Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief02.08.21
At the start of the year, Stryker announced it had acquired OrthoSensor, a firm that produced a smart sensor to help ensure proper balancing of an implant during a joint replacement procedure (Read more on page 12.) While the editorial team at ODT tries to bring all such transactions to the attention of our readers, this one was of extra interest to me. In 2018, I had selected OrthoSensor as one of my highlighted companies for our annual “Innovators” feature.
Starting with the July/August 2016 issue, Mike, Sam, and I would look back on our coverage of orthopedic OEMs during the previous 12 months to find the “diamonds in the rough”—a showcase of companies we thought offered technology that could make a significant contribution to the industry. With the Stryker purchase of OrthoSensor, I thought I’d take a moment to catch up with the companies to see what’s been happening.
Beginning with the first feature in 2016 (bit.ly/odtinnovators16), Conformis recently celebrated its 100,000th patient-specific knee implantation and has also launched a custom hip system. Bioventus has been establishing itself as a leader in the biologics space with continued growth in 2020, announcing several new products, as well as a new CEO. In late 2020, ReWalk (robotic exoskeleton provider) gained Medicare provider certification and a contract with a German health insurer. Psyonic Inc. is still active on social media, sharing its bionic hand development story, but has been otherwise quiet. I.CERAM has also been somewhat quiet since 2019 when it was enjoying its market release in Europe. Orthopediatrics enjoyed continued expansion internationally and launched sterile implants for its PNP|FEMUR System after gaining FDA clearance.
The 2017 feature (bit.ly/odtinnovators17) highlighted 4WEB Medical, which announced record revenue in 2019 and has since launched its Stand-Alone Anterior Lumbar Spine Truss System. Paragon 28 increased its Robust Ankle Fusion Plating Offering with the launch of the Silverback Posterior Plating System. Tissue Regenix has recently announced the first delivery of its OrthoPure XT, a decellularized porcine tendon for reconstruction of knee ligaments. While OsteoNovus’ moldable bone substitute is FDA cleared, the firm has been relatively quiet. The rehab technology provider Breg expanded its reach in 2020 with several distribution agreements. Titan Spine and its nanoLOCK surface technology was acquired by Medtronic in 2019.
The 2018 roundup (bit.ly/odtinnovators18) showcased Bioness, which saw its latest release in November 2020—the L100 Go lower extremity technology. Meanwhile, Mainstay Medical gained FDA approval of its ReActiv8 Neurostimulation System for chronic low back pain in June 2020. Another pediatric orthopedic provider, Wishbone Medical enjoyed an FDA clearance for its Pediatric External Fixation System in October 2020. Similarly, Pega Medical continues to support pediatric treatment of orthopedic-related health issues. Gramercy Extremity Orthopedics recently gained a second patent for its staple technology, and also announced FDA clearance of its plating system last year. The aforementioned OrthoSensor was also highlighted in this feature.
In 2019, the hidden gems (bit.ly/odtinnovators19) included CyMedica Orthopedics, which has been conducting clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of its e-vive for treating knee osteoarthritis pain. Kaia Health continued promotion of its digital therapeutics solution and gained golfer Rory Mcllroy as an investor. The VERA system from Reflexion Health made strides, but the firm has been somewhat quiet. IlluminOss Medical gained a number of FDA clearances for the treatment of various fractures. Knee-pain specialist Emovi was featured in Sports Illustrated and expanded its reach worldwide. December 2020 saw the FDA De Novo approval of MIACH Orthopaedics’ BEAR Implant for the treatment of ACL tears.
In the most recent version of the article (bit.ly/odtinnovators20) Augmedics and its xvision for spine surgery were included; the technology was first used in a minimally invasive spine procedure in June 2020. Seeking to revolutionize spinal fusion, Neo Medical announced a partnership with Orthofix and additional financing in 2020. In June 2020, Xenco Medical declared the nationwide launch of its injection-molded titanium foam spinal implants pre-attached to disposable, composite polymer instruments. Conventus Orthopaedics acquired Flower Orthopedics in 2020 and continued growth through several strategic hires. Naviswiss AG saw the first successful surgeries in the U.S. using its hand-held hip navigation system. Finally, OrthoGrid Systems announced clinical data supporting the use of its fluoroscopic distortion correction solution for orthopedic surgery.
