Csaba Dózsa, habil PhD MSc, Health Economist, discusses his model for cost-effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries in an interview with SmartTRAK.

In this interview, Prof. Dózsa unveils his groundbreaking pressure injury (PI) prevention costing model. With a 20-year background in health economics, he embarked on this journey from Hungary's National Health Insurance Fund. His expertise shaped the German DRG point system locally and steered home care development. Establishing Med-Econ Ltd., he delved into diverse health economic studies, culminating in a sophisticated, non-linear model for PI prevention costs.

The model's complexity stems from recognizing intricate healthcare inputs and outcomes. It calculates annual PI costs across scenarios: implementing preventive care bundles with or without multi-layer dressings, and treatment-only approaches. Designed as a calculation framework, it showcases the efficacy of preventive wound care.

Among the many questions answered by Prof, Dózsa in this interview are:

• Can this model be used in any health and political environment?
• How does the use of this model affect a hospital's use of dressings?
• How would you describe the cost structure of prevention and treatment?
• Can this model and its outcome lead to systemic changes?
• How long would it take a hospital or hospital system to adapt the model to their data?
• Can this model be used equally in the case of higher-risk patients, older patients or in hospitals that see proportionally more of these patients?

The interview, conducted by Anikó Szekér, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Wound Care, offers insights into Prof. Dózsa's journey and his PI prevention costing model's potential. To download a complete transcript of the interview, just click the button below.

SmartTRAK was on-site at ASPN 2023 covering industry-sponsored RCT updates and data reveals, as well as new players and trends in the interventional pain space.

As the number of patients suffering from chronic pain increases, the interventional pain market continues to grow. Physicians and device developers are rising to the challenge by offering more personalized pain treatment options for an expanding list of indications. As a result, new differentiators for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) players have emerged, as well as newcomers in the peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) market. Beyond neuromodulation, minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) spine procedures, sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion and regenerative medicine products also provide innovative solutions for chronic pain management. In this interesting article, SmartTRAK highlights the newest data, innovation and market developments at the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) 2023 Annual Meeting held in Miami, FL.

Among the many topics discussed in comprehensive detail in this article, which can be downloaded here, are:

• SCS Sees Cutthroat Competition
  • MRI Compatibility and Closed-Loop SCS
  • Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN)
  • Artificial Intelligence, Programming Solutions and Remote Monitoring
• Expanding Horizons in PNS
  • Types of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
  • Outcomes, Comfort and Wearability for Externally-powered Devices
  • Injectrode Technology
• What’s New in MIS Spine and SI Joint Fusion
  • Leveraging Enabling Technology for Pain Procedures
  • Innovations in MIS Spine and SI Joint Instrumentation
• Scientific Focus on Biologics and Regenerative Medicine

To identify current and future trends in interventional pain management and PNS, SmartTRAK recently surveyed 30 interventional pain physicians, including 18 who perform PNS, to get an inside view of procedure trends, what treatments and devices they use and who they see as future winners in the chronic pain space. To purchase the results of this comprehensive survey, see SmartTRAK’s Trends in Interventional Pain Management and PNS.

To download a complimentary copy of the complete "ASPN 2023: Advancements in Interventional Pain Treatment" article, just click the button below.

At the 2023 Annual Meeting in monumental Washington DC, the Biologic Association and the American Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) teamed up with American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) to spotlight the growing interest in and latest advancements of biologics in musculoskeletal medicine. Taking center stage and garnering attention was the idea of “biological healing” and the use of biologics in various conditions and at different points of a continuum of care.

Not surprisingly, the Biological Association focused more on autologous therapies, cell culturing and the next generation of biologics, while the AOSSM meeting explored the current use and growing trends of traditional orthobiologics in orthopedic applications. This article, which is downloadable here, is part one in a two-part series highlighting key takeaways from the Biologic Association meeting, including:

• Biologic Association Key Takeaways
• Rules of Engagement: Regulations and Needed Standards
  • “Same Surgical Procedure Exception” Guidance
  •  Standards for Autologous Orthobiologics
  • Driving Better Patient Outcomes
• Current Use of Autologous Therapies and Next Generation of Biologics
  • Current Practice
  • Next Generation of Biologics
• Notable Investigative Technologies

Although several biologics seem promising to treat musculoskeletal conditions, there is still an uphill battle for widespread use. Current challenges include ...

To download "Biologics in Musculoskeletal Medicine," Part One of the series of articles by Kimberly French, SmartTRAK's GM, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below. Look for Part Two in this series, which will cover key takeaways from AOSSM, highlighting the current use of Orthobiologics and growing trends, in the coming weeks.

In a joint interview with Eugene Malinskiy, founder and CEO of Lazurite, and orthopedic surgeon Dr James Voos, we discuss the world’s first wireless surgical camera, the Lazurite ArthroFree camera.

Eugene Malinskiy, the founder and CEO of Lazurite, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Voos discuss the technological and clinical benefits of the new ArthroFree camera, the world’s first fully wireless surgical camera, with Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue & Arthroscopic Technologies.

To learn more about Lazurite and the ArthroFree System, click the following video to watch the interview (27:05 min).  For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below. To download a complete transcript of the interview, click here.

Interview Topics By Timecode

1:25 Background of Lazurite and the ArthroFree camera.

7:05 Surgeon impressions of the ArthroFree camera.

10:10 Camera integration, image quality, battery life, ergonomics.

16:05 How the camera connects to the monitor and image capture.

19:22 How do facilities react to purchasing the ArthroFree.

22:05 Uses of the ArthroFree camera.

To download the complete transcript of the interview with Eugene Malinskiy, the founder and CEO of Lazurite, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Voos, just click the button below.

SmartTRAK constantly monitors the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. Contact Us if you'd like to learn how to receive these expert insights daily. Our users think it's the perfect way to start their day.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Neurovascular market updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

New Products:

• ZOOM* - Imperative Care* 
  

  Imperative Care announced the completion of first cases using the recently FDA-cleared Zoom 88 Support catheter. One of the cases was an AIS patient with a tandem occlusion treated at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, TN. SmartTRAK reported FDA clearance of the device on Jun 15.

• MicroPort*

   MicroPort NeuroTech announced in May 2023 that it has completed the first clinical implantation of its NUMEN Detachable Embolization Coil for neurovascular aneurysm treatment in both the UK and Ireland.

• EOSolutions Launches Dr. Banner BGC

   EOSolutions announced the full commercial launch of its Dr. Banner, Balloon Guide Catheter (BGC), developed in collaboration with InNeuroCo. According to the Company, the BGC features a 0.091 ID, proximal stability, distal trackability and a compliant polyurethane balloon.

Patents:

• phenox*
  

  phenox GmbH’s US Patent Application “Insertion System For Implants For Treatment Of Bifurcation Aneurysms” was published disclosing a Y-shaped tubular implant and Y-shaped insertion catheter for bifurcation aneurysm treatment. 20230233347

• Aspiration Catheter with an Adjustable Tip

  The Univ of Toledo’s US Patent Application “Aspiration Catheter With An Adjustable Tip For The Intracranial Circulation” was published disclosing a neurovascular aspiration catheter with an adjustable tip controlled by pull wires. 20230233221

  

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) projects Medicare home health spending in the US will grow at an 8-year (2023-2031) CAGR of +8.6% compared to +7.4% for hospital expenditures. These projections help validate that healthcare services are shifting to the home care setting. The migration is driven by efforts to reduce costs, improve access and enhance the quality of care. Policymakers continue to manipulate reimbursement formulas to incentivize change. CMS recently released the CY 2024 Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule that includes reimbursement policy revisions that could potentially increase the utilization of disposable negative pressure wound therapy (dNPWT) in the home health setting. This free downloadable article highlights:

• The Trajectory of dNPWT,
• Historical Challenges Associated with the Uptake in the Home Setting
• Incremental Policy Efforts Designed to Mitigate Those Challenges
• Billing Complexity Stalling Growth
• Incremental Changes Show Progress
• Impact of Proposed Policy Changes. 

With the establishment of a separate payment for the dNPWT and the relatively simpler billing processes, the proposed CMS changes are a net positive for manufacturers treating wounds in the home health setting. However, given the growing competition ...

To download the complete "CMS Proposed Rule Incentivizes Home Use of Disposable NPWT" perspective article by Terry Hayslett, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care, just click the button below.

• Complete Q123 Trauma Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Trauma Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• IM Nailing Closes the Quarter on High with Solid Returns
• New Regulatory Clearances Propel the Pediatric Trauma Segment:
  • OrthoPediatrics
  • NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
  • Wishbone Medical
• Q123 Trauma Regulatory Highlights

During Q1, the Pediatric Trauma segment experienced a notable surge in regulatory clearances, indicating forthcoming product launches aimed at bolstering the segment's growth. These approvals signal  ...

Read the entire Q123 Trauma Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

SmartTRAK’s survey of interventional pain physicians reveals valuable insights into current and future trends in interventional pain management and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)

SmartTRAK recently conducted a survey of 30 interventional pain physicians, including 18 doctors who perform PNS, to gain insight into the current state of interventional pain management and identify future trends in the field. This includes physician use of SCS, DRG Stimulation, short- and long-term PNS, RFA, TDD, Regenerative Medicine injections and MIS spine procedures, with an emphasis on PNS companies and technologies.

This comprehensive study sheds light on procedure trends, preferred treatment approaches, physicians' perspectives on PNS and more!

Key questions include:

• What interventional pain procedures are expected to grow the most in the next 12-24 months?
• What minimally invasive spine procedures do physicians think will increase the most in the next few years?
• What are expected procedure volumes for Regenerative Medicine injections?
• What are the most preferred treatment approaches for different chronic pain conditions?
• What are physicians' impressions of the different PNS technologies/brands?
• What are the top targets for PNS and what's driving and limiting physician adoption of PNS?
• What technology improvements do physicians want to see in PNS devices?

Click the button below if you are interested in purchasing SmartTRAK’s Interventional Pain Management and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Survey. Be The Expert with the latest insights and trends in the field and equip yourself with valuable knowledge. Click Now!

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Spine Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Spine Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Spine Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• Top Players' Performance
  •  JNJ/DePuy Synthes
  • Globus 
  • NuVasive 
  • Stryker
• Q123 Spine Trends
  • M&A Activity
  • New Products
  • Reimbursement Dynamics
• Regulatory Highlights
• Europe Regulatory Updates
• Clinical Study Progress

Orthofix and SeaSpine announced the completion of its merger in Q123 in which SeaSpine became a wholly owned subsidiary of Orthofix. In a recent note, Canaccord Genuity highlighted SeaSpine, 7D Surgical and Simplify as the most notable of the recent spine acquisitions. SmartTRAK agrees and notes that ...

Read the entire Q123 Spine Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Discover how Europe is transforming into a hotbed of innovation for chronic wound care through the breakthrough technology of cold plasma therapy. As the global focus on chronic wounds intensifies, European markets are witnessing a surge in new technologies that offer promising solutions. From smaller, portable devices to collaborative research efforts, this article highlights the rise of cold plasma therapy and its potential to revolutionize wound care. Download the article to further explore these, and other, key points:

• Europe's lower revenue levels for advanced wound therapies compared to the US present an opportunity for new technologies to thrive.
• Cold plasma therapy, utilizing low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas, demonstrates impressive benefits in treating chronic wounds, including bacterial inactivation and enhanced healing.
• Recent advancements have led to the development of smaller and more portable cold plasma devices, expanding treatment options beyond hospitals to ambulatory settings and even patients' homes.
• Swiss company ActivCell Group Ag, German companies neoplas med GmbH and Plasmacure BV and Dutch company Terraplasma Medical GmbH are among the pioneering companies offering innovative cold plasma devices.
• The future of cold plasma therapy depends on the willingness of companies to collaborate, navigate regulatory challenges, and establish a distinct market presence.
• While European advancements in cold plasma therapy are promising, the highly competitive US market remains a long-term goal for most companies, necessitating FDA approval and strategic partnerships.
• The rapid growth of topical oxygen therapy in the US, driven by initiatives like the Veterans Association and state-level Medicaid approvals, could potentially outpace European progress once FDA approval is obtained.

