Evaluating Material Options for Orthopedics

Orthopedic device manufacturing continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Elective surgeries are still on the upswing and orthopedic technology companies are also investing heavily in R&D. Although new implants, devices, materials, and instruments are in high demand, supply chain delays continue to slow down production and extend lead times. This, however, is starting to stabilize. "Most of the supply chain issues are behind us, although lead times on average have increased by eight to 12 weeks,” said Omar Hameed, marketing director of Magnum Medical, a Chandler, Ariz.-based provider of medical, surgical, and diagnostic products for the medical device industry.

Resin suppliers, compounders, and processors are still struggling to catch up with manufacturing demand. Vexing labor shortages are also contributing to longer lead times. “Lead times continue to extend and currently, many specialty materials, including medical grade stainless and cobalt alloys, are now well over one year,” said Stephen Smith, director of marketing for