If you’re a part of one of these companies, reach out to me to provide a more in-depth overview of what the latest is at your firm.
Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
sfenske@rodmanmedia.com
Starting with the July/August 2016 issue, Mike, Sam, and I would look back on our coverage of orthopedic OEMs during the previous 12 months to find the “diamonds in the rough”—a showcase of companies we thought offered technology that could make a significant contribution to the industry. With the Stryker purchase of OrthoSensor, I thought I’d take a moment to catch up with the companies to see what’s been happening.
Beginning with the first feature in 2016 (bit.ly/odtinnovators16), Conformis recently celebrated its 100,000th patient-specific knee implantation and has also launched a custom hip system. Bioventus has been establishing itself as a leader in the biologics space with continued growth in 2020, announcing several new products, as well as a new CEO. In late 2020, ReWalk (robotic exoskeleton provider) gained Medicare provider certification and a contract with a German health insurer. Psyonic Inc. is still active on social media, sharing its bionic hand development story, but has been otherwise quiet. I.CERAM has also been somewhat quiet since 2019 when it was enjoying its market release in Europe. Orthopediatrics enjoyed continued expansion internationally and launched sterile implants for its PNP|FEMUR System after gaining FDA clearance.
The 2017 feature (bit.ly/odtinnovators17) highlighted 4WEB Medical, which announced record revenue in 2019 and has since launched its Stand-Alone Anterior Lumbar Spine Truss System. Paragon 28 increased its Robust Ankle Fusion Plating Offering with the launch of the Silverback Posterior Plating System. Tissue Regenix has recently announced the first delivery of its OrthoPure XT, a decellularized porcine tendon for reconstruction of knee ligaments. While OsteoNovus’ moldable bone substitute is FDA cleared, the firm has been relatively quiet. The rehab technology provider Breg expanded its reach in 2020 with several distribution agreements. Titan Spine and its nanoLOCK surface technology was acquired by Medtronic in 2019.
The 2018 roundup (bit.ly/odtinnovators18) showcased Bioness, which saw its latest release in November 2020—the L100 Go lower extremity technology. Meanwhile, Mainstay Medical gained FDA approval of its ReActiv8 Neurostimulation System for chronic low back pain in June 2020. Another pediatric orthopedic provider, Wishbone Medical enjoyed an FDA clearance for its Pediatric External Fixation System in October 2020. Similarly, Pega Medical continues to support pediatric treatment of orthopedic-related health issues. Gramercy Extremity Orthopedics recently gained a second patent for its staple technology, and also announced FDA clearance of its plating system last year. The aforementioned OrthoSensor was also highlighted in this feature.
In 2019, the hidden gems (bit.ly/odtinnovators19) included CyMedica Orthopedics, which has been conducting clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of its e-vive for treating knee osteoarthritis pain. Kaia Health continued promotion of its digital therapeutics solution and gained golfer Rory Mcllroy as an investor. The VERA system from Reflexion Health made strides, but the firm has been somewhat quiet. IlluminOss Medical gained a number of FDA clearances for the treatment of various fractures. Knee-pain specialist Emovi was featured in Sports Illustrated and expanded its reach worldwide. December 2020 saw the FDA De Novo approval of MIACH Orthopaedics’ BEAR Implant for the treatment of ACL tears.
In the most recent version of the article (bit.ly/odtinnovators20) Augmedics and its xvision for spine surgery were included; the technology was first used in a minimally invasive spine procedure in June 2020. Seeking to revolutionize spinal fusion, Neo Medical announced a partnership with Orthofix and additional financing in 2020. In June 2020, Xenco Medical declared the nationwide launch of its injection-molded titanium foam spinal implants pre-attached to disposable, composite polymer instruments. Conventus Orthopaedics acquired Flower Orthopedics in 2020 and continued growth through several strategic hires. Naviswiss AG saw the first successful surgeries in the U.S. using its hand-held hip navigation system. Finally, OrthoGrid Systems announced clinical data supporting the use of its fluoroscopic distortion correction solution for orthopedic surgery.
If you’re a part of one of these companies, reach out to me to provide a more in-depth overview of what the latest is at your firm.
Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
sfenske@rodmanmedia.com
