Christopher Delporte, Editorial Director05.19.06
In particular, some analysts are taking a closer look at falling or stagnant stock prices for top orthopedic manufacturers and wondering if the impressive 20%+ growth the industry has seen in recent years was perhaps too much growth too soon.
I say, fear not! The amazing strides will continue in coming years, if a recent study presented at the annual AAOS meeting is any indication. According to Exponent Inc., a Philadelphia, PA-based consulting firm, nearly 3.5 million artificial knees will be replaced annually by 2030, a whopping 673% increase from current statistics; in the same timeframe, 572,000 hips will need replacement, a 174% jump. (For more information about this report, see News Front on page 10.)As a little as a decade ago, many people suffered greatly from arthritic conditions and consequently couldn’t work and faced major financial hardships—all because artificial joints weren’t as widely available as they are today. Now, millions of people are back to enjoying life, thanks to this industry’s innovation.
A report from the NIH confirms that nine out of 10 people who have had an artificial knee implanted experience fast pain relief, better mobility and overall better quality of life.
“The good news is that there’s not much in medicine that’s as effective as a joint replacement procedure,” Dr. Joshua J. Jacobs, associate chairman of orthopedic surgery at Rush University Medical Center, told one newspaper. With good press like that (and impressive numbers to back it up), how can the industry not continue to garner substantial accolades for its achievements?
To ensure we keep succeeding in our quest to serve you, the staff of Orthopedic Design & Technology is pleased to announce some new additions to our Editorial Advisory Board:
Barbara Lyons, director of global marketing for Precimed, is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College. She joined Precimed in 1998 to help establish US operations.
Michael Schwartz, an associate with Baker & Daniels, specializes in IP and patent law. A graduate of Indiana University School of Law (as well as a BS in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University), he has prepared and prosecuted a significant number of orthopedic and other surgical patent applications during his career.
Please join me in welcoming them to the team!