5 ways innovation is changing orthopaedics

April 28, 2020 Orthopedics

Innovation is the driving force behind the evolution of orthopaedics, continually delivering advances in surgical techniques and products. Now, technology improvements and data open up a world of new possibilities.

Here are the top 5 areas where I believe innovation is transforming the field.

1. Co-creation: addressing unmet clinical, demographic and environmental needs

We already know that paying attention to patient, surgeon and health care system needs, then working together with the industry’s best, leads to products that make a real difference. The development of new approaches to old surgical challenges, such as an anterior approach in hip replacement or lateral approaches in spine surgery, are made possible by new instrumentation and procedural streamlining.

In knee replacement, we continue to focus on the 20% of patients that remain somehow dissatisfied. In spine surgery, 86% of surgeons report that instrumentation for spinal deformity needs improvement. We are also increasingly focused on infection prevention, responding to the critical needs created by an aging population, and playing our part in supporting sustainable hospital systems.

2. Material innovation: technological advancements fuel engineering excellence

The increased demand for orthopaedic procedures calls for the exploration of advancements in technologies like 3D printing and innovations in material selection – like the utilisation of strong, lightweight titanium in many orthopaedic devices.

We also see innovation in hybrid medical devices combining implants with instruments to help get the job done more efficiently than ever. Hospitals value such solutions as they not only often result in reduced procedure duration, increased efficiency and space optimization in operating rooms, but also enable inventory management improvements and cost savings.

3. Truly personalized medicine: no longer a pipe dream – but rather a dream come true

The move toward virtual surgical planning, along with patient-specific implants, is revolutionizing care standards. Advances in personalised orthopaedic medicine all lead toward greater customisation, precision and improved efficiency. I’m excited by the advent of 3D bioprinting in orthopaedics, a market with an expected growth rate of more than 25% between now and 2023.

By Martyn Inwood | MedTech Views

Image Credit: Martyn Inwood / MedTech Views

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About Peter Coffaro 510 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.