The full article delves into the transformative potential of cold plasma therapy in chronic wound care. Explore the advancements, collaborations and challenges that shape Europe's emerging market and its race against the US in revolutionizing wound treatment. Just click the button below to download the complete "EWMA 2023 - Cold Plasma Poised for Growth in Europe" article by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst - Wound.

Soft Tissue Fixation Rebounds in Q123 To Start the Year In a Positive Direction

In Q1, the STF market experienced notable growth, primarily driven by several factors, including an increase in elective procedures, a decrease in the effects of supply chain issues and increased growth over a sluggish Q122. Overall, these factors collectively propelled the STF market to exhibit robust growth during the first quarter.

Among the many topics covered in detail inSmartTRAK's comprehensiveQ123 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All STF Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• Headwinds and Tailwinds
• Top Competitor Results & Highlights
• Q123 Clinical/Regulatory Highlights

In the first quarter of 2023, the orthopedic ambulatory surgical center (ASC) market in the US experienced positive developments. The market witnessed significant growth in personnel, contracts and portfolio expansion within Sports Medicine companies. In their Q1 earnings call, Zimmer Biomet* COO Ivan Tornos commented that ...

In addition to product innovation and increasing adoption, the Spine Enabling Technology market is rapidly evolving due to mergers and acquisitions.

The Q123 WW Spine Enabling Tech Market was up +12.6% YoY, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic (MDT) remained the market leader with 54.9% share, followed by Globus Medical (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors like Brainlab and Stryker (SYK). For detailed Q123 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK Spine Enabling Tech Financial Dashboard*.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 US Spine Enabling Technology Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Spine Enabling Tech Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• Mergers and Acquisitions Changing the Spine Enabling Technology Landscape
• New Spine Robots on the Horizon
• Milestones in Augmented Reality
• Q123 Regulatory Highlights

In February 2023, GMED announced it entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction with NuVasive (NUVA). The transaction is expected to close mid-2023 subject to shareholder and regulatory agency approvals, which will make the combined company the ...

Read the entire Q123 Spine Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 US Orthobio Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Orthobio Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Orthobio Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• US Bone Replacement – Springing Back Into Light
  • Growth Factors/Peptides
  • DBM and Synthetics
• US Cartilage Replacement –The Light Continues To Shine Bright
  • Cellular Grafts
  • Osteochondral Grafts
• US Soft Tissue Replacement – Sunny Days Continue
  • Soft Tissue Patches
  • Tendon Allografts
• US Meniscus Replacement – Sun is Shining Back on The Market

Despite continued healthcare staffing shortages and economic uncertainties, the US Bone Replacement experienced high single-digit percentage growth in Q123 as it benefited from increased utilization, especially in ...

Read the entire Q123 US Orthobio Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

This SAWC Spring 2023 perspective article extensively covers a wide range of topics pertaining to skin substitutes and Cellular and Tissue-based Products (CTPs), offering in-depth insights and analysis, and highlights a multitude of areas for discussion. Some of the key topics explored in this article include:

• CAMP Companies and Products Dominate
  • Spring SAWC was dominated by companies showcasing their CAMPs, with nearly 30 companies exhibiting this year. The market is currently led by ...
    
• Reimbursement: It’s Complicated
  • Skin substitute utilization is heavily influenced by reimbursement and setting of care. The physician office currently captures the largest share of the skin substitutes market. This is primarily driven by ...
    
• Emerging Sites of Care
  • In its Site of Care module, SmartTRAK currently tracks the use of CTP or CAMP products in the surgical suite, HOPD, physician office, VA Health system and burn center. In discussions at SAWC, SmartTRAK learned ...
• Future Growth
  • Despite reimbursement hurdles, SmartTRAK projects strong growth for this segment in the coming years, primarily due to ...
    

To download and read the complete "SAWC Spring 2023: Spotlight on the Skin Substitute Market" market perspective article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK's VP & General Manager, Wound, just click the button below.

Continued strength in ortho robotics placements and a crowd of new product launches in Q123 set the stage for growth in the remainder of the year.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Otho Enabling Tech Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All US Ortho Enabling Tech Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• Robust Q123 Robotics Performances by Company
  
  • Stryker
  • Zimmer Biomet
  • Smith+Nephew
  • JNJ/Depuy Synthes
• New Product Introductions
  
  • Robotics and Ecosystem Launches
  • Navigation and Planning Innovations
• SmartTRAK's Selected Highlights from Q123 Conferences
  
  • JP Morgan 41st Annual Healthcare Conference
  • Canaccord Genuity 2023 Musculoskeletal Conference
  • AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting

In an International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA) presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2023 (AAOS 2023) Annual Meeting, President, Digital, Robotics and Enabling Technology at SYK Robert Cohen discussed innovations including a fully connected operating room for a common user experience with planning and mixed-reality guidance combined with robotics and data transfer capabilities. Enabling technology continues to see adoption and integration in orthopedics and with it, the introduction of ...

Read the entire Q123 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Biologics had a whopping quarter, Advanced Dressings saw strong gains and External Devices continue to show minimal gains due to traditional NPWT holding down the segment.

The global AWC market is split geographically, with the US accounting for just over half, followed by Europe and then ROW, due to the US using higher technology products and their allowed reimbursement. SmartTRAK has noted shifts in market share, largely driven by currency movements. In Q123, there was less of an impact. From Q221 to Q123, the US went from 52.6% share to 53.1%, Europe from 27.9% to 28.6% and ROW from 19.5% to 18.2%.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Advanced Wound Care Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All AWC Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
• WW Advanced Dressings: Acceleration of Continued Solid Growth
• Biologics: An Impressive Quarter
  
  • Skin Substitutes/CTPs
  • Topical Delivery/Drug
  • Collagen/Active Dressings
• External Devices: Single-use NPWT and Topical Oxygen Therapy Drive Growth
• Growth Analysis – Currency Having a Less Strong Impact
  • Growth Details for Key Companies in Q123
• Other Notable Q123 AWC Events

3M remained the global revenue leader in the Q123 WW AWC market, with Smith+Nephew (SNN) is in second place and Mölnlycke rounding out the top three,  with revenues of ...

Read the entire Q123 AWC Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

New SaaS technology offering delivers competitive advantage in rapidly changing Ambulatory Surgery Center market.

SmartTRAK, the leading global Medtech business and market software intelligence solution in the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets, is pleased to announce the release of ASC Insights, the industry’s first-ever commercially available platform-based solution for the growing Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) market. ASC Insights provides real-time insights and rich data to help clients better understand market trends and accelerate commercial growth strategies.

In recent years, the Orthopedic ASC market, valued at over $10 billion, has undergone a significant transition as surgeries increasingly shift from traditional inpatient settings to outpatient ASCs. This shift necessitates that Medtech companies explore new ways to stay informed about myriad data sources and market shifts to drive their commercial growth strategies.

The ASC Insights offering is an extension of the SmartTRAK platform, encompassing comprehensive market analyses and proprietary qualitative insights on trends, as well as readily extractable quantitative metrics. Alternatively, enterprise customers can seamlessly integrate these metrics into their business intelligence platforms. Subscribers to SmartTRAK ASC Insights gain access to a historical news archive, recaps of changes in key facility ownership and information on technologies and reimbursement. Furthermore, customers receive valuable Daily Updates, ensuring up-to-date and timely coverage of noteworthy ASC industry developments. They also enjoy on-demand, direct access to SmartTRAK expert analysts.

New products and technologies in Shoulder Replacement and the Extremities Fixation Segments planted the seeds for sequential growth in the Q123 Extremities Market

The US Extremities Market grew 7.8% in Q123 with new products and continued recovery of elective procedures encouraging growth despite concerns about a looming recession. While headwinds such as supply chain constraints, economic challenges and staffing shortages could darken the forecast, SmartTRAK expects the Extremities Market to weather these issues and continue to experience strong growth through 2023.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Extremities Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Extremities Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• New Products and Technologies That are Planting the Seeds for Growth in Shoulders
• Extremities Fixation Closes the Quarter on High with Solid Returns
• Q123 Regulatory Highlights

Both US Extremities Fixation subsegments, Upper Extremities Fixation and Foot Ankle Fixation, ended the first quarter of 2023 with ...

Read the entire Q123 Extremities Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

The success or failure of medical technology often hinges on dynamics occurring within healthcare policy and reimbursement. In this article, SmartTRAK highlights policy and reimbursement themes from SAWC Spring 2023

SAWC Spring 2023 welcomed clinicians, researchers and industry to Washington, DC, to share knowledge and network on the latest developments in advanced wound care. While the attention centered on advances in disease management and technological innovation, SmartTRAK noted compelling discussions involving healthcare policy and reimbursement that may have been missed by some industry participants.

In this article, which can be downloaded here, SmartTRAK explores coverage and payment dynamics surrounding the following topics:

• Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Advanced Wound Care
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of the day. Companies seek to capitalize on it, governments want to regulate it, some workers fear it ...
    
• Medicare Advantage: Growing Concerns About Claims Denials
  • Medicare Advantage plans are under fire for reportedly restricting access to medically necessary care ...
    
• Topical Oxygen Therapy: Reconsidering Local MAC Coverage Policy
  • In 2017, industry stakeholders requested that CMS remove the non-coverage of topical oxygen therapies (TOT) from the National Coverage Determination (NCD) Manual ...
    

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of the day. Companies seek to capitalize on it, governments want to regulate it and some workers fear it. Given the attention, it is fitting that sessions touching on AI bookended SAWC Spring 2023. Daniel Kraft, MD, opened the keynote address with captivating slides on how medicine is positioned within the fourth industrial revolution, where robotics, big data and AI are transforming care and leading to ...

To download and read the complete "Underlying Dynamics in Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement" by Terry Hayslett, Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care, just click the button below.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q123 Total Joints Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• Technologies and Procedure Recovery Elevating Hip Growth
• The Ongoing March Towards Cementless Knees
• Deals and Financing Highlights
• Q123 Regulatory Highlights

Will this momentum continue throughout 2023? SmartTRAK believes underlying demand for hip and knee replacement surgery will ...

Read the entire Q123 Total Joints Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

With Smith+Nephew having dominated the wound debridement market for over a decade, SmartTRAK looks at how 2023 could be a year where we see the first signs of disruption.

The WW Wound Debridement Market is forecast to grow at a five-year CAGR of ~5.1%, according to SmartTRAK estimates. Although Smith+Nephew (SNN) has long dominated this market with more than 74% share, SmartTRAK believes 2023 could be a year of disruption in wound debridement as multiple players across a range of segments are poised to see financial returns after years of commercial progress. It is also worth noting that sharp debridement accounts for over half of the debridement procedures in the US, so the route to market growth is clear. 

• Complete Q123 US Surgical Matrices Market Overview
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• US Surgical Matrices Market Shuffles Leadership
• US Breast Matrices: Holding Steady
• US Hernia Repair Matrices Market: Another Solid Quarter
• Q123 Clinical/Regulatory Highlights

The US Surgical Matrices Market grew in Q123 with more strength in the Hernia Matrices segment, due to the continued growth of biosynthetic matrices and TELA Bio’s OviTex as physicians use them for ...

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

The ISASS 2023 annual meeting is taking place this week in San Francisco, and SmartTRAK is excited to be in attendance. Our team of spine experts will be roaming the event, providing our subscribers with up-to-the-minute news directly from the show floor. To ensure you're well-informed ahead of the meeting, below is a selection of recent spine news meticulously curated by our expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

If you're interested in receiving 30 days of COMPLIMENTARY daily real-time updates delivered to your inbox each morning, simply click here. Additionally, if if you are interested in learning more about The Future of Spine Enabling Technology for 2023, click here to read the article.

New Products:

• Orthofix*
  

  Orthofix noted that the Company launched the Lattus Lateral Access System and the Fathom Pedicle-Based Retractor System during Q123, which both address what the Company estimated to be a $1.8B MIS spine market.
  

• REFLECT Scoliosis System* - Globus*

  Globus Medical has announced FDA approval of REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System, the company's first humanitarian device. The non-fusion system, using a flexible cord instead of rigid metal rods, corrects scoliosis in young pts while preserving motion and allowing for growth.
  

Merger mayhem of Q422 continues and the Spine enabling tech space heats up with new navigation products and some robotics players seeing record-breaking sales and unit placements.

The Q422 WW Spine Enabling Tech Market was up +13.6% YoY, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic (MDT) remained the market leader, followed by Globus Medical (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors like Brainlab and Stryker (SYK). For detailed Q422 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK Spine Enabling Tech Financial Dashboard*.

