When should we adopt new technology into our practices?
This is an interesting editorial that considers a surgeon's decision to adapt a new technology. Take our previous post as an example (see link). Noting the high complication rate in that study, is there convincing evidence that we should abandon a standard stemmed humeral implant and use a stemless implant? The finding that the new shoulder arthroplasty system statistically improves patient comfort and function is insufficient, in that virtually all shoulder arthroplasty systems statistically improve patient comfort and function. What is necessary to make the switch is evidence that there is sufficient incremental benefit to the patient over the standard approach to offset the costs of the new technology (see below).
The editorial calls our attention to the risk of bias in papers describing new technologies - factors that may make the new technology appear better than it really is by inflating its apparent benefit and underestimating the harm that may result from its use.
So each of us needs to consider carefully what it would take to move us from what we currently do successfully to some new technology. What problems are we currently having that we are convinced could be solved by a different approach?
How you can support research in shoulder surgery Click on this link.
Here are some videos that are of shoulder interest
Shoulder arthritis - what you need to know (see this link)
The smooth and move for irreparable cuff tears (see this link)
The total shoulder arthroplasty (see this link).
The ream and run technique is shown in this link.
The cuff tear arthropathy arthroplasty (see this link).
The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (see this link).
Shoulder rehabilitation exercises (see this link).
Follow on twitter: Frederick Matsen (@shoulderarth)
