• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Manufacturing
    • Markets
    • Top 10 Orthopedic Device Firms
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Manufacturing
  • Markets
  • Top 10 Orthopedic Device Firms
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Departments
    Columns
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Editorial Guidelines
    eNewsletter Archive
    Top Features
    From Nitinol to Nanotubes: A Materials Science Roundtable

    In Good Repair: Trauma Technologies Under Review

    Anxious Undertones: A Review of 2019

    Automated Analysis Advantages for Part Validation

    Tried and True Metalworking
    Breaking News
    Certifications
    Clinical Trials
    Device Approvals & Patents
    Financial & Deals
    International
    Market Data & Trends
    OEM News
    People
    Product & Service Releases
    Products
    Quality, Recalls & Risk
    Regulatory & Legal
    Supplier & Contract Mfg.
    Live From Shows
    Top News & Features
    Orthofix Appoints New Spine Business Leader

    Viant to Halt EtO Sterilization at Michigan Plant by End of Year

    Synaptive Medical's Modus V Expands Into Spine Market

    3D-Printed Graftless Bone Transplants Go to Clinical Trials

    CrossRoads Extremity Systems Acquires Implant Systems from Surgical Frontiers
    3-D Printing/Additive Mfg.
    Assembly & Automation
    Biocompatibility & Testing
    Clean Room
    Coatings/Surface Modification
    Contract Manufacturing
    Design
    Extrusion
    Finishing
    Forging & Casting
    Instruments, Cases & Trays
    International/Offshoring
    Laser Processing
    Materials
    Machining & Tooling
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    Prototyping
    Research & Developement
    Software & Quality
    Staffing, Training & Prof. Dev.
    Supply Chain

    3D-Printed Graftless Bone Transplants Go to Clinical Trials

    CrossRoads Extremity Systems Acquires Implant Systems from Surgical Frontiers

    Micro Spine Implant Could Restore Standing and Walking

    RTI Surgical Appoints New Division Leaders

    From Nitinol to Nanotubes: A Materials Science Roundtable
    Biologics
    Bracing/Prosthetics
    Extremities
    Imaging
    Instruments
    Large Joint
    MIS/Robotics
    Spine/Neurology
    Trauma/Sports
    Top Markets
    Molybdenum-Rhenium Biomaterial: Something ‘MoRe’?

    New Exoskeleton Shoulders Rehab Burden for Stroke Patients

    Repairing Knee Cartilage Defects with the Patient's Own Cells

    Compamed 2019 Preview Report

    Straightening Out a Spinal Device’s De Novo Pathway
    Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    White Papers
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Edge International/Supra Alloys

    Orchid Orthopedic Solutions

    Nelson Laboratories LLC

    Huron Tool & Cutter Grinding Co. Inc.

    Five Star Manufacturing Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Departments
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Capabilities
      • White Papers
      • Add Your Company
    • Manufacturing
      • 3-D Printing/Additive Mfg.
      • Assembly & Automation
      • Biocompatibility & Testing
      • Clean Room
      • Coatings/Surface Modification
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Design
      • Extrusion
      • Finishing
      • Forging & Casting
      • Instruments, Cases & Trays
      • International/Offshoring
      • Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Machining & Tooling
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • Prototyping
      • Research & Developement
      • Software & Quality
      • Staffing, Training & Prof. Dev.
      • Supply Chain
    • Markets
      • Biologics
      • Bracing/Prosthetics
      • Extremities
      • Imaging
      • Instruments
      • Large Joint
      • MIS/Robotics
      • Spine/Neurology
      • Trauma/Sports
    • Top 10 Orthopedic Device Firms
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • Events
      • Industry Events
    • Live from Show Event
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
      • Advertise With Us
    Editorial

    A Look to the Future: Observations from the Top 10 Reports

    A Look to the Future: Observations from the Top 10 Reports
    Related CONTENT
    • FDA OKs Medtronic's Accurian Radio Frequency System for Nerve Ablation
    • Medtronic Launches Japan's First DBM Bone Grafting Product for Spine and Orthopedic Procedures
    • AAOS News: Zimmer Biomet Exhibiting Ecosystem of Solutions
    • FDA OKs Zimmer Biomet's ROSA ONE Spine System for Robotically-Assisted Surgeries
    • A Return to Memphis: An ODT Forum Preview
    Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief08.14.19
    As I reviewed this year’s top company reports, I saw mentions of the familiar products commonly associated with the orthopedic industry—implants for hips, knees, and spine, as well as bracing solutions and instrumentation. These products offered mostly modest gains, demonstrating consistent, low single-digit growth for the top firms. They provide the company with financial stability; sales of these technologies “keep the lights on.”