• Complete Q422 Spine Enabling Tech Performance Recap
• Mighty Mergers in Q422 and Q123
  • SeaSpine and Orthofix Take the Plunge
  • Globus and NuVasive Join Forces in Q123
    
• Other Q422 Collaborations
  • ZimVie and Brainlab
  • Spineart and eCential Robotics
  • Captiva Spine and REMEX Medical
• Q422 Augmented Reality and Navigation Regulatory Highlights

Read the entire Q422 Spine Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Boost YOUR Success with Better Market Intelligence Solutions

In these uncertain times, the Medtech Industry is facing economic challenges, which have resulted in countless layoffs, early retirements and stressful budget cuts. As a result, many departments are left without proper staffing, creating major gaps in subject matter expertise and strategic insights. But times of pressure demand push-back from those determined to come out stronger on the other side, which is why now, more than ever, is the time to double down on your investments in market intelligence solutions and better technology.

Technology is a critical investment that can help companies reduce costs and increase efficiency. According to a recent survey by Gartner, an astounding 40% of CFOs say they plan to increase their IT budgets, even in times of economic uncertainty. Automation is also seen as a deflationary force that can help companies boost productivity and reduce costs while maintaining strong barriers to entry, what Morgan Stanley analysts call “deflation enablers.”

SmartTRAK’s Insights-as-a-Service solution has the potential to drive significant savings while also providing a competitive edge for your growth strategies. Just look at some of the potential results investments in SmartTRAK can provide companies:

• 20 to 25% increase the productivity of knowledge workers
• 25 - 35% reduction in time searching and gathering information with a searchable record of knowledge
• 3.5 – 6.5 hours of increased value-added time per week

But the proof is in the pudding. With the kinds of challenges that Medtech companies are facing today, SmartTRAK offers necessary solutions to help ease the burden of inflation. The SmartTRAK insights platformcombined with our subject matter experts can work as an extension of your market intelligence team, keeping you in-the-know and more productive than ever as you weather the economic storm.

If your organization is grappling with the kinds of budget challenges we mentioned while striving for double-digit growth, allow SmartTRAK to help. With a simple discovery call, our team can demonstrate the value and positive impacts of your company’s market intelligence spend. Using our SmartTRAK ROI Modeling tool, we can uncover invisible productivity and consolidation opportunities that can result in cost savings, greater efficiency and a positive ROI. All you have to do is click the button below to reach out to schedule.

More than just robots. Targeting enabling technologies to the ASC setting, development of novel assistive technologies, next-generation software updates, new applications and data insights abound at AAOS 2023.

In the US Markets for Spine and Orthopedic Enabling Technologies, it’s clear that companies are rapidly innovating and designing next-generation technologies that continue to advance the market well beyond the robotic surgical arms and platforms developed in the last decade. At this year’s American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) Annual Meeting, enabling technology was a big focus both on the podium and the exhibit floor. The Canaccord Genuity (CG) Musculoskeletal Conference also included a number of presentations from companies with innovative enabling technologies, including Enovis, OnPoint Surgical, THINK Surgical, OrthAlign, Augmedics, Canary Medical and newcomer Caira. Additionally, several companies on the AAOS exhibit floor were showcasing new developments across surgical planning, navigation, augmented reality, robotics and smart implants. In this Perspective article, SmartTRAK focuses in on several of the aforementioned companies, exciting technologies and important topics, including:

• These Are Not Your Father’s Robots: They're Here to Stay
• ASC Shift Driving Smaller, More Cost-Effective Solutions
• Dream Becoming Reality: Augmented Reality Competition Heats Up
• More Than Just Data: Smart Implants Show Promise in Improving Post-op Recovery
• Enabling Technology Space Continues to Grow
• Physician Adoption

With a lot of new developments expected later this year and over the next 24-48 months, the enabling technology space continues to grow and physician adoption is ...

To download and read the complete and unedited "Beyond Robotics: Enabling Tech Innovations at AAOS 2023" article by Elise Wolf, GM & VP, SmartTRAK Orthopedics, Digital & Quality, just click the button below.

• Top of Mind: M&A and Workforce Reductions
• Macroeconomic Headwinds
• Momentum for Penetrating Larger Addressable Markets
• Companies that are Shifting Strategies
  
  • Anika Therapeutics - Anika has been transforming itself from an osteoarthritis (OA) pain management leader with a huge addressable market to a ...
  • Vericel - US Cartilage Replacement Market leader Vericel continues to shape the market landscape and shift how surgeons are treating ...
  • CONMED - In 2021, CONMED accelerated investments to grow its domestic Orthopedic business, including expanding its ...
• Latest Updates on Pricing and Reimbursement

In summary, this year’s AAOS meeting was energetic, and most of the news and information was positive. SmartTRAK is eager to see the outcomes of the recent acquisitions and activities associated with capturing more market share and ...

To read the complete "The Orthobiologics Buzz at AAOS 2023" article by Kimberly French, GM, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q422/FY22 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q422/FY22 Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• Smooth Waters for Some, Turbulent Rapids for Others in Single-Injection Market
• Which Players are Taking The Wrong Waterway in Multi-Injection Market?
• Who are the Winners of the Multi-injection Kayak Race?
• What Companies Were Left in the Wake in the Multi-injection Segment?
• The Outlook for Joint Fluid Replacement in 2023

On the outlook for 2023 in the US Joint Fluid Replacement market, SmartTRAK expects to see a persistent competitive environment and continued pricing pressure, but the anticipation of ASP stabilization should make for a calmer playing field and enable some to regain market share in certain segments. That said, some unforeseen disruptors may lead to potential internal disruptions like the recent announcement from ...

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

SmartTRAK identifies three orthopedic robotics companies strategically positioned to shake things up this year in the fast-growing robotic-assisted TJA market.

SmartTRAK projects robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) will account for 48.5% of all US TKAs and 79.6% of all US robotic-assisted joint replacements by 2026E. This growth of robotic-assisted ortho procedures and ongoing adoption of enabling tech continues to drive the US ortho robotics market. In this Market Outlook Article, SmartTRAK identifies and analyzes three robotics companies that may shake things up in 2023 and beyond. They are:

• Stryker: Racing Towards New Indications in 2023
  • On the heels of a record-breaking quarter in Q422 in terms of MAKO installations in the US and internationally, market-leader Stryker (SYK) announced in its Q422 earnings call highly-anticipated timelines for the Company’s plans to launch ...
    
• THINK Surgical: Pursuing Two New Robots in 2023
  • THINK Surgical has a different approach compared to most robotics competitors. The Company focuses on providing robotic systems for joint replacement surgery, with an open implant library as an alternative to closed systems limited to a single manufacturer's implants. At the Canaccord Genuity Healthcare Conference in 2022, the Company revealed plans to ...
    
• Globus Medical: Bringing Knee Enabling Tech to Market in 2023
  • Since Globus Medical (GMED) acquired Stelkast in 2019 as a foundation for expanding into the total joint market, an orthopedic robotic system from the Company has been looming on the horizon. In the last two years, GMED has been consistently submitting intellectual property applications related to ...
    

To read the complete "Three Ortho Robotics Companies to Watch in 2023" Market Outlook article by By Shelly Caruso, SmartTRAK's Market Analyst/Medical Writer, Just click the button below.

For FY23, SmartTRAK expects to see M&A activity create both opportunities and challenges, the impact of positive swings in reimbursement furthering growth in SI joint fusion and disc replacement and for ongoing hospital limitations and the persistent adoption of MIS techniques to perpetuate the movement of spine cases to the ASC environment.

SmartTRAK expects to see several trends evolve in the spine market in 2023, shaped by current events and changing market dynamics in recent years. Over the past several years, organizational consolidation has continued as the market demanded scale to compete. An evolution in innovation and advancements in surgical techniques continues to push categorical growth in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and other procedures that lean on technology to maximize surgical efficiencies for both patients and surgeons.

In this comprehensive Market Outlook article, SmartTRAK examines, in detail, the following issues confronting the Spine market in the year ahead:

• Corporate Consolidation Activity is Creating both Opportunities and Headwinds
  • Two important mergers transpired last year which will undoubtedly cause major market disruption in 2023: Orthofix/SeaSpine and Globus/NuVasive. For both deals, SmartTRAK expects to see ...
    
    
• An Evolving Reimbursement Landscape is Driving Continued Growth in SI Joint fusion and Disc Replacement
  • There continue to be two spine procedures commanding attention for similar reasons. Historically, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion and total disc replacement (TDR) have been simple and innovative solutions with limited clinical data available, both plagued with reimbursement challenges. The demand for both has been growing for years ...
    
    
• Ongoing Hospital Constraints and Continued Adoption of MIS Techniques Further Procedural Migration to ASCs
  • The macroeconomic climate has caused systemic budget cutting and restructuring in healthcare, which has challenged staffing abilities in already overburdened facilities. Hospital executives’ demand for efficiency and optimization often put surgeons in a position of ...

To read the complete "Spine Themes for 2023: Great Expectations" Market Outlook article by Courtney Sheedy, SmartTRAK's General Manager, Spine, Just click the button below.

• Strong Robotic Performance Despite Lackluster Revenue from Changing Deal Mix
• Expanding Robotic Applications Contribute to Growth
• Other Orthopedic Robotics Moving Forward
• Orthopedic Enabling Tech Making Inroads into Spine and Vice Versa
• Navigation Highlights
• Advances in Augmented Reality
• Preoperative Planning Highlights

Orthopedic robotics market leader SYK reported that Q422 was a record quarter for MAKO installations, both in the US and internationally, with an unsurpassed number of MAKO installations in ASCs. In Q422, SYK saw ...

Read the entire Q422 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

• The Growing Interest in Biologic-Driven Soft Tissue Fixation
  • It was clear at AAOS that there is a growing interest among sports medicine companies and physicians in the use of biologic-driven soft tissue fixation. Since Smith+Nephew set the stage for ...
    
    
• Small and Mid-Size Players That Aim to Take Share
  • A number of smaller US and OUS-based soft tissue fixation companies were on display at AAOS showing that the market for soft tissue fixation is a popular one where new competitors see growth potential. Companies such as ...
    
    
• The New Companies Helping to Drive Innovation in Arthroscopic Video Technology
  
  • Arthroscopic video technology was front and center at AAOS 2023 from wireless cameras, disposable cameras and scopes to needle scope technology. While the big boys were showcasing their video technology as always, other companies, including ...

To read the complete "Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Highlights at AAOS 2023" article by Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue Fixation and Arthroscopic Enabling Technologies, click the button below.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q422/FY22 AWC Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q422/FY22 AWC Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• WW Advanced Dressings: Continued Solid Growth
• Biologics: Growth Remains Healthy but Dips Slightly in Q422
  • Skin Substitutes/CTPs
  • Topical Delivery/Drug
  • Collagen/Active Dressings
  • Traditional NPWT Performance
  • Single-use NPWT Performance 
  • Topical Oxygen and Debridement
• Growth Analysis – Currency Having a Strong Impact Throughout 2022

The US went from 51.9% share market to 55.3% of the global AWC market, Europe from 29.5% to 26.4% and ROW from 18.6% to 18.3%. The primary reason is ...

Read the entire Q422/FY22 AWC Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q422 Extremities Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q422 Extremities Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• New Shoulder Products Driving Growth with More Tech Updates Coming
• Ankle Market Poised for Expansion with Next-Generation Implants and Technology
• Renewed Manufacturer Focus along with New Product Intros Fuel Upper Extremities Fixation
• Foot & Ankle Fixation Propelled by New Product Introductions
• Q422 Regulatory Highlights
  • Fixation
  • Shoulder Replacement
  • Elbow Replacement
  • Ankle Replacement
  • Toe Replacement
    

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422/FY22 OrthoBio Recap* are:

• Complete Q422 Trauma Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• US Bone Replacement
  • Good Momentum as Spine Rebounds and Products Launch
• US Cartilage Replacement
  • Procedure Volumes Stabilizing
• US Soft Tissue Replacement
  
  • Winter Months More Like a Sunny Day Rose Parade
• US Meniscus Replacement 
  • Growth Dampened by a Non-Blooming Group of Small Players

In addition to the previously mentioned market growth drivers, and as SmartTRAK highlighted in its latest trends article, “What Lies Ahead for Orthobiologics in 2023 and Beyond”,* other contributing factors of growth in 2022 and indicators of future growth in the US Orthobio market, included a tremendous level of M&As, strategic alliances and investments in new technologies. Overall, the US Orthobio market performed above expectations and ...

