2018 Top 10 Global Orthopedic Device Firms

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The use of robotics in orthopedic surgery is finally beginning to gain momentum, and the orthopedic elites have taken notice. As well they should, considering upgrading to a robotic solution can provide advanced surgical planning, precision machining of bone, improved implant-bone contact, implant placement optimization, and vastly improved mechanical alignment.

In perhaps last year’s most highly anticipated rollout, Stryker Corp. revealed its Mako robotic arm could be used to implant the company’s Triathlon knee, giving the system the ability to assist in total knee, hip, and partial knee replacements. Though it is unclear whether Verb Surgical—the long-heralded J&J-Verily robotic surgery venture—will pursue orthopedic applications, DePuy Synthes will undoubtedly be interested to see its potential. Smith & Nephew’s Navio platform was also expanded last year to support its Journey II, Legion Primary, and Genesis II total knee arthroplasty systems. Medtronic, meanwhile, began a three-tiered investment agreement that established a 15 percent stake in surgical robotics firm Mazor Robotics during its 2017 fiscal year to back the Mazor X robotic guidance system for spinal surgery. Globus Medical also launched its Excelsius GPS last year, a versatile robotic guidance and navigation system that supports minimally invasive and open orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures.

Last year also witnessed some chief executive shuffling within the Top 10. David Dvorak left Zimmer Biomet after 10 years at the helm, passing the buck to former Medtronic executive Bryan Hanson. Inciting further rumors of a takeover, Namal Nawana—mastermind behind the Abbott-Alere union—replaced Smith & Nephew’s Olivier Bohuon, who retired after seven years of leadership. Finally, Globus Medical promoted former president and COO David Demski to CEO last year to replace founder and chairman David C. Paul.

We hope you enjoy reading this year’s Top 10 report.

Editors’ note: As you read our report, please take note that while the companies are ranked according to sales reported for FY 2017 (though we do provide some 2018 figures to date where possible), some may include non-device sales within a division, such as combination products, drug delivery, software, or device-related services. Not all companies explicitly break out the device portion of total revenues. We consulted numerous public documents and contacted company officials as needed to arrive at the best estimates.

TOP ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE FIRMS