Celebrating Change in the Orthopedic Device Industry

For some time, the orthopedic devices manufacturing industry seemingly innovated at a glacial pace, with implants and instruments remaining relatively unchanged for what felt like decades. Sure, advancements took place, but overall, disruptive innovation appeared to be the exception, not the rule. I realize this could have been more of a perception issue rather than reality, but that certainly was the impression I had.

Fortunately, today’s orthopedic device industry couldn’t be further from reflecting this. The digital transformation that’s been occurring in this sector for at least a decade has been fantastic. It’s been the driving force behind moving orthopedic surgeries away from an “art form” to procedures guided by data and precision.

With this in mind, most sessions at this year’s ODT Forum (scheduled for April 24; www.odtforum.com) will discuss the changes taking place within the industry. On the campus of the University of Memphis at the FedEx Institute of Technology, the 2024 gathering will feature participants who will not only discuss the modifications happening at the device level but also with regulatory oversight and among suppliers and OEMs as well.

Leading the day off will be a welcome address from Vernon Hartdegen, VP of R&D for Trauma, CMF, Sports, and Extremities at DePuy Synthes, which will highlight the Memphis region and explain its importance to the sector. Hartdegen will return later in the morning to participate in a panel that looks at the impact of consolidation on the industry, both at the OEM and supplier level. He will join industry peers from both types of organizations to discuss how this trend is impacting the relationship between the two types of firms, supply chain, and other related topics that have been affected by M&A activity.

Following the opening welcome address, Gary Stevenson, co-founder and managing partner of MB Venture Partners, will offer his view on the State of the Industry. This deep dive into facts and figures will focus on a number of factors affecting the orthopedic device manufacturing industry, including supply chain, M&A, growth areas, and other related topics critical to both OEMs and their supply chain partners.

In the spot between the State of the Industry and the aforementioned Consolidation panel will be a regulatory-centric session. Regulatory Update: A Sector in Transition will provide valuable insights from Ibim Tariah, Ph.D., technical business development director—Medical Devices for SGS North America Inc. The main topic of discussion will center on the EU’s MDR transition, which is still causing confusion among device manufacturers, with several deadlines that have shifted and a variety of testing changes that came into play with the new regulations. Revisions at the U.S. FDA will also be covered.

The afternoon will see three panels focused on changes with technology. After lunch, a session will be dedicated to Design Considerations: Developing Products for the ASC Environment. As more orthopedic procedures move to ambulatory surgery centers (ASC), there are a number of considerations orthopedic device makers must keep in mind. Space for technologies versus the hospital OR environment is just one factor, but a significant one. Cleaning protocols for devices or whether a move to single-use is a better decision is another dynamic. This panel will discuss these variables and others.

The second afternoon panel is centered on The Growing Role of Additive Manufacturing (AM). While many are familiar with this fabrication process for rapid iteration and development, use of it is quickly increasing for areas outside of design. AM is being leveraged for finished orthopedic devices and implants, bringing questions into play on materials, regulatory concerns, and testing. The emerging use of AM at the point of care will also be explored, as hospitals are working with partners to establish facilities to enable this process to occur inside their walls. It’s an exciting time for this still-developing manufacturing protocol and the session should highlight the more interesting happenings.

Rounding out the educational schedule, Enabling Success: A Discussion of the New Technologies Transforming Orthopedics will involve a panel conversing about the many non-traditional aspects of today’s industry. This will include robotic surgical and navigation systems; the use of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality; the influx of artificial intelligence, data, and analytics; and other innovations. The impact these developments are making on procedures as well as questions involving their development will be addressed.

As always, plenty of time will be dedicated to the networking aspect that serves an important role in all ODT and MPO events. Attendees will be able to meet with sponsors to identify those who can aid them for future projects.

Can’t wait for this year’s event and hope to see you there! 

Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]