Read the entire Q422 Orthobio Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Rebecca Wilkins, DVP R&D Neuromodulation for Abbott, discusses the Eterna SCS, strategies for penetrating the market for PDN, the latest initiatives for DBS and DRG and what’s next for the Company in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Rebecca Wilkins, Divisional Vice President, Research and Development, Neuromodulation at Abbott, discusses Eterna, the Company’s newest rechargeable spinal cord stimulator, strategies for penetrating the market for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), the latest initiatives in deep brain stimulation and what’s next in terms of research and innovation an interview with SmartTRAK. 

To find out more, listen to the interview by clicking on the following video (19:41 min). A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below...just click Continue Reading.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 Trauma Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q422 Trauma Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• Plates & Screws and IM Nails Propel Growth for the Quarter
• Globus Continues to Make Strides in Trauma Filling Out Product Portfolio
• Q422 Trauma Market Regulatory Highlights

The number one trauma player, DePuy Synthes* (46.6% Q4 US Trauma market share) attributed Q422 and full-year 2022 growth to market recovery along with market adoption of new introductions such as ...

Read the entire Q422 Trauma Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

SmartTRAK reports on the Wound Care Today 2023 Conference, where a number of challenges facing UK Advanced Dressings companies were on display

The UK Advanced Dressings Market is projected to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +1.9%, according to SmartTRAK estimates. The UK market is growing slower than any of the nine advanced dressings markets that SmartTRAK reports on, including the markets for Total Europe (+3.2%) and Worldwide (+5.0%). Given that the number of chronic wounds is increasing annually and the rate of UK inflation is in the double digits, why is the growth of the UK market so poor compared to other markets?

Among the may topics covered in detail in this comprehensive look into Wound Care 2023 article are:

• Increasing Alignment of Advanced Dressing Portfolios
• Increased Presence of Premium Priced Therapies
• Digital Tools That Highlight Inappropriate Usage of Dressings
• The Hidden Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Any usage of advanced dressings to manage HS is vulnerable to switching to products tailored to the condition. Quantifying the size of this market niche is challenging but could be an increasing area of focus in ...

To download and read the complete "Wound Care Today 2023: Low Growth Impacting the UK Advanced Dressings Market" perspective article by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Wound, just click the button below.

Q422 saw a continued rise in procedure volumes globally which provided growth for the AT Disposables Market, which tends to trend with case volumes. On the capital side of the AT market, capital orders remained strong for items such as arthroscopic camera systems with new equipment purchases as well as an increasing need for replacement capital driving demand. However, supply chain and sterilization issues continue to hinder overall sales growth in both the consumable and capital sides of the Arthroscopic Technologies market.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 Arthroscopic Technologies Market Recap* are:

As the US Spine Enabling Technology Market shows signs of blossoming opportunity in 2023, SmartTRAK highlights three distinct trends continuing to gain traction in the coming year.

The US market for Spine Enabling Technology boasted modest YoY gains in nearly every quarter in 2022, showing signs of blossoming opportunity in 2023 as procedure volumes return to pre-pandemic levels. SmartTRAK projects the US Spine Enabling Technology Market will have a five-year CAGR of 25.1%, according to SmartTRAK Spine Enabling Tech Market Overview. Looking ahead, SmartTRAK sees three distinct trends continuing in 2023: the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), the increasing use of “smart” innovations in robotics and the ongoing shift of spine cases to the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting.

Among the trends outlined and discussed in detail in this Market Outlook article are:

Trend #1: Growing Use of AI to Optimize Surgery and Predict Outcomes
It is no secret that AI is here to stay. In recent years, advances in deep learning and deep neural networks have fueled the introduction of a wave of AI and machine learning-based solutions across various medical applications. SmartTRAK reviews the development of AI in healthcare and the implementation of AI-driven imaging in orthopedics and ...

Trends #2: Increasing use of "Smart" Drilling and Haptic Feedback in Robotics. Current evidence remains unclear whether increased accuracy of implant placement associated with robotic assistance in spine surgery translates to improved patient outcomes. Nevertheless, robotic adoption is clearly increasing with market leader MDT highlighting “record-breaking quarters” in Mazor robotics for Q4FY22. SmartTRAK estimates the US Spine Robotics Market will reach ...

Trends #3: : Ongoing Shift of Non-complex Spine to ASCs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital restrictions on non-urgent surgical cases prompted surgeons to take more cases to surgery centers. For a surgeon, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) can facilitate better economics, control and patient safety. In the pandemic aftermath, published research suggests there is a renewed focus on ...

To download and read the complete "The Future of Spine Enabling Tech for 2023" article by Shelly Caruso, SmartTRAK Market Analyst/Medical Writer, just click the button below.

• PRP Trends and the Impacts to 2023 and Beyond
  
  • Headwinds in 2023
  • Trends in PRP Clinical Trials
  • Anticipated 2023 US PRP Market Share Standings
• Adipose Trends and the Impacts to 2023 and Beyond
  • Adipose tissue therapy gaining interest in the field of sports medicine
  • Patient demand for minimally-invasive solutions
  • Adipose-derived cell therapies for OA and Degenerative Disc Disease
    

To download and read the complete "A Glimpse into 2023: Regen Med Trends" article by Freddy Buntoum, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below.

SmartTRAK identifies the top trends impacting the Compression Therapy Market in 2023 and beyond, including reimbursement, diagnostic aids, 3M’s spin-off and growth in compression wraps.

Over the next several years, reimbursement changes in the US could impact the US Compression Therapy Market, In 2020, SmartTRAK noted that industry participants should expect increased activity from US advocacy groups seeking to raise awareness of reimbursement restrictions on compression therapy products. 

Among the top trends impacting the Compression Market in 2023 covered in detail in this article are:

• Trend #1: Expanding Coverage of Lymphedema Compression Therapy
  •  In December 2022, advocacy efforts were rewarded when legislators added coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items to the $1.7 trillion US Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 2617). Among many other provisions, the Bill provides Medicare coverage of ...
    
    
• Trend #2: Innovation in Diagnostic Aids
  • The lack of objective measurement of lymphatic function hinders the effective diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema. Lymphedema is typically diagnosed based on a patient’s underlying risk factors and physical symptoms. In some cases, imaging technology such as ...
    
    
• Trend #3: 3M’s Health Care Spin-off Shifting Market Dynamics
  • SmartTRAK noted in a recent article that 3M’s spin-off of its Health Care business could lead to a more focused and stronger leader in advanced wound care. SmartTRAK does not categorize compression therapy as advanced wound care, however, compression is ...
    
    
• Trend #4: Growth in Compression Wraps
  • SmartTRAK continues to track the growth of compression wraps via publicly available data sources. Compression wraps are growing strong in the UK, driven by the belief that the products improve patient compliance, reduce the need for professional intervention and are more cost-effective. The same drivers support growth in the US; however, the US Medicare system only provides reimbursement of compression wraps for qualifying wounds ...
    

To download and read the complete "Compression Therapy Trends to Watch in 2023 and Beyond" article by Terry Hayslett, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care. just click the button below.

• New Product Launches Coming Back
• Transitioning to the European Medical Device Regulations
• Continued Macroeconomic Headwinds in Specific Countries
• The Reimbursement-Related Threat of Silver Dressings in Germany

Breast Matrices rebound and grow modestly as AbbVie’s competitors take over market share. Biosynthetic and hybrid xenograft hernia matrices continue to drive growth in Hernia Matrices.

The US Surgical Matrices Market resumed its pre-pandemic trends, gaining +3.2% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie* and Becton Dickinson* (BD) remained in first and second positions, respectively, in the Q422 Surgical Matrices market. AbbVie held on to its leadership despite  a -4.4% YoY decline, while BD gained +6.1% YoY.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

Saluda Medical President and CEO Jim Schuermann discusses the Company, the Evoke System and changing the game in SCS in an interview with SmartTRAK

With the US launch of the Evoke System, Saluda Medical is changing the game in spinal cord stimulation (SCS). At the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Annual meeting in Las Vegas in January, researchers presented impressive 36-month data from the Company’s Evoke Study and the Company was showcasing its Evoke System for the first time on the NANS exhibit hall floor. As the first commercially available closed-loop SCS system using evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs), Evoke is unlike anything on the market. The technology automatically adjusts stimulation to maintain precise and consistent neural activation to the spinal cord for the treatment of intractable low back and leg pain. The Company received FDA PMA for Evoke in February 2022 and announced a limited US commercial release in December 2022, calling it the first and only ‘SmartSCS” in the US.

Saluda Medical President and CEO Jim Schuermann discusses bringing Evoke System to market, the Company’s US launch and commercialization plans, the newest generation of Evoke, his vision for the future and Evoke’s potential impact on the market in an interview with SmartTRAK. Click the button below to download and read a complete transcript of the interview.

SmartTRAK reviews recent trends in hernia matrices and their potential impact on the US Hernia Matrices Market, which is projected to reach $1.06B in 2023 according to SmartTRAK.

Incisional hernia procedures reached a peak in the mid-2000s, with a gradual decline as surgeons performed fewer abdominal procedures and researchers investigated new techniques for closure. While improved stitching for closure has had mixed results, surgeons are trying other new approaches to reduce incisional hernias such as MSI’s DuraMesh* and Deep Blue Medical’s T-line mesh* which are being used prophylactically.

In this Market Outlook article, we cover in detail:

• Synthetic Matrices Poised for Slow Down
• Alternatives to Synthetic Matrices Gaining Favor
  • Xenograft Matrices
  • Resorbable Meshes
  • Reinforced Xenograft Matrices
• Expert Analysis and Conclusions

Market Dynamics, Industry Moves and Technology Advancements 

In 2022, the Orthobiologics Market encountered both ups and downs. Though companies are still reporting year-end results, SmartTRAK feels the Orthobiologics Market finished on a high note. The 2022 challenges, such as staffing shortages at healthcare facilities, supply chain constraints and inflation, may cause headwind in 2023, stifling some growth.

Nevertheless, SmartTRAK anticipates the potential downsides will be offset by elective procedures returning to pre-COVID levels, along with progressive, transitional initiatives by select market players that have the potential to reshape certain orthobiologics segment landscapes.

Among the many topics covered in this Market Outlook article are:

• Reshaping the Competitive Landscape
• Shifts in the US Bone Replacement Market
• Advancements in Osteobiologics
• Shifts in the US Sports Medicine Market

SmartTRAK interviews Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc CEO and President Dr. Mike Griffiths to discuss how durable healing can improve health equality

Oxygen-based therapies have been used on chronic wounds for many years. In a recent article on the 2023 Oxygen and Energy Market, SmartTRAK expressed the view that the Topical Oxygen Therapy Market will grow at a significant rate and that Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc* is likely to be the biggest driver of that growth. The Company has established a solid evidence base for its TWO2* system, a Topical Wound Oxygen therapy system which applies cyclical pressurized directly to a patient’s wound at home or in a healthcare facility. SmartTRAK talked with the company Medical Director, President and CEO, Dr. Mike Griffiths, about the journey that the company has been on so far, how durable healing and patient-led home care can reduce health inequalities and why the company has recently entered the Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Market.

To find out more about Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc, click on the following video to listen to the recorded interview (27:56 min). A complete transcript of the interview is available here. For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below.

With many of the “hard yards” already run, SmartTRAK believes that 2023 could be a promising year for the Oxygen and Energy segments of the Advanced Wound Care Market.

SmartTRAK estimates the 2021 WW Oxygen and Energy Market at just over $50.0MM. While this is not an insignificant amount, it trails far behind other Advanced Wound Care markets such as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and Biologics. Last year, however, showed signs that clinicians are starting to realize the potential of these technologies. Here SmartTRAK looks at how some of the existing players in the markets for oxygen and energy therapies may show increased success in 2023 and why some of the leading wound care companies may soon be taking their first steps into these markets.

