Is the orthopedic device space in the midst of a robot revolution?

Stryker’s success with its Mako robot-assisted surgery platform has other orthopedic device companies hastening to enter the space. The big question is whether long-term outcomes will justify the expensive technology.

More than five years after spending $1.7 billion to acquire Mako Surgical, Stryker is leading the way bringing robot-assisted surgery to the orthopedic space. The Kalamazoo, Mich.–based orthopedic device giant has already placed more than 650 Mako robots around the world, with more than 76,900 knee and hip replacement procedures performed in 2018 and double-digit growth in installations expected in 2019.

In the process, Stryker has also grabbed share in a knee surgery devices and implants market that was previously static, according to SVB Leerink analyst Richard Newitter.

“We’ve never seen any one company engender market share swings in the order of magnitude Stryker has in the last three years, and a good chunk of it is about robotics,” Newitter told MassDevice’s sister site Medical Design & Outsourcing recently. “If you use a Stryker robot, you have to use the Stryker knee. … It’s a Trojan horse.”

Stryker’s big competitors — Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes business, Zimmer Biomet and Smith & Nephew — are taking notice: They’ve either launched or are preparing to launch their own robots.

There’s little long-term data, though, on whether a $1 million robot such as Stryker’s Mako improves outcomes and reduces overall healthcare costs.

By  | MassDevice

Image Credit: Stryker

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About Peter Coffaro 504 Articles
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.

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