    My focus, however, was not on these segments. Rather, what most piqued my interest were the selection of innovations that have only recently seen market launch (i.e., within the last few years). The devices in this realm will enable the type of growth these organizations (and their shareholders) seek. Also, they often enable a greater level of care for patients, leveraging the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, robotics, advanced imaging, and other developments impacting healthcare.

    For example, within Stryker’s report, the Tritanium TL Curved Posterior Lumbar Cage is featured. Additively manufactured spinal implants have been growing in terms of adoption by companies leveraging the fabrication technology for their creation. Ultimately, they could even lead to spinal implants customized for each individual patient. For now though, the manufacturing protocol helps create a surface favorable for osseointegration.

    Another emerging technology that has been a major focal point for many device makers in the top 10 list is robotic surgical systems. This type of solution originated with the development and launch of Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci System back in 2000, which incidentally does not have applications for the orthopedic space. Recognizing that void, a bevy of alternatives have since emerged, most of which were birthed at a startup and then acquired by one of the larger players.

    Smith & Nephew—which specifically mentions developing robotics, imaging, and augmented reality as part of its growth plan—gained the NAVIO Surgical System in its purchase of Blue Belt Technologies in 2015. Demand for the portable offering helped contribute to the firm’s gains in 2018.

    Medtronic made waves in M&A headlines with its anticipated buy of Mazor Robotics, which developed the Mazor X system. Medtronic had previously invested in the Israeli-based firm, as outlined in last year’s report, but made the move to bring the entity in-house last year. “Over the past two years, it’s become clear to us that enabling technology like this is the future,” explained Geoff Martha, president of Medtronic’s Restorative Therapies Group, in a Bloomberg piece.

    Clearly, he’s not alone in that assessment.

    Globus Medical and Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes both seemed to have similar favorable attitudes toward the robotic innovations garnering attention within orthopedics. Perhaps inspired by its efforts with Verily on the formation of Verb Surgical, an entity that could challenge the market dominance of the da Vinci system, DePuy absorbed Orthotaxy—an organization developing a robotic surgical solution—in 2018. Its anticipated product launch is set for 2020 and the company claims it does not resemble other robotic products on the market.

    Globus, on the other hand, is already marketing its offering, which presents its own differentiator. At launch, the ExcelsiusGPS was the only system to combine surgical navigation and robotic guidance for spinal procedures. While the first case using the product was performed in late 2017, the firm grew its footprint last year.

    Other technologies are being introduced that represent new innovations for orthopedics. Zimmer Biomet partnered with Apple to better understand why some patients had more positive recovery experiences following knee and hip replacement surgeries. The mymobility app was implemented as part of a clinical study, guiding patients through the surgery to attempt to improve recovery. The Apple Watch was also incorporated to track patient movement and heart rate while sharing that information with doctors who could then get a better idea of progress made.

    Some firms have fully embraced the growth technology areas and left the more traditional orthopedic solutions behind. Wright Medical is seeing the fruits of its labor in transitioning to a company exclusively focused on the extremities and biologics segments. The move came out of its merger with Tornier in 2015 and has resulted in strong, double-digit gains year-over-year since.

    I hope you’ll take a few moments to review the enclosed top company reports for 2019. As you do, I’m certain you’ll gain key insights into the happenings at these leading firms and perhaps reflect on your own company’s actions in comparison. Are you one of those leading the crowd in the development of new technologies or are you playing catch-up?  

    Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
    sfenske@rodmanmedia.com
    Related Searches
    • development
    • orthopedic
    • medical
    • app
    Suggested For You
    The 2019 Top 10 Global Orthopedic Device Firms The 2019 Top 10 Global Orthopedic Device Firms
    The 2019 Top 10 Global Orthopedic Device Firms The 2019 Top 10 Global Orthopedic Device Firms
    3. Zimmer Biomet 3. Zimmer Biomet
    5. Medtronic Spine 5. Medtronic Spine
    Hidden Gems: 6 Orthopedic Technology Innovators of Note Hidden Gems: 6 Orthopedic Technology Innovators of Note
    Orthopedic Technology Innovation for Kids Orthopedic Technology Innovation for Kids
    Saluda Medical Secures Debt Financing from Medtronic Saluda Medical Secures Debt Financing from Medtronic
    Medtronic Completes Titan Spine Acquisition Medtronic Completes Titan Spine Acquisition
    The Changing World Around Orthopedic Implants The Changing World Around Orthopedic Implants
    Medtronic to Acquire Titan Spine Medtronic to Acquire Titan Spine
    Medtronic Medtronic's Evolve Workflow with SCS Therapy Improves Pain Relief and Function
    Modernizing the Pre-habilitation Regimen Modernizing the Pre-habilitation Regimen
    Justifying the Hype of Robotic Orthopedic Surgery Justifying the Hype of Robotic Orthopedic Surgery
    A Return to Memphis: An ODT Forum Preview A Return to Memphis: An ODT Forum Preview
    FDA OKs Zimmer Biomet FDA OKs Zimmer Biomet's ROSA ONE Spine System for Robotically-Assisted Surgeries

    Related Editorial

    • Getting a Jump on 2020: Orthopedic Industry

      Getting a Jump on 2020: Orthopedic Industry's 'To-Do' List

      Are device tax, MDR, bundled payments, and value-based healthcare focal points for you and your company as we round out the year?
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 12.02.19

    • An MDR Roundup

      An MDR Roundup

      Anyone involved in medical device development and manufacture has undoubtedly heard of the regulatory changes happening in the EU beginning May 2020, lest they have been living under the proverbial rock. So much has been written and discussed, in fac…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 09.17.19

    • Biologics | Bracing/Prosthetics
      The Changing World Around Orthopedic Implants

      The Changing World Around Orthopedic Implants

      Those who have been in this industry for more than a few years realize implant technology has not changed all that much. Sure, there are new product releases offering innovative benefits not previously available. Further, emerging manufacturing techn…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 05.23.19


    • 3-D Printing/Additive Mfg. | Design | Instruments | Instruments, Cases & Trays | MIS/Robotics
      A Return to Memphis: An ODT Forum Preview

      A Return to Memphis: An ODT Forum Preview

      Hopefully by now, you’ve seen the ads, received the emails, or heard the buzz—but in case you haven’t, the ODT Forum is returning. In addition, it’s going back to where it started—Memphis, Tennessee. On April 11, this on…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 03.29.19

    • Your 2019 ‘Regulatory Issues to Watch’ List

      Your 2019 ‘Regulatory Issues to Watch’ List

      In 2018, one of the most prominent themes for the medical device industry had to be change. The year marked a continued transition for a number of regulatory initiatives as well as the emergence of several new challenges. In spite of how serious some…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 02.13.19

    • Large Joint | MIS/Robotics | Spine/Neurology
      Practice Makes Perfect...Virtually

      Practice Makes Perfect...Virtually

      The North American Spine Society (NASS) 2018 event that took place in September seemed quite similar to the ones I’ve attended during previous years. The overwhelming focus (on the expo floor anyway) was on technologies and solutions involved i…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.30.18


    • Extremities | Large Joint | Spine/Neurology
      A Need for Removal Protocols?

      A Need for Removal Protocols?

      Many of you have likely heard of the controversial medical device industry documentary, “The Bleeding Edge,” recently released through Netflix. If you haven’t yet seen it but you’re reading this column, put the magazine down o…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 09.19.18

    • Bracing/Prosthetics | MIS/Robotics
      Robotics Revolution

      Robotics Revolution

      In my Letter last issue, I was wondering about what had happened to the promise of smart implants. The combination of sensors, connectivity, IoT, and miniaturization could be leveraged to enhance the level of orthopedic care provided to patients requ…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 08.15.18

    • Large Joint | Spine/Neurology
      Where Are the Flying Cars, Hoverboards, and Smart Implants?

      Where Are the Flying Cars, Hoverboards, and Smart Implants?

