Orthopedic surgery in 2025: Embracing innovation, preserving autonomy

Editor's Note

With 2024 concluded, orthopedic surgeons and surgical leaders are poised to leverage new technologies while addressing challenges in autonomy and value-based care in 2025, Healio December 17 reports. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have proven critical in providing cost-effective, patient-centered care, the author noted, highlighting that physician-led ASCs showcase teamwork across disciplines and emphasize the value of surgeon ownership to preserve private practice autonomy.

Technological advancements like robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and wearable devices are reshaping care delivery. AI now aids surgical planning, risk assessments, and radiographic interpretation, while robotics ensure precision and shorter learning curves. Wearable devices and telehealth innovations promise greater patient engagement, though orthopedic practice faces hurdles in realizing telehealth’s full potential.

Despite these innovations, threats to provider autonomy persist, with hospital and private equity involvement shifting priorities toward financial incentives. These models often risk diminishing patient-centered care and disrupting traditional practice cultures, the author said. However, 2025 may bring employment models that preserve surgeon leadership and autonomy.

The author urged orthopedic surgeons and surgical leaders to embrace transformative technologies and leadership roles within practices, hospitals, and professional organizations. The future of orthopedics is ripe with promise, he said, but it requires proactive engagement in innovation and advocacy to safeguard the specialty’s legacy and elevate patient care standards.