10 orthopedic products from AAOS 2019 you need to know

March 16, 2019 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Digital Health, Medical Devices, Orthopedics, Outpatient Surgery, Robotics, Wearables

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)annual meeting in Las Vegas is abuzz about robotics, according to industry analysts from SVB Leerink.

While the SVB Leerink analysts termed Stryker’s (NYSE:SYK) Mako platform “best-in-class,” robotically assisted orthopedic surgery is an expanding category. Other major orthopedics companies are using this week’s AAOS meeting to introduce new offerings or tout updates to existing ones.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), for example, said it plans to debut its Orthotaxy total knee system in 2020, with spine, hip and eventually shoulder indications likely to follow. J&J bought the French robot-assisted surgery startup in 2018, and didn’t have any photos of the prototype to share. But the analysts said it attaches to the patient table and includes a saw/bone cutting capability, like Mako. Unlike Mako, it will not have haptic capability. Rather, it gets the surgeon locked into a cutting plane and preserves the surgeon’s control of the saw (side to side and front to back) on that plane.

Another hot topic at this year’s AAOS gathering is the trend toward performing orthopedic procedures in outpatient/ambulatory surgery centers and the ways that companies are positioning themselves to better serve these lower cost-of-care settings. In contrast to hospitals, outpatient/ambulatory surgery centers require greater OR efficiency, more sensitivity to equipment costs and the requirement for quicker patient discharge.

In fact, Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN) and ultimately, J&J, appear to be positioning their robotics platforms as more conducive to an ambulatory surgery center setting, with lower-priced systems and smaller system footprints. The J&J device could come in at half the price of Mako, but it will only be one part of an interconnected ecosystem of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operating surgical intelligence/digital surgery capabilities, the analysts said.

By Nancy Crotti | Medical Design & Outsourcing

Image Credit: AAOS

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Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.