Zimmer Biomet Unveils AI Model to Predict Post-Op Recovery Progress

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. is debuting artificial intelligence (AI) technology that helps identify patients with lagging gait speed during their hip or knee surgical recoveries.

WalkAI can predict patients¹ who are likely to have a lower gait speed 90 days after receiving their new joint. “Using a proprietary, Zimmer Biomet-developed artificial intelligence algorithm, WalkAI is the orthopedic industry’s first and only AI-based model to create daily, personalized predictions and identify patients who may be exceptions to typical recovery curves in an effort to help surgeons mitigate or minimize poor outcomes,” said Liane Teplitsky, president, Global Robotics and Technology & Data Solutions, Zimmer Biomet. “WalkAI is built from our wealth of anonymized ZBEdge data and is the first model to demonstrate our unique capability to deliver actionable predictions by connecting real-world data and AI through ZBEdge products and experiences.” 

WalkAI uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze a patient’s mobility to generate a personalized daily prediction of their gait (walking) speed three months after surgery. The daily prediction is compared to anonymized, real-world data from the extensive ZBEdge database to identify when a patient’s recovery may not be on track based on predicted low gait speed. The AI-based solution adds predictive analytic capabilities to ZBEdge, a suite of integrated smart, digital and robotic technologies purposefully engineered to deliver transformative data-powered clinical insights with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
 
WalkAI integrates with the mymobility Care Management Platform, which collects patient gait data, through their iPhone² and when necessary, provides the WalkAI notification to healthcare professionals through the mymobility clinician dashboard.
 
“Our strategic prioritization and investment in R&D has solidified our position as an innovator in our space with breakthrough technologies like Persona IQ, a first-to-world smart knee implant, mymobility Care Management Platform, ROSA Robotics, and now, WalkAI, the first AI-based model in orthopedics to create daily personalized outcome predictions based on a patient’s gait recovery,” said Ivan Tornos, chief operating officer, Zimmer Biomet. “ZBEdge is realizing our bold vision of an interconnected ecosystem of digital and robotic technologies by sharing data and unlocking clinical insights, which is now enhanced by artificial intelligence modeling.”
 
A first step for Zimmer Biomet’s AI platform, WalkAI has been rolled out globally to a select group of mymobility users and will be widely available as part of ZBEdge by the end of the month. 
 
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

References
¹ Patients are assessed and identified by WalkAI from day 15 after surgery through day 40 after surgery. During this time period it is predicting what their gait speed will be at day 90 after surgery.
² WalkAI uses patient gait data collected for patients using the mymobility application on an iPhone. It is not supported for patients using mymobility on Android or through their browser.