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Joint replacement technologies will be on full display and surgical techniques up for debate when orthopedic surgeons and industry professionals converge in Las Vegas for the AAOS Annual Meeting. Before the conference, we’ll hear about dozens of systems that are expected to be launched this year in the $19.6 billion joint replacement market. As we prepare to walk the exhibit hall in Vegas, we’ve assembled a list of five systems we look forward to seeing and discussing in person. Orthopedic companies announced FDA clearances or market launches of these technologies in the last three months.
Hip Replacement
We’ve seen greater attention on coatings and enabling technology to properly place and fix systems in the hip replacement segment. A novel implant that is expected to enter the market in the coming years is Polymotion from Exactech and JointMedica.
The two companies are collaborating on a next-generation hip resurfacing system based on a metal-on-polyethylene articulation. The Polymotion implant offers the biomechanical benefits of hip resurfacing while eliminating metal-on-metal articulating surfaces.
Exactech and JointMedica were granted Breakthrough Device Designation for Polymotion in 2022 and announced the first surgeries with the system in early 2023.
Exactech acquired a minority interest in JointMedica in 2022, giving it exclusive global distribution rights for the product.
Knee Replacement
Advancements in surface technology have also played an integral role in new knee implants as companies launch cementless systems and focus on patients’ sensitivity to materials.
Total Joint Orthopedics (TJO) has a multiyear focus on reducing cobalt chrome in orthopedic implants. Its Aurum Technology features a ballistically bonded titanium nitride surface. Aurum Technology is available with TJO’s Klassic Knee and is expected to have future compatibility with the company’s new Platform Acetabular System.
More recently, TJO received FDA 510(k) clearance to market its Klassic Knee with AlchemXE chemically crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) technology developed by Alchimist.
The Klassic Knee is indicated for cemented use only, except for the Klassic Femur with Cobalt 3D and the Klassic Tibial Baseplate with Ti-Coat, which are indicated for cementless use.
AlchemXE blends dicumyl peroxide and vitamin E with UHMWPE during consolidation, then uses proprietary technology to crosslink the material, resulting in high wear resistance and long-term oxidative stability without the need for radiation crosslinking. A proprietary heat treatment improves the mechanical properties and reduces the by-products of the peroxide chemistry.
Shoulder Replacement
The shoulder replacement market has been active. DePuy Synthes, Exactech, FX Solutions and Catalyst OrthoScience announced system updates since last year’s AAOS. In February, Anika Therapeutics launched its RevoMotion Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty System, marking its entrance into the reverse shoulder market.
RevoMotion’s key benefits include:
- Industry’s smallest diameter threaded glenoid baseplate, which preserves bone and provides flexibility in positioning
- Simplified component insertion thanks to the baseplate and glenosphere designs, which offer unique insertion methods that allow surgeons to slide the components on anteriorly with a positive lock
- Bone-preserving glenoid and humeral designs intended to provide patient personalization via numerous humeral tray offerings that match the native anatomy
- Two streamlined instrument trays
Anika estimates the U.S. reverse shoulder replacement market at over $800 million and expects 200,000 shoulder replacement surgeries to be performed in the U.S. in 2023. The company initiated a limited launch of RevoMotion and noted that full market release is slated for later in 2023.
Ankle Replacement
Ankle replacement procedures are complex, and companies in the space have worked to optimize their instrument sets and enabling technology to streamline the surgery and improve patient outcomes.
Enovis announced FDA approval of its STAR Patient Specific Instrumentation (STAR PSI System) for use with its STAR Total Ankle Replacement System. STAR PSI provides a personalized pre-operative plan for each patient. Surgeons receive and review a 3D model of the patient’s ankle joint, including information about existing implants or bone defects, to plan for the case. Enovis plans to launch the STAR PSI System by the end of March 2023.
Stryker divested STAR to Enovis (then DJO) as it finalized its acquisition with Wright Medical. The STAR product line has since been essential in Envois’ foot and ankle business.
Enabling Technology
Enabling technology and digital solutions are a primary trend in joint replacement. Companies of all sizes have entered this segment of the market.
Naviswiss recently received FDA clearance to market the Naviswiss Knee solution, a landmark-based navigation application that assists surgeons in the optimal positioning and alignment of knee replacement implants. The technology allows surgeons to choose between an express workflow with navigated Flexion/Extension and Varus/Valgus alignment only, or an advanced workflow with additional navigation of Medial and Lateral resection height and Range of Motion overviews.
A limited market release in the U.S. with established surgical partners will occur before a full rollout in the latter half of 2023. Naviswiss gained market access in Australia, Japan and the European Union before entering the U.S. It received FDA 510(k) clearance for its hip navigation technology in 2000.
It isn’t easy to put together these types of lists. We look forward to reporting on more technologies when we return from AAOS. Until then, email us if there are products you think we should see while we’re at the conference.