Among the many topics covered in this article are:

In recent years, there have been significant advances in orthopedic treatments, surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods that have transformed the way we approach musculoskeletal disorders.SmartTRAK continues to report daily, in real-time on the challenges still ahead, covering all aspects of the Orthopedic market: Extremities, OrthoBio, Spine, Computer Assisted Surgery, Total Joints, Trauma, Soft Tissue Fixation and EU Extremities and Trauma.

SmartTRAK features curated content by our team of industry experts, bringing the most relevant information and insight directly to you in real-time. Learn about the latest news, emerging technologies or start-ups to watch, conference happenings and more via articles, videos and interviews and Be The Expert.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Orthopedic updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

New Products:

• NuVasive*
  

  NUVA spoke about its upcoming product launches, including an expandable Lateral called MOD-EX XLIF and extended blade-fixation options for Modulus ALIF, and predicted that both will support the continued interest in NUVA. NUVA Q422 Earnings Transcripton Seeking Alpha

• Globus*

  GMED mgmt stated the ortho robot will launch w/ a knee application first w/ other applications to follow, noting it is unlikely that gap-filling joint implant systems would be launched prior to the knee application for robotics. GMED Q422 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

• CurvaFix Rodscrew* - CurvaFix

  CurvaFix announced a it will launch the 7.5 mm CurvaFix IM Implant, which received FDA clearance in Oct 2022, at this year’s AAOS annual meeting in Las Vegas. BusinessWire

Patents:

• SeaSpine*
  

  7D Surgical was granted US Patent “Systems And Methods For Intraoperative Spinal Level Verification” disclosing the use of segmented surface data from volumetic pt image data compared w/ intra-op surface data to verify spine levels w/o x-rays. 11564752

• Method for Treating Joint Pain  
  

  US Patent "Method for treating joint pain" was granted relating to treating joint pain by inserting a bone dowel and BMA into the subchondral of a bone and introducing BMA into the intra-articular space of the joint being treated. 11583402

Among the many topics covered in detail in this comprehensive article are:

Do you love working with a dynamic, experienced team of marketing and sales professionals? Are you looking for a position that leverages your industry knowledge and marketing skills in new ways? Do you thrive in a start-up like atmosphere with plans for exponential growth? If you are a current or former marketing professional who has worked within the Life Sciences (especially medical device) industry, we would love to talk with you.

SmartTRAK is the leading strategic advisory and healthcare analytics provider in the orthopedic, wound care, neuro therapies and regenerative medicine markets. Our customers — which include most of the largest global orthopedic and wound care companies -- rely on our “insights-as-a-service” platform for their market research and business intelligence. We are expanding our team by seeking an experienced marketing associate to drive a variety of key marketing initiatives. This person will be responsible for coordinating with the Marketing, Sales and Customer Success teams to increase awareness of SmartTRAK, including through social media, email, website, paid advertising and events.

We’re looking for a conscientious, team-player, who can thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial/small business environment. Our candidate is comfortable working remotely and is both collaborative and self-driven. They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to utilize a variety of marketing tools. Click the button below to learn more and apply.

Treating burns with skin substitutes dominated the clinical presentations and discussions on the exhibit hall floor. A close second discussion point was the role of proper wound bed preparation or debridement. This article highlights new products from Kerecis*,Vericel*, Epien Medical, PixaMedand the role of debridement in wound healing.  

Among the many topics covered in detail in the complete article, which is available as a download, are:

Dr. Scott Sigman, founder and chief medical officer of OrthoLazer Orthopedic Laser Centers and host of the Ortho Show podcast, discusses current trends in arthroscopic sports medicine and orthopedic care in an in-depth interview with SmartTRAK.

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Scott Sigman, MD discusses many trends in arthroscopic technologies and soft tissue fixation including advancements in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair with the BEAR Implant, graft selection in ACL reconstruction, the Stryker InSpace Balloon for massive rotator cuff tears, advancements in Latarjet, needle arthroscopy and more. Dr. Sigman is the chief medical officer and founder of OrthoLazer Orthopedic Laser Centers and the host of the Ortho Show podcast. 

To find out more about Dr. Sigman’s insights on sports medicine and arthroscopy, click on the following video to watch Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK's Sr. Analyst, Soft Tissue Fixation and Arthroscopic Enabling Technologies, interview Dr. Sigman (49:55 min). A complete transcript of the interview is available here. For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below.

As the COVID-19 epidemic waned and companies got back to business as usual, SmartTRAK continued to keep you informed of everything that transpired in the MedTech industry in 2022. Here are SmartTRAK's Top 10 blog posts of the past year that garnered the most attention from you and your colleagues, plus 4 bonus posts, because at SmartTRAK we always strive to deliver more than what's expected!

As the leading provider of real-time market data and analysis for the orthopedic, wound, regenerative medicine and neuro therapies markets, SmartTRAK is uniquely suited to make you the expert on all the latest developments. Our knowledgeable analysts covered a lot of ground, everything from breaking medical device event coverage to interviews with some of the industry's top thought leaders.

Medtronic: The Future of Neuromodulation in 2022 and Beyond
by Anne Staylor

Dave Anderson, Medtronic’s President Neuromodulation, and Charlie Covert, Vice President and General Manager of Pain Therapies, discuss the Company, the pandemic and the future of neuromodulation in a wide-ranging interview with SmartTRAK.

SmartTRAK interviews Dr. Pascal-André Vendittoli to learn more about the Personalized Arthroplasty Society and this year’s annual meeting.

SmartTRAK interviews Oxford Performance Materials CEO Scott DeFelice to learn more about the company’s PEKK-based materials solutions in orthopedics.

To find out more, including OPM’s plan to expand into the custom trauma market and its planned release of an all-polymer total knee, just click on the following video to listen to the full interview. (29:13 min).  A link to download a transcript of the complete interview is also provided below.

Headwinds persist for the Arthroscopic Technologies Market in Q322

With most of the major headwinds caused by COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror, the Arthroscopic Technologies (AT) Market showed growth in the third quarter with WW Arthroscopic Technologies revenues up +4.2% over Q321. The quarter saw a continued rise in procedural volumes globally that resulted in growth for the AT disposables market which trends with case volumes. On the capital side of the AT Market, capital spending and demand remained strong for items such as arthroscopic camera systems with new equipment purchases as well as an increasing need for replacement capital driving demand.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Arthroscopic Technologies Market Recap* are:

With the recent announcement that 3M is spinning off its Health Care division, SmartTRAK looks back at the evolution of 3M Health Care, its businesses today, the entry into Advanced Wound Care (AWC) and potential new opportunities for the new Health Care business.

3M, a large, diversified company with annual sales of $35.4B in 2021 announced earlier this year plans to spin-off its Health Care business into a new public company. Today, 3M markets thousands of products through four business groups: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care and Consumer. Post-spin-off, 3M will continue as a leading global material science innovator, while the new stand-alone business will seek to become a global diversified healthcare company focused on wound care, healthcare IT, oral care and biopharma filtration.


Among the many topics covered in this fascinating article are:

SmartTRAK reports that Q322 Spine Market performance drove a lack of consensus on operational performance metrics, while a shifting procedural landscape offered new product opportunities for small and mid-tier players, driving competitive pressure.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Spine Market Recap* are:

Biosynthetic hernia matrices continue their ascent and Xenograft hernia matrices grow, thanks to TELA Bio.

As elective surgical procedures settle into pre-pandemic levels, the US Surgical Matrices Market resumed trends that had begun prior to Q322, gaining +2.4% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie* and Becton Dickinson* (BD) have been trading share positions in the last few quarters and now once again AbbVie has first place in the Q322 Surgical Matrices market despite of a -5.4% YoY decline, with BD In second place.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

Despite declining OUS results, the US Trauma Market experienced healthy growth attributed to adoption of new products.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Trauma Market Recap* are:

Growth in the SCS and DBS segments remained soft in Q322 as companies continue to wrestle with macro-environmental issues and currency headwinds

Neuromodulation continued to face a challenging macro environment in Q322 related to stubborn inflationary pressures, currency exchange headwinds and unpredictable surges in COVID affecting supply chains and healthcare staffing in certain geographies. However, some competitors reported seeing steady signs of improvement in the quarter and are looking to expanded indications and new technologies to help drive growth.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Neuromodulation Market Recap* are:

Surgeons are concerned about the cost of breast matrices in an increasingly restrictive environment, but alternatives may be on the horizon according to key discussions at the 2022 Plastic Surgery: The Meeting.

To read the complete "Trends in ADM Use from ASPS 2022" article by Doug Devens, SmartTRAK's Product Director/Sr. Analyst - Wound, in which  he shares observations from the ASPS sessions and the potential implications for the Breast Matrices Market, just click the following link.

Q322 sees a tidal wave of new robotic spine surgery competitors as well as data-driven initiatives under development by a host of companies in the market for spine enabling tech.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 CAS Spine Market Recap* are:

CMS Reimbursement changes raging like a beast to belabor several HA market players

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap* are:

As the CEO of SmartTRAK, I understand Medtech executives often drown in data and need quick, easy access to market insights from a trusted source. According to a Forbes article Big Data is Dead. Long Live Smart Data, the “more Data-is-Better” era is over, and it is time for Smart Data. And that means a SmartTRAK subscription is more important than ever.

SmartTRAK is the Medtech’s industry first and only “Insights-as-a-Service” (IaaS) solution, curating data from hundreds of data sources, including public and commercial databases as well as extensive attendance and coverage of industry conferences. Our team of industry experts and data scientists do the work for our customers, providing actionable intelligence and insights from data that is already cleaned, verified and featurized. Our proprietary data curation methodology powers the SmartTRAK platform, which can be accessed on demand 24x7 across the enterprise.

Even stronger foreign exchange headwinds inhibit revenue growth from steadily improving elective procedural trends 

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q322 Total Joints Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Analysis and Insights
• All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• Improving Procedural Volumes Leaning into Strengthening Foreign Exchange Headwinds
• Hips: Muscle-Sparing Solutions and New Products Driving Growth
• Knees: Assistive Tech Driving Implant Pull-Through
• Q322 Regulatory Highlights

Do you love keeping up with the latest trends in the Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen medicine markets? Are you a closet investigative reporter who loves researching and analyzing what’s going on in the market? Are you looking for a position that leverages your industry knowledge, expertise and connections in new ways? If you are a current or former marketing, market research or business development professional who has worked with one of the major orthopedic/spine companies and looking for a career change, we would love to talk with you.

We are looking to strengthen our SmartTRAK Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen modules with the addition of a qualified person with industry specific experience. All SmartTRAK analysts are former marketing, business development or R&D professionals with one of the major orthopedic/spine suppliers and, in fact, most have come to us via recommendations from our subscribers, as well as those in the industry. We believe that having a person of this caliber with relevant experience and deep insight on the market is a tremendous value-add we can offer SmartTRAK subscribers.

We are looking for someone with Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen industry experience who is interested in working full-time. Click the button below to learn more and apply.

The potential of US reimbursement changes to Skin Substitutes weighed heavily on companies at SAWC Fall, yet subsequently, CMS decided to delay finalizing its proposed changes.

The Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Fall 2022 gathered for another year in Las Vegas. The exhibit hall was filled with most wound care manufacturers and though booth hours were short, the clinical attendees made the best of their time searching out the latest in wound care technologies.

In this article, SmartTRAK discusses:

• Alternative Product Developments to the Skin Substitute Market 
• Potential Impact of Proposed Reimbursement Changes
• The Top Four Companies by Revenue 
• CMS' Proposed Terminology Change from “Skin Substitute”
• Packaging Skin Substitutes as “Incident to” Supplies

In the market for Trauma & Extremities, companies continue to innovate with new product introductions as well as a value-based care approach that promotes supporting clinical evidence for new and existing products showing their benefits to the patient and the hospital. Manufacturers are investing in solutions beyond implants to differentiate themselves and gain share in the Trauma & Extremities markets. SmartTRAK has observed a variety of strategies and solutions in the fast-paced hallux valgus segment as well as investment in deformity correction and periprosthetic solutions. The following is a sample of SmartTRAK's recent Trauma & Extremities news and developments from around the world, compiled, curated and posted in real-time by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. If you'd like to receive these expert insights daily, Contact Us to learn more. Our users think it's the perfect way to start their day.

