2018 Top 10 Global Orthopedic Device Firms

August 16, 2018 Medical Devices, Medical Technology, Orthopedics, Rankings, Robotics

Robotics and leadership changes defined the 2017 fiscal year among the largest orthopedic firms.

The use of robotics in orthopedic surgery is finally beginning to gain momentum, and the orthopedic elites have taken notice. As well they should, considering upgrading to a robotic solution can provide advanced surgical planning, precision machining of bone, improved implant-bone contact, implant placement optimization, and vastly improved mechanical alignment.

In perhaps last year’s most highly anticipated rollout, Stryker Corp. revealed its Mako robotic arm could be used to implant the company’s Triathlon knee, giving the system the ability to assist in total knee, hip, and partial knee replacements. Though it is unclear whether Verb Surgical—the long-heralded J&J-Verily robotic surgery venture—will pursue orthopedic applications, DePuy Synthes will undoubtedly be interested to see its potential. Smith & Nephew’s Navio platform was also expanded last year to support its Journey II, Legion Primary, and Genesis II total knee arthroplasty systems. Medtronic, meanwhile, began a three-tiered investment agreement that established a 15 percent stake in surgical robotics firm Mazor Robotics during its 2017 fiscal year to back the Mazor X robotic guidance system for spinal surgery. Globus Medical also launched its Excelsius GPS last year, a versatile robotic guidance and navigation system that supports minimally invasive and open orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures.

Last year also witnessed some chief executive shuffling within the Top 10. David Dvorak left Zimmer Biomet after 10 years at the helm, passing the buck to former Medtronic executive Bryan Hanson. Inciting further rumors of a takeover, Namal Nawana—mastermind behind the Abbott-Alere union—replaced Smith & Nephew’s Olivier Bohuon, who retired after seven years of leadership. Finally, Globus Medical promoted former president and COO David Demski to CEO last year to replace founder and chairman David C. Paul.

By ODT Staff | Orthopedic Design & Technology

Image Credit: ODT

We hope you enjoy reading this year’s Top 10 report.

About Peter Coffaro 612 Articles

A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 20 years of progressive management success within the orthopedic industry. Recognized by MedReps.com and the World Journal of Orthopedics as one of the top medical sales influencers in the industry; he has 10 years of combined sales management experience and has held positions as a Director, General Manager and Distributor. Peter has worked for some of the top orthopedic companies in the world - Zimmer, DePuy and Stryker. He is also the founder of OrthoFeed: a popular blog that covers orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson and has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing and professional education. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University.