Dr. Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez argues that a skewed vision of value, where short-term cost-cutting has replaced analysis of overall medical costs is damaging the healthcare system, making it impossible for surgeons to operate to the best of their abilities because they are lacking basic tools.
The global orthopaedics market is expected to see significant growth during the period of 2023-2027, with a CAGR of 3,1%.1 In the United Kingdom, the orthopaedics devices market is estimated to reach a market volume of US$2.03bn by 2028 (approximately £1.61bn), with a CAGR of 3,93%.2
Despite these bullish figures, healthcare provisioning for orthopaedic surgery is still largely based on a short-term cost-cutting approach, often neglecting investment in critical tools. As a result, surgeons, facing resource constraints and lacking adequate tools, typically resort to designing solutions on-the-fly during procedures, with the risk of compromising the quality of care and patient safety.
NHS performance data shows that waiting times for surgeries in the United Kingdom continue to present significant challenges.3 A survey, covering one quarter of all UK surgeons, found that 56% believe that access to operation theatres is a major challenge.4 The NHS has also had to face walkouts by NHS doctors fighting over better pay, and a report by the Royal College of Surgeons England found that more than 3,000 surgeons had contemplated quitting the NHS, with two-thirds blaming burn out and work-related stress.5
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