New Products:

• CAPTIVATE Cannulated Screw System* - Globus*
  

  Globus announced the launch of the CAPTIVATE Headed Cannulated Screw System in diameters 2.5/3.0 mm, 3.5/4.0 mm, 4.5/5.5 mm. SmartTRAK reviewed the products at OTA with Globus as the Company fills out its Trauma & Extremities portfolio. LinkedIn

• Stryker*

  Stryker launched the Gamma4 System, the next-gen IM nail system from the IM Nail market leader (45.6% US share in 2021) according to SmartTRAK’s Financial Dashboard. The new system features a precision pin, redefined nail design and integrated instrument.

For the first time in recent years, robotics was not a main headline in the academic program at NASS 2022, but SmartTRAK notes that the exhibit floor was buzzing with exciting new developments in enabling technology.

Although there were limited program sessions focused solely on enabling technology at NASS 2022, the floor was abuzz with digital solutions, including recently launched and upcoming products. Based on conversations with NASS exhibitors, SmartTRAK identified key trends in the market for spine enabling technology including new spine robotic systems, augmented reality (AR) platforms and compact navigation solutions, as well as advances in surgical planning and unveiling of digital ecosystems. These innovations will help drive double-digit growth in the US market for Spine Enabling Technologies.

Among the many topics covered in detail in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:

• Beyond Robotics: Leveraging Data and Ecosystems
• Battle Bots: New Spine Robots on Display
• Augmented Reality Positioned to Target ASCs
• Small-Footprint Platforms and Disposable Spinal Navigation
• Problem-Solving Differentiated Technology

Highlighting the latest research, technology developments and innovations taking place in orthobiologics and regenerative medicine at ICRS 2022

This year the International Cartilage Regenerative & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) hosted its 16th World Congress in Berlin, Germany, and SmartTRAK covered it. This was the Society’s first in-person meeting since October 2019, and without a doubt, a very exciting moment for ICRS, its members and all who attended the event. For four days, industry stakeholders from around the world converged in Berlin to learn and hear about the latest research, technology developments and innovations taking place in orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. In this article, SmartTRAK gives a recap of some of the main topics presented during the meeting.

Among the many fascinating topics covered in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:

• The Role of Extracellular Vesicles 
• Use of Minced Cartilage
• Autologous, Matrix-induced Chondrogenesis 
• Feasibility of Gene Therapy
• Other Therapies of Tomorrow

SmartTRAK, the leading global Medtech business and market insights platform in the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets, announces the expansion of its solutions portfolio focused on new market coverage for Wound Debridement and Injectables for spinal disc degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

SmartTRAK is an Insights-as-a-Service platform that equips customers with real-time, accurate market, company and product insights from hundreds of carefully curated data sources. The solution includes rich content provided through a SaaS platform and includes daily updates, tools and dashboards along with direct access to market analysts and expert advisory services.

Wound Debridement, a newly covered segment offered on the SmartTRAK platform, is foundational to wound healing and the success of every advanced wound care product. According to Wound Care market expert and General Manager Gary Delhougne, “our new module will cover the full scope of the debridement market opportunity and will be beneficial to companies directly participating or contemplating entering into the debridement space.” The Wound Debridement module is now widely available to customers.

Sofia Heddson Fransén, Essity’s Global Solution Owner, Intelligent Medical Solutions discusses the Company’s recent digital app launch as well as current and future trends in the digital field in an interview with SmartTRAK at SAWC Fall 2022.

To find out more about Essity and the Company’s initiatives around digital solutions in wound care, click the video below to listen to the interview in which Sofia Heddson Fransén, Essity’s Global Solution Owner, Intelligent Medical Solutions, discusses the Company’s recent digital app launch and what the current and future trends in the digital field (05.33 min) are. A link to download the complete interview transcript is also provided below.

We are pleased to announce that Sara Cooley has joined the team at SmartTRAK as Relationship Manager, Customer Success. Sara has 5+ years of experience in Account Management and Sales in the medical device industry with a concentration in Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and ENT. Her prior roles were with Kairos Surgical, an Arthrex Distributor, and American Surgical Company.

What is your role with SmartTRAK? Relationship Manager, Customer Success.

What do you like about SmartTRAK? I love that Smarttrak is helping to create an innovative industry by giving companies the information they need to make smart, strategic decisions based on industry trends.

SmartTRAK identified several trends at NASS 2022 that have the potential to improve patient care and drive advancement in the spine market, including the shift of fusion procedures to the ASC setting, a potential tipping point for the adoption of endoscopic spine care, and emerging innovations within the interbody space.

At the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago, SmartTRAK witnessed a revival in energy that has been absent in recent years due to COVID-19, healthcare disruption and industry M&A integration. Exhibitors had the opportunity to teach attendees about new technology in a multitude of ways – a new live surgical theater was proudly projected throughout the exhibit hall and most companies were equally inviting to conversations about macro technology developments. Though SmartTRAK has seen so much innovation in spine over the recent several years, which of these advancements will truly lead to improved patient care? SmartTRAK identified several trends at NASS 2022 that have the potential to improve patient care and drive growth in the spine market over the coming two-to-five years. These include the shift of procedures from the hospital to outpatient and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings, increased adoption and adaptation within surgical approaches and the introduction of custom interbody implants, and many others.

Among the many topics covered in detail in this article are:

Observations and analysis from the 37th Annual North American Spine Society (NASS) Meeting held October 12-14 in Chicago, IL. 

Among the many topics covered in detail in this article are:

• A Spine Merger That Will Significantly Impact The Orthobiologics Landscape
• BMP-2 Safety Profile Remains an Open Issue
• Incremental Product Improvement Across OrthoBio Categories
• Spine Strategic Portfolio Strategies
• Intradiscal Treatments Take Center Stage

Undoubtedly, the proposed business combination of Orthofix and SeaSpine announced immediately prior to NASS was the most impactful news emanating from the meeting. On a proforma basis, the combined company is expected to generate approximately ...

To download and read the complete "OrthoBio-Focused Themes Emerging from NASS 2022" article by James Petricek,  SmartTRAK's GM, OrthoBio and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below.

SmartTRAK is pleased to announce that Linda Bernier has been named new Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Linda will oversee Sales, Customer Success and Marketing. She will be involved with projects ranging from customer retention and satisfaction, licensing new tools and data sources, new products and strategy, marketing and new messaging, among others. She comes with a depth of experience in the healthcare and SaaS world, having held CEO and Chief Marketing Officer positions during her career

"Linda has great leadership and interpersonal skills (positivity, woo and communication are among her top strengths), and she likes to put ideas into action and get things done (achiever and strategic also in her top 5). Above all, she brings the experience, knowledge and confidence we have needed to successfully make the pivot to becoming a SaaS company with our new SmartTRAK Enterprise offering." SmartTRAK CEO Sharon O'Reilly

Meet Linda Bernier, SmartTRAK's new Chief Growth Officer:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? As Chief Growth Officer, my main objectives are to execute our founder and CEO Sharon O’Reilly’s vision for SmartTRAK and to achieve the company’s full potential as the leading market insights solution for the MedTech industry. In my role, I’ll be working with the sales, marketing and customer success teams to execute key initiatives to profitably grow the company. These initiatives include increasing client engagement, continuing our stellar > 95% retention rate through voice of client, acquiring new clients, elevating the SmartTRAK brand and expanding SmartTRAK’s portfolio of products and services, including the potential entry into new markets.
 
What do you like about SmartTRAK? When I listen to customers, they consistently say SmartTRAK is their trusted source for

In the market for Total Joint Replacement, companies continue to innovate with assistive technologies and new implants and instruments to advance clinical outcomes and increase efficiency of care. From new hip products optimized for the direct anterior approach to cementless knee solutions, companies are focusing on technologies that provide optimal outcomes whether surgeries are performed in a hospital, hospital outpatient or ASC setting. The following is a sample of SmartTRAK's recent Total Joints news and developments from around the world, compiled, curated and posted in real time by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. If you'd like to receive these expert insights daily, Contact Us to learn more. Our users think it's the perfect way to start their day.

• JNJ/DePuy Synthes*
  

  JNJ/DePuy Synthes did not discuss its new EMPHASYS hip implants during its Q322 earnings call. However, SmartTRAK would not be surprised to see the Company introduce the system at AAHKS 2022 with the EMPHASYS Cup* recently receiving 510(k) clearance to round out the platform.

• Exactech*

  Exactech announced the successful first surgeries and limited launch of the Novel Total Hip Arthroplasty System with the Spartan Stem* and Logical Cup* with full commercial US launch planned for H123. Exactech is a distributor of the implants supplied by Signature Orthopaedics*.

OFIX and SPNE announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals. Both companies believe there are meaninful cross-selling revenue synergies, as well as at least $40MM in YoY cost savings to capture over the 3 years following the transaction. The companies have expressed revenue goals of ~$1.0B concluding year 3 post-merger.

SmartTRAK believes the complimentary product portfolios provide a comprehensive offering and

 In an interview with SmartTRAK, Joel Gambrell, Co-founder and CEO for Astura Medical, shares the series of new products launching at NASS and, specifically, reveals what makes Astura’s new Integrated Expandable ALIF System, El Capitan, truly differentiated.

Since the Company was founded in 2014, Astura Medical has achieved fast growth, established a reputation for elegance and quality in its product offering and taken a different methodology to both product development and business operations. In an interview with SmartTRAK, Joel Gambrell, Co-founder and CEO, provides insight on how Astura’s R&D process is unique, unveils why Astura’s approach to custom implants offers the most real-time precision and reveals the distinctions that make the new Integrated Expandable ALIF System, El Capitan, truly differentiated. In addition to El Capitan, Astura Medical will be launching several other new technologies at the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) annual 2022 meeting in Chicago. 

SmartTRAK's spine experts will be roaming the floor at NASS 2022, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest news and innovations in the Spine Market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market.  If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, just click here.

Continue reading to find out how to download a complete transcript of SmartTRAK's interview with CEO Joel Gambrell.

With the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 annual meeting next week in Chicago, anticipation builds to see if some of the top players' product launches are unveiled at the event, including potential new offerings from Medtronic and NuVasive. Meanwhile, SmartTRAK expects to see bright spots from some of the pure-play companies like Centinel, Alphatec and Astura Medical. The event will surely be a pick-me-up from sluggish market performance plagued by budget constraints and supply chain issues. 

Our spine experts will be roaming the floor, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest in the spine market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market. To make sure you’re up to speed before the meeting, here is a sample of recent spine news collected and curated by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, please click the button below.

New Products:

• prodisc C* - Centinel Spine*
  

  Centinel Spine announced expansion of the prodisc cTDR portfolio. Currently, Centinel has 510(k) clearance for 1-level indications for prodisc C Vivo, prodisc C SK and prodisc C Nova giving them the broadest global offering in cTDR.

Spine enabling tech companies continue to report positive momentum moving into H222 despite limited hospital budgets, chip shortages and continued staffing issues. The North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 annual meeting next week is sure to provide a preview of what is coming next for both spine robotics from players like Medtronic and Globus, as well as surgical guidance solution providers such as NuVasive and SeaSpine. We are also looking forward to new enabling tech solutions to be launched at the meeting.

Our spine experts will be roaming the floor, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest in the CAS Spine Market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market.

To make sure you’re up to speed before the meeting, here is a sample of recent CAS Spine news collected and curated by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, please click the button below. New Products:

• Stryker*
  

  SYK announced the launch of its Q Guidance System for spine applications, which includes surgical planning and intra-op guidance for spine procedures in patients age 13 and older.

As one of the fastest growing markets globally, China is a key market for companies competing in the Advanced Dressings Market. China is the second largest Advanced Dressings Market in the world and is projected to grow in the high single digits over the next five years according to SmartTRAK estimates. Not surprisingly, most of the global leaders in the Advanced Dressings Market have a presence in China, either via distributors or a direct sales force or through manufacturing sites, including Coloplast, WEGO, Mölnlycke and Smith+Nephew, among others.

To find out more about these companies and what’s new in the China Advanced Dressings Market, SmartTRAK highlights market updates covering the top news on new products, clinical studies, deals/financing, market trends, clinical/regulatory and company revenues. Following are some recent updates that were gathered and curated by our expert analysts and sent out to subscribers in SmartTRAK's Daily Updates. To discover how to learn more about the China Advanced Dressings Market, click here.

