Advancing the Conversation on Motion Preservation 

Three editions in, the conversation around motion preservation continues to grow. 
 
On 19 September 2026, Transmedic brought together leading spine surgeons and clinical experts from ASEAN, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America for the 3rd Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) Roundtable at Conrad Singapore Orchard. 
 
With faculty and delegates joining from ASEAN, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, the Roundtable created a dedicated platform for scientific exchange, peer-to-peer learning and open discussion around the evolving role of artificial disc replacement and motion preservation in spine care. 
 
For Course Chairman Dr Dennis Hey, this evolution reflects a broader shift towards increasingly individualised approaches to motion preservation.

 

“Nowadays, we’re talking about a patient-specific strategy, level-specific strategy… moving forward, the key is to find the right design implant with the right material science… tailored to that level.” 
 
Dr Dennis Hey 
Course Chairman, ADR Roundtable 2026 
 
Global Perspectives, Shared Clinical Challenges 

 

A defining part of this year’s Roundtable was the diversity of clinical experience in the room. 

International faculty joined regional experts to exchange perspectives on cervical and lumbar total disc replacement, covering patient selection, surgical strategy, clinical outcomes and the management of complex cases. 
 
Rather than focusing only on individual techniques, the discussions created an opportunity for surgeons practising in different healthcare environments to compare approaches to similar clinical challenges. 
 
As Dr Scott Blumenthal, faculty member from the United States, shared:

 

“The interchange is excellent. I come out here to lecture, but I always learn more than I bring… We get to talk about different approaches to similar problems and keep the conversation going.” 
 
Dr Scott Blumenthal 
Faculty, United States 

 

That openness was echoed by regional faculty. Dr Harmantya Mahadhipta highlighted the value of sharing not only successes, but complications, techniques and practical lessons — creating an environment where surgeons can learn directly from one another.

 

Going Deeper into Motion Preservation 

 

Across the programme, discussions extended from the fundamentals of total disc replacement into some of the more complex questions shaping the field today. 
 
Topics included cervical and lumbar motion preservation, patient selection, surgical strategy and clinical outcomes, alongside spinal deformity management, spinal degeneration and 360-degree motion preservation. 
 
Case sharing and discussion allowed faculty and delegates to examine how evidence translates into real-world decision-making — including challenging cases where there may not be a single straightforward approach. 
 
This openness is an important part of what the Roundtable has developed into over its three editions.

 

From a Roundtable to a Regional Community  

What began as a scientific meeting has also developed into a growing community around motion preservation.
 
Serene Lim, Regional Product Marketing Manager at Transmedic, reflected on how the discussions have evolved year on year:

 

“Each year, the discussion has evolved more in depth — from patient selection and surgical strategy to challenging cases. It’s not just about a specific implant or a specific technique; we are creating a platform for open clinical discussion around motion preservation.”
Serene Lim 
Transmedic Group

 

She added that the event has increasingly developed into a regional ADR community, with the aim of continuing to connect surgeons across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and beyond. 
 
That growth was also reflected by Course Co-Chairman Dr Chew Zhihong, who noted the increasing interest in the programme and its ability to connect colleagues internationally, locally and regionally.

 
Continuing the Conversation  

 

As the field of motion preservation continues to evolve, so too will the questions being explored — from selecting the right patient and surgical strategy to understanding how emerging technologies and evidence can shape future approaches to spine care.

Through the ADR Roundtable, Transmedic remains committed to supporting professional education and facilitating meaningful clinical exchange between regional and international spine communities.