Is This the Next Generation of Wearables? HSS Studies Mobile Suit with VR Capabilities

July 23, 2021 Digital Health, Haptics, Health Care, Innovation, Joint Replacement, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Surgical Training, Virtual Reality, Wearables

The Innovation Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and VR Electronics have partnered to revolutionize the use of wearable technology in orthopedic and healthcare applications.

The collaboration centers on the latter company’s Teslasuit, which integrates biometry, motion capture, haptic feedback, virtual and augmented reality and temperature control for a comprehensive smart bodysuit with immense potential for personalized diagnostics, training and physical rehabilitation in the musculoskeletal space.

Dream Teams

Howard Hillstrom, Ph.D., Senior Director of the Leon Root, MD, Motion Analysis Laboratory at HSS Innovation Institute, and Jordan Harmon, Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President, Innovation, HSS Innovation Institute, are two key stakeholders leading HSS teams alongside Teslasuit’s teams to bring these ideas to life.

HSS brings extensive knowledge, training and experience in the clinical and scientific aspects of human movement to the partnership. With more than 30 years of motion analysis under his belt, Dr. Hillstrom leads a lab team made up of engineers and scientists ranging from recent Ph.D.s to mid-career professionals with expertise in modeling, quantitative measurements of human movements and analysis of data. The Leon Root, MD, Motion Analysis Laboratory focuses on both research in an academic setting and clinical assessment in a hospital setting, and is one of only 12 credentialed motion analysis labs in the United States. They see both children and adults with the full spectrum of musculoskeletal disease.

“Many of our surgeons and physicians see not only the world’s top athletes, but they also have a chance to see all kinds of different injuries from the sports medicine, joint replacement, physical therapy and rehab worlds,” Harmon said. “Because of that expertise, you get a lot of input. We have 35,000 surgeries per year and see half a million musculoskeletal patients each year, so you get to see different, complex problems, giving us a lens to look at these really difficult things to solve for.”

While several companies are looking to capitalize on wearable technology, the Teslasuit team stood out to HSS.

By Heather Tunstall | BONEZONE

Image Credit: Teslasuit

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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.