New Products:

• China NMPA Approvals in August
  

  In August 2022, NMPA approved 210 medical devices. Among them, 161 were domestic Class III devices, 25 imported Class III and 22 imported Class II devices. One NPWT kit from Nantong Changyu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. was the only wound care product.

• LUOFUCON Silicone Foam Border - Foryou Medical Devices Co.*

  ForYou Medical announced that they received a China NMPA approval for LUOFUCON Silicone Foam to be sold in China. Class III, National Machinery Note 20223140748. The dressing is manufactured by ForYou Medical, available in several anatomical shapes.

Dr. Kim outlines his extensive experience in adopting endoscopic spine surgery and reflects on barriers to widespread adoption, including the learning curve and reimbursement challenges

Endoscopic and arthroscopic technology has been around for a number of years, aiding surgeons’ visualization to treat patients in much less invasive ways than were previously possible. Prior to the introduction and adoption of these types of technology, surgeons were faced with invasive, more traumatic procedures and sometimes limitations on visualization based on anatomy. Less invasive approaches have allowed patients to benefit from less risk, shorter hospital stays and, in many cases, quicker healing.

Endoscopic approaches to spine surgery have been taking place for 10+ years, but the market hasn’t experienced transformative growth. All the patient benefits align with relative adoption trends, so why haven’t we seen endoscopic spine surgery grow at a similar rate? What does the future look like in this segment? SmartTRAKsat down with minimally invasive spine surgery pioneer Choll Kim, MD, PhD to explore his thoughts on focusing his minimally invasive surgical practice around specific offering of endoscopic spinal techniques, what the pros and cons have been within the adoption curve of the technology and where he thinks the market is headed.

SmartTRAK's spine experts will be roaming the floor at NASS 2022, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest news and innovations in the Spine Market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market.  If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, please click here.

Continue reading to find out how to download a complete transcript of SmartTRAK's interview with Dr. Kim.

A market fraught with challenging hospital budgets, chip shortages and continued staffing issues results in apparent swings in robotic performance. On the other hand, enabling tech platforms companies continue to report positive momentum moving into H222.

The Q222 WW CAS Spine Market was down YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic* (MDT) remained the market leader, followed by Globus* (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors including Stryker* (SYK) and Brainlab*. For detailed Q222 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK CAS Spine Financial Dashboard*.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 Computer Assisted Surgery Spine Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q222 CAS Spine Market Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Analysis and Insights
• All Company News including Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• Variable Robotics Performance in a Difficult Climate

SmartTRAK highlights novel diagnostic devices for pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and interviews PU Sensor’s CEO Johannes Walfidsson at EPUAP 2022

According to SmartTRAK incidence and prevalence data*, there were over 10 million pressure ulcers in Europe in 2021, with four million being stage III to IV. This means that pressure ulcers account for around two-thirds of the total number of chronic wounds on the continent and almost half of the hard-to-heal wounds. Given these eye-opening statistics, it would be understandable to expect that the first European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) Meeting in three years would indicate growing engagement in this area, both clinically and commercially. Unfortunately, on the evidence of the event in Prague, this wasn’t the case, with delegate numbers declining from previous years and a sparse exhibition hall missing many of the prominent wound care players. This begs the question; why isn’t there a greater focus on pressure ulcers and prevention? (Click to listen to SmartTRAK's interview with PU Sensor's CEO Johannes Walfidsson, "Advancing Risk Assessment for Pressure Ulcers." You can also download a complete transcript of the interview here)

SmartTRAK is pleased to announce that Joe Mish has been named new VP of Sales and will lead our commercial team. Before joining SmartTRAK two years ago, originally as Director of Sales, Joe had 10+ years experience in medical device sales, with a concentration on Joint Replacement and Spine & Robotic Technologies. Joe sold and implemented analytic software to manage value-based care and bundled payment, working with Stryker, LDR/ZimmerBiomet and Stryker Performance Solutions.

"I couldn't be more pleased to have a true professional with data analytics/IT/SaaS plus medical device background like Joe in this position. I think you will agree that he is the right person to bring SmartTRAK to the next level." - SmartTRAK CEO Sharon O'Reilly

Meet Joe Mish, SmartTRAK's new VP of Sales: 

What do you like about SmartTRAK? I truly love the value we bring to our customers. With the world being so volatile and medical device markets still being disrupted in so many ways, we offer clients a predictable way to stay ahead of their competition. This is extremely rare. There is no better feeling than standing behind a company and product that you really believe in…we are focused and committed to building long term relationships and strategic partnerships with our customers, and it shows.

WW Advanced Wound Care continues to grow in the mid-single-digits as company revenues reflect normalcy in wound care with a likely increase in wound severity.

For Q222, SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard reports the WW Advanced Wound Care (AWC) market grew +6.4%. WW Advanced Dressings and WW Wound Biologics were also up, while NPWT-heavy External Devices revenue increased marginally.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap* are:

• Complete Q222 AWC Overview and Highlights
• SmartTRAK's Expert Analysis and Insights
• All Company News including Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
• Growth Analysis – Currency Having a Significant Impact in Q2

SmartTRAK highlights key movements in the quickly changing landscape of interventional pain management and identifies practice trends surrounding SCS, PNS, minimally invasive spine and SI Joint Fusion from the recent ASPN and INS meetings.

Strong demand for alternatives to narcotic pain management combined with an aging population and growing incidence of chronic pain continue to drive demand for interventional pain techniques. The approach to the treatment of chronic intractable pain is evolving, with a shift toward data-focused treatment optimization, growing use of digital monitoring and holistic evaluation of patient outcomes. Furthermore, increasing overlap among various devices and therapies as well as unclear boundaries between interventional pain, orthopedic and spine practices is spurring physicians to adopt collaborative approaches to patient care.

Among the many timely topics covered in this comprehensive Market Outlook article "Pain Intervention: A Market of Moving Targets", which can be downloaded in its entirety here, are:

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 Extremities Market Recap* are:

John Uribe, MD, discusses inset glenoid technology and the future of shoulder replacement

John Uribe, MD, discusses his most recent research and experience with inset glenoids and how inset glenoids could influence the practice of shoulder replacement surgery. Dr. Uribe is a dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Group South Florida specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgical procedures for degenerative knee, shoulder and elbow conditions. He is also the Chair of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL and the team physician for the Florida Panthers hockey team and the Miami Dolphins football team.

Dr. Uribe authored a study published in JSES International reporting results from 39 patients with advanced shoulder arthritis having anatomic shoulder replacement with the OVOMotion Shoulder Arthroplasty System from Anika, a stemless shoulder with an inlay glenoid component. The study demonstrated that treatment with inlay total shoulder arthroplasty resulted in significant functional improvement, pain relief and patient satisfaction at a mean follow-up of 41 months.

To find out more, including Dr. Uribe’s thoughts on the benefits of inlay glenoids vs onlay; the potential acceptance of inlay technology; trends such as the shift to reverse shoulders, site-of-care; and what’s next, click on the video below to listen to the recorded interview (17:36 min). A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Despite stronger headwinds from slowing elective procedures, supply chain challenges and unfavorable foreign exchange rates, most total joint companies saw positive growth in Q222.

The WW Total Joints Market grew in Q222 despite slowing sequential growth compared to Q122’s growth. A slowdown in elective procedures late in the quarter along with continued supply chain challenges and the effect of foreign exchange rates resulted in stronger headwinds. SmartTRAK notes that several companies reported the carryover of these headwinds into Q3 that could dampen market recovery through year-end.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

Surgical matrices revenue is flat while procedure volumes level out

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

The first half of 2022 has delivered both positive and negative developments for the Computer-Assisted Surgery industry. Supply chain issues and surges of COVID-19 infections have continued to have significant impacts on revenues. At the same time, enabling tech product launches proceed at a rapid pace, with some robotic procedures accelerating. The following is a sample of recent CAS news and developments from around the world, compiled by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. If you'd like to receive these expert insights daily, Contact Us to learn more.

New Products:

• Globus*
  

  GMED announced completion of the first clinical cases using Excelsius3D w/ the ExcelsiusGPS platform. The surgeries were completed at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in MD, Northwest Specialty Hospital in ID & NYU Langone Health in NY.

• SeaSpine*

  SPNE touted the Q122 limited commercial launch of FLASH Navigation Lumbar Facet Fusion, which facilitates delivery of OsteoStrand Plus DBM Fiber pellets in spine MIS procedures. It is SPNE’s first procedural solution w/ integrated 7D technology. SPNE Q122 Earnings Press Release

SmartTRAK looks at trends in the Diagnostic Aids market for 2022 with an eye on hard-to-heal wounds, regulatory and reimbursement checkpoints and investment deals and financing.

• Hard-to-heal wounds continue to drive resource utilization and cost
• Clinicians need diagnostic tools to help guide more efficient and effective product selection
• Companies are making incremental progress navigating regulatory and reimbursement checkpoints
• Investors see potential value as evidenced by deals and financing

In 2007, the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) published a consensus document on the Principles of Best Practice in Diagnostics and Wounds. The authors identified the need for new diagnostic tests to help identify why some wounds do not respond to advanced therapies. The document further suggested that the ideal diagnostic tool can detect and quantify biomarkers that impact wound healing, such as molecules, biofilms, oxygen content and temperature changes. SmartTRAK looks at trends in the Diagnostic Aids market in 2022 with a focus on ...

To download and read the complete article "Wound Care Diagnostic Aids: Trends to Watch in 2022 and Beyond" just click the button below.

Q122 proved to be a mixed-bag of ups and downs with supply chain issues and Covid surges having varying impacts on market leaders’ performance amidst a strong wave of enabling tech product launches.

The Q122 WW CAS Ortho Market was down according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Stryker* remained the market leader, followed by Zimmer Biomet* and Smith & Nephew*. For detailed Q122 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see the SmartTRAK CAS Ortho Financial Dashboard.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 CAS Ortho Market Recap* are:

Mr J. David Owens, President & CEO of BiologicsMD, and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Robyn Goforth, discuss the Company’s highly-targeted therapies, a series of recombinant fusion proteins designed to treat hair loss and severe bone disorders, in an interview with SmartTRAK.

In an interview with SmartTRAK, BiologicsMD President & CEO J. David Owens and CSO Dr. Robyn Goforth discuss BiologicsMD’s innovative highly-targeted treatments for severe bone disorders and hair loss diseases.

To find out more about this early-stage company, the science behind highly-targeted therapies, and two of its lead compounds, click on the following video to listen to the full interview (29:10 min). A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Q122’s year-over-year growth in the WW Spine market shows normalized, nominal growth for this quarter, which should continue to improve over the course of the remaining year.

The US Spine Hardware market saw double-digit growth versus Q121, showing solid recovery gains from the same period prior year, which seemed to be riddled with ongoing volatility. Segment over segment within the spine market, we’re back to seeing growth in the areas that had been predicable growth segments prior to COVID-19. Although healthcare as a whole continues to rebuild, and staffing remains a challenge, many regions didn’t experience as negative an impact on the Spine market for Q122 as was predicted by many.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 Spine Market Recap* are:

Adam Hattan, VP of Marketing for Route 92 Medical, discusses the Company, its novel system for mechanical thrombectomy and competing in the market for stroke interventions in an interview with SmartTRAK at SNIS 2022.

Amid a growing number of me-too devices, one company that is differentiating itself in the market for stroke thrombectomy is Route 92 Medical (R92). Adam Hattan, R92’s vice president of marketing, discusses R92’s novel system for mechanical thrombectomy and competing in the market for stroke interventions in an interview with SmartTRAK at the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS) 19th Annual Meeting held in Toronto, Canada July 25-29, 2022.

To find out more about R92, its Monopoint operating platform and the Company’s strategies for growth, click on the following video recorded live at SNIS 2022.  (10:13 min). A link to download a transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Although revenues still show signs of COVID-19 impact, robotic procedures and implant pull-through accelerate, and companies continue roll out new spine enabling technology and strategize how to maximize the remainder of 2022.

The Q122 WW CAS Spine Market was up year-over-year according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic* (MDT) remained the market leader with 59.5% share, followed by Globus* (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors, including Stryker* (SYK) and Brainlab*. 

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 CAS Spine Market Recap* are:

Could biosensors and smart dressings be the final frontier in wound diagnostics? SmartTRAK explores the current progress of this market and how it could develop.

It has been 15 years since the World Union of Wound Healing Societies’ Initiative published a consensus document entitled “Diagnostics and Wounds.” Since then, the clinical practice around assessing and diagnosing wounds has not evolved at the same rate as that of treatments. At the same time, the need for improved wound diagnostics has never been greater given burgeoning chronic wound numbers and the continued shift of wound care services to the outpatient setting.

Could the next area of development be that of biosensors and smart dressings? SmartTRAK believes there is increasing evidence that this could be the case. In this article, we explore the developments that are taking place, how the identification of infection biomarkers may be lucrative and ways the market may change in the coming years.

Among the many topics discussed in this article are:

Despite mixed results from Trauma players, the segment experienced healthy growth as mergers and acquisitions were plentiful and regulatory clearances show promise of future new product introductions.

In June, wound, ostomy and continence-focused nurses, and supporting industry gathered in Fort Worth, TX for the hybrid WOCNext 2022 conference. In-person attendance was below expectations, but healthy booth time allowed for product discussions with exhibitors.

Improved aspiration systems, large-bore catheters, balloon-guide catheters and radial access top the list of neurovascular device trends that will continue in 2022.

In the market for mechanical thrombectomy devices, the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down in 2022. Manufacturers are designing neurointerventional devices with an eye toward improving first-pass effect, recanalization rates and reducing procedure times to ultimately improve patient outcomes In this article, SmartTRAK highlights recent trends in neurovascular technologies, including variable pressure aspiration systems, large-bore catheters (LBCs), balloon-guide catheters (BGCs) and radial access, as key areas of innovation moving into 2022.

Along with the recent trends in neurovascular technologies, the following topics are covered in detail in this article, which is available for download here:

• Outgrowing Standard Aspiration Systems
• Continued Trend Toward Large-Bore Catheters for Access and Aspiration
• New Designs and Applications for Balloon-Guide Catheters
• Increasing Competition in Radial Access

• See gaps in your product portfolio vs your competitors’ 
• Discover your next acquisition candidate
• Find a distribution partner

…in just a few clicks!

BE THE EXPERT who fills in the gaps in your company's portfolio! Read on to view a "How To" video and learn how to outperform your peers and competitors by saving yourself HOURS of research with just ONE search.

That’s the power of SmartTRAK!

For example…

Q122 started slow but ended on a bright note as COVID-19 concerns faded and surgical volumes approached pre-pandemic levels.

Virtually all orthopedic/spine companies experienced the same pattern with elective procedures during the quarter. In general, elective procedure case counts were pressured in January through the beginning of February as a surge in COVID-19 cases impacted patients and contributed to staffing shortages at healthcare facilities. However, by the end of the quarter elective procedures approached or returned to pre-COVID levels.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 OrthoBio Market Recap* are:

Wallaby Medical CEO and founder Michael Alper discusses the Company’s recent acquisition of phenox GmBH and positioning the Company for success in an interview with SmartTRAK

With no overlap from a product or geographic perspective, Wallaby Medical’s recent acquisition of phenox GmBH was a “match made in heaven” according to Wallaby’s CEO and founder Michael Alper. In an interview with SmartTRAK, Alper discusses the acquisition, company synergies, complementary channels and the Company’s strategies for global expansion and becoming a leader in the market for neurovascular intervention.

To find out more, including details about the acquisition, the Company and its key products and markets, click on the following video to listen to the interview recorded via Zoom (21:07 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

For Q122, US Joint Fluid Replacement market players continued on a running growth, which did not seem too disrupted by the COVID Omicron variant. Furthermore, some players shared that despite physicians’ offices not yet running at 100% levels, company sales representatives were able to hold face-to-face visits and secure new orders.

Rafael Carbunaru, PhD, Boston Scientific’s VP of R&D, discusses DBS therapy and STIMVIEW XT, the Company’s new advanced visualization software for DBS programming, in an in-depth interview with SmartTRAK at INS 2022

Rafael Carbunaru, PhD, vice president of research and development for Boston Scientific (BSX), discusses deep brain stimulation (DBS) and STIMVIEW XT, the Company’s new advanced visualization software for DBS programming in an in-depth interview with SmartTRAK at the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) World Congress in Barcelona, Spain held May 21-26.

Used with the Vercise Genus DBS portfolio and developed in collaboration with Brainlab, STIMVIEW XT uses patient-specific 3D visualization of patient anatomy and enables clinicians to see, shape and steer DBS therapy using point-and-click interface designed to simplify programming, save time and better personalize therapy.

To find out more about STIMVIEW XT, DBS workflows and BSX’s vision for DBS, click on the following video to listen to the interview recorded live at INS 2022 (45:16 min). For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below. A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also available below.

SmartTRAK reports that challenging conditions lead to minimal innovation in Paris.

It was third time lucky for the approximately 3,500 attendees of the 2022 European Wound Management Association (EWMA) conference in Paris. Although not yet back to a pre-pandemic number of participants, it was encouraging to see an international presence without the barrier of COVID-19 restrictions. Previous dates in 2020 and early 2022 fell to the pandemic, so great credit goes to the organizers and exhibitors for persevering and delivering a positive and engaging event.

Among the many topics covered in this SmartTRAK perspective article, which you can download here, are:

• MDR Consuming R&D Resources
• Clouds over Germany - Is There a Silver Lining?
• Establishing a European Foothold
• The Trend in Using Fewer Layers in Compress

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 Spinal Cord Stimulation Market Recap* are:

The return of elective procedure volumes, new product offerings and a busy first quarter of acquisitions all supported healthy growth for the Extremities Market

While growth drivers varied for specific companies in Q122, the return of elective procedure volumes helped drive double-digit growth for several market players. Stryker*, the Extremities Market leader, benefited from the return of elective procedures in the US. Its US Foot & Ankle and Upper Extremities business segments contributed to the Company’s US Trauma & Extremities growth during the quarter. Stryker also noted during its earnings call that ...

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 Extremities Market Recap* are:

Ryan Lakin, Abbott DVP of R&D, discusses opportunities in neuromodulation in an interview with SmartTRAK at INS 2022

Surgical matrices procedures appear back to near pre-pandemic levels, with revenues on the rise

With elective procedures in the United States mostly back at pre-pandemic levels, the US Surgical Matrices Market returned to what had been normal growth in Q122, gaining +5.7% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie* continued to lead the Surgical Matrices Market, though it was approximately flat, while Becton Dickinson* (BD) grew strongly.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

WW Advanced Wound Care growth settles to a traditional mid-single digit growth rate as global wound care moves past COVID-19.

SmartTRAK investigates recent trends in hernia repair clinical trials and how these trends relate to competition in the hernia repair market. Using a new SmartTRAK tool to analyze data in clinicaltrials.gov, SmartTRAK describes shifting trends in hernia repair research with company-sponsored studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

Are you looking for a position that gives you a big picture view of everything that is going on in the world of life sciences? Do you have business experience in the medical device industry? If so, we would love to talk with you.

We are BioMedGPS, the creators of the SmartTRAK platform. We are the leading strategic advisory and healthcare analytics provider in the life sciences industry. Our team is once again expanding and seeking an Account Manager who can grow with us. The Account Manager will be responsible for creating and maintaining strategic relationships with our medical device clients.

Procedure volume recovery is not the only trend on SmartTRAK’s radar

Procedure volume recovery continues to be a trend on everyone’s radar from industry execs to healthcare providers. In Q122, the Knee Replacement Market in the US seemed to experience a much stronger recovery than Hips based on YoY growth rates, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. However, Knees faced a much easier YoY comp as more knee procedures were postponed in Q121 compared to hips due to their more elective nature. Putting this into perspective, US Hip Market growth along with Knees reinforced the feeling that 2022 procedures will be closer to “normal” as the Total Joints Market recovers from the downsizing caused by COVID.  And, as the industry’s bandwidth for focusing on the pandemic decreases, the emphasis on other trends grows.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q122 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

Dr. Marc Russo discusses dorsal horn dendrite stimulation, a new paradigm for SCS, and making it available to all manufacturers in an interview with SmartTRAK at INS 2022

Dr. Marc Russo, president of the International Neuromodulation Society (INS), presented exciting new research on dorsal horn dendrite stimulation (DHDS), a new paradigm for spinal cord stimulation (SCS), at the INS 15th World Congress, held May 21 to 26, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. In an interview with SmartTRAK, Dr. Russo discusses the proposed mechanism of action for DHDS compared to traditional dorsal column stimulation, six-month study results in 27 patients and what’s next in terms of his research. 

And, in an unprecedented move, Dr. Russo decided not to patent DHDS and said he is giving the novel waveform as a “gift” to physicians, industry and patients, noting that it is deployable on all current SCS devices within the product range. To find out more about DHDS, including its characteristics and Dr. Russo’s vision for a more advanced version that could theoretically even “cure pain,” click on the video below of the interview conducted shortly after his presentation outside the Barcelona International Convention Centre (12:02 min). A link to download the  complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

WUWHS – a hybrid event with a local touch

Back Into the Water
After having been postponed several times, the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) finally took place in Abu Dhabi in early March and SmartTRAK was there. Mölnlycke* came in hot, launching Avance Solo* in the region, whereas most other companies were represented by local distributors. SmartTRAK noted that the hybrid format was an interesting concept, unfortunately, impacted by technical issues.

The Olympics of Wound Care
WUWHS is similar to the Olympics in the sense that it is an event with a global focus held every fourth year, every time by a new organizer. Like the Olympics, the WUWHS was postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19, the last one was held six years ago, and the pandemic also impacted both attendance and format. A negative COVID test was required both to enter and leave Abu Dhabi, which likely made attendees participate online rather than in person. SmartTRAK estimates that 20% to 30% of the participants were there in person and 70% to 80% participated online. Unfortunately, the event was full of technical issues and there were also many speakers missing when they were supposed to present, which brought down the overall experience for those who attended in person.

Mölnlycke Launches Avance Solo in the Region
Mölnlycke overshadowed all other companies at the event. It had the largest exhibition, an Innovation Area lounge, a high international presence, held the most lunch symposia and was the only company doing a major product launch.

The Company launched its ...

Jack Kalavritinos, Former HHS/FDA Senior Official and Principal of JK Strategies, discusses the importance and benefits of government affairs in medtech

Jack Kalavritinos is the Founder and Principal of JK Strategies, a communications and public policy firm that helps organizations develop winning communication and policy strategies. Jack is also a former senior government official and appointee in HHS, FDA and DOL. Jack has decades of Washington, DC government, political and business experience including in the medtech sector with Covidien.

In this interview with SmartTRAK, Jack shares his thoughts on the benefits to medtech commercial leaders of developing collaborative relationships with their government affairs colleagues. Specifically, SmartTRAK’s interview with Jack covers the next phases of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the potential impact of the midterm elections and ways companies can work with the FDA.

To find out more, including Jack’s take on how medtech commercial leaders can develop relationships with their Representatives and Senators, click on the following video recorded live via Zoom. Outlined below are specific interview topics by the minute. To download a complete transcript of the interview, click here.

The SmartTRAK team will be attending the upcoming International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) in The Bahamas and we would love to schedule some time to meet. We are particularly excited about this year’s conference program and speakers.

Our team of expert analysts have their finger on the pulse on the spine industry trends, news, financial data and competitor developments. We would like to meet to hear your perspectives and views and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you make more informed strategic business decisions.

Watch the video below to meet Courtney Sheedy, SmartTRAK's GM, Spine

Set up a time to meet with us  at ISASS 2022

Build an Enterprise of Experts, so your
Company can build the next big thing.

In the market for neuromodulation, companies are developing spinal cord stimulation (SCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other stimulation devices designed to treat a vast range of indications. Current and emerging devices are addressing care gaps in the treatment of chronic pain and movement disorders as well as epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, depression, pelvic floor dysfunction, peripheral artery disease, paralysis and spinal cord injuries.

Companies competing in the market for neuromodulation include Abbott*, Boston Scientific*, Medtronic*, Nevro*, Saluda Medical*, Newronika* and Axonics, just to name a few. To keep you up to speed on what’s new in neuromodulation, SmartTRAK highlights market updates covering clinical developments, patents, new research and other top news from Spring 2022.

SmