on arthroplasty. With various leadership roles, including president of several orthopedic societies, he is heralded as a leader in both American and global orthopedics, committed to advancing surgical practices and innovations.



Professor Berry's talk focuses on the introduction of new technology in orthopedic surgery, specifically lessons from joint arthroplasty and implications for the imminent digital instrumentation revolution. He emphasizes the dynamic nature of orthopedics, characterized by rapid advancements and innovation, while also recognizing the potential pitfalls and risks involved with new technologies.



He shares historical examples of both successful and problematic innovations in the field, such as Charnley total hip arthroplasty as a triumph in addressing crippling hip arthritis, while also discussing the challenges faced with minimally invasive techniques that were over-hyped and not adequately tested. Berry provides insights on the importance of rigorous testing, simplicity in technology, and the need for ongoing education for surgeons to safely integrate innovative tools into their practice.



As he extends the discussion to digital technologies and robotics, he suggests these tools will soon become standard in orthopedic practices, highlighting their potential to improve precision and consistency in surgical outcomes. While he advocates for embracing these advancements, he also cautions against complacency, urging surgeons to maintain traditional skills as a safeguard against reliance on technology.



Berry concludes by prompting practitioners to critically assess when and how to adopt new technologies, underscoring the ethical implications of their implementation in clinical settings. The lecture beautifully captures the balance required between innovation and caution in the ever-evolving realm of orthopedic surgery.

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