Orthopaedic companies project ‘return to normalcy’ as electives recover in Q1

May 5, 2021 Business, COVID-19, Joint Replacement, Medical Devices, Orthopedics

J&J, Smith & Nephew and Stryker reported seeing a light at the end of the tunnel during the first quarter as nonessential care rebounded, with a backlog of hip procedures pointing the way forward.

After bearing the brunt of a global slowdown in surgical procedures during the pandemic, the orthopaedic sector is seeing the first signs of a turnaround, led by demand for hip replacements.

Leading orthopaedic device makers Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson and Stryker all reported hip sales in the first quarter that outpaced momentum in their knee businesses.

Patients in need of a new hip, it seems, are less able to withstand a prolonged delay in treatment than those in need of a knee implant. That’s because hip patients tend to have more acute injuries, according to Smith & Nephew executives.

“We’ve seen throughout the pandemic that surgeons have prioritized hip procedures,” Smith & Nephew CFO Anne-Francoise Nesmes said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call.

Knee surgeries, by comparison, are easier to put off, device executives said. Knees “are perhaps the most elective of the procedures in terms of being able to delay,” J&J CEO Alex Gorsky told analysts on his company’s call.

By Susan Kelly | MEDTECH DIVE

Image Credit: Adeline Kon/MedTech Dive

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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.