Hidden Gems: 6 Orthopedic Technology Innovators of Note

ODT’s Top 10 list chronicles the orthopedic technology companies that have amassed the highest annual revenue. They aren’t the sole source for interesting and innovative technologies, however—many novel orthopedic solutions emerge from smaller firms flying under the radar. These organizations are integral to improving orthopedic care and have piqued the ODT editors’ interests.

CyMedica Orthopedics & Kaia Health
Sam Brusco • Associate Editor
Orthopedics has traditionally been a data-driven discipline. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), for example, founded the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) in 2009 as a national center to collect hip and knee replacement data. According to AAOS, the AJRR’s database contains over 1.5 million procedures. By collecting and reporting procedural data, AJRR offers actionable information to guide physician and patient decision making, empowering healthcare organizations to enhance the patient experience and reduce complications and revision rates. AJRR also helps device manufacturers strengthen postmarket surveillance.

A digital health strategy can work wonders for the data-driven orthopedic field. Digital health technologies engage information and communication technologies to improve healthcare delivery’s efficiency, which is integral in transitioning to value-based care. Hardware and software both play a role in a digital health device, leveraging telemedicine, web-based analysis, e-mail, smartphones and apps, text messages, wearable devices, and clinic or remote monitoring sensors. New computing capabilities and learning systems emerge all the time, enabling much greater capacity to use information to generate new insights, implement predictive models, and create adaptive solutions for musculoskeletal care.

Knee-Jerk Reaction
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based CyMedica Orthopedics begins its description with “We are here to support value-based care.” Founded in 2013 by a prominent orthopedic surgeon and several medical device entrepreneurs, the company targets knee surgery rehabilitation. CyMedica asserts patient engagement outside the office is key to successful value-based care implementation—specifically by making rehab more personalized, accessible, and easier for patients.

e-vive, CyMedica’s app-controlled, data-driven muscle activation therapy and patient engagement solution, won FDA clearance in January 2017. The tele-rehab solution for ACL and total knee replacement surgery patients consists of three components. A sensor-laden conductive garment captures and transmits range of motion data and steps while holding electrodes in place to deliver effective quadriceps activation via neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A controller monitors and controls the muscle stimulation. The e-vive app, operable on any smartphone, collects data points and sends them to the cloud for physicians or physical therapists to view and analyze. Treatment is then adjusted (or kept the same) based on clinician review.

By Sam Brusco, Sean Fenske, and Michael Barbella | Orthopedic Design & Technology

Image Credit: IlluminOss

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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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