      Speculation about the future can often result in unrealistic expectations, regardless of the source from which the speculation originates. For example, just look at the second “Back to the Future” movie. Fans of the film gawked at the pro…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 05.29.18


    • Instruments | Large Joint
      A Gathering of Industry

      A Gathering of Industry

      Last week (as of this writing), I attended the 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in New Orleans. It is likely one of the largest collections of orthopedic industry stakeholders, from key surgical opinion leaders to l…
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 03.21.18

    • The Pain Points in Raising Awareness of Medical Technology

      The Pain Points in Raising Awareness of Medical Technology

      Pain management is an extremely hot topic at the moment. Relieving suffering is always a goal of doctors and medical professionals, regardless of its cause. That goal, however, is intertwined with the opioid crisis and the growing attention that issu…
      Sean Fenske, Editor 02.12.18

    • Materials
      ‘Bulletin Board Material’ Spurs Advancements

      ‘Bulletin Board Material’ Spurs Advancements

      Most sports fans are familiar with the phrase “bulletin board material.” It seems to be a favorite topic for sports reporters to bring up with coaches and players when someone from the opposing team makes derogatory comments. Those commen…
      Sean Fenske, Editor 11.21.17

    • Materials | Spine/Neurology
      Porous PEEK in the Limelight

      Porous PEEK in the Limelight

      Mergers and acquisitions have become one of the leading growth strategies among medical device manufacturers (and those suppliers who support them as well, for that matter). Purchasing another firm can offer numerous benefits including opening up new…
      Sean Fenske, Editor 10.02.17

    • Perspective (Trends at the Top 2017): Findings of the Top 10

      Perspective (Trends at the Top 2017): Findings of the Top 10

      Time breeds perspective if you stare at something long enough. I’ve been staring at the medical device industry since 1999. At that time, the first “trend” I observed was the industry reacting to the threat of Y2K. (I’d ventur…
      Sean Fenske, Editor 08.15.17

    • Large Joint
      Sharing the Patient’s Experience

      Sharing the Patient’s Experience

      Celebrity endorsements aren’t a new advertising technique by any measure. For most products, however, we have no idea if the celebrity actually uses the product in their daily life or if they’re simply collecting a paycheck to endorse it.…
      Sean Fenske, Editor 05.19.17


    Breaking News
    • Orthofix Appoints New Spine Business Leader
    • Viant to Halt EtO Sterilization at Michigan Plant by End of Year
    • Synaptive Medical's Modus V Expands Into Spine Market
    • 3D-Printed Graftless Bone Transplants Go to Clinical Trials
    • CrossRoads Extremity Systems Acquires Implant Systems from Surgical Frontiers
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2019

    • From Nitinol to Nanotubes: A Materials Science Roundtable
    • In Good Repair: Trauma Technologies Under Review
    • Anxious Undertones: A Review of 2019
    • View More >
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    International Scientific Society Calls for Omega-3 Blood Testing in Future Research
    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms
    Warmer Temperatures Could Lead to Concerning Levels of Arsenic in Rice
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    BCF: Coatings Industry Reports Record Improvement in Waste, Recycling, Accident Rates
    BASF Doubling Automotive Refinish Coatings Production Capacity at Jiangmen, China Site
    AkzoNobel’s Wanda Vehicle Refinishes Brand Celebrates 85th Anniversary
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Philips & Paige to Deliver Clinical-Grade AI Applications to Pathology Labs
    Eye Test for Parkinson's Gains Breakthrough Designation
    Biomerics Forms New Business Unit
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Stevanato Group Begins Construction on TEC
    Bayer, CHOP Partner to Develop Oral NRT
    Novasep Launches oXYgene for Boosting Viral Vector Production
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Pantone Names Classic Blue the 2020 Color of the Year
    Burst Launches Black Expanding Dental Floss
    Glossier Enters Nordstrom for the Holidays
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Raining Rose Expands Exec Team
    Sozio Builds a New Facility
    Laverne Cox Is Matrix Ambassador
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Geoff Loftus Joins EFI
    Berlin Packaging Wins 2 WorldStar Awards
    Graphic Village Expands Offerings with Canon Solutions America
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Converters Expo schedules return to Green Bay, WI
    Schreiner MediPharm and PragmatIC form strategic partnership
    Herma's labelstocks receive new certification
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Thrace to Relocate U.S. Capacity
    FiltXPO Speaker Line-Up Announced
    Nölken Incorporates Sustainable Wipes Packaging
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Orthofix Appoints New Spine Business Leader
    Viant to Halt EtO Sterilization at Michigan Plant by End of Year
    Synaptive Medical's Modus V Expands Into Spine Market
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Avancis, Smit Thermal, HZB, CNRS, Solliace Team for Higher Efficiencies in CIGS
    CES 2020: 'Where Tech Changes Business'
    Global Flexible Display Market Size to Increase at a CAGR of 28.1% Through 2025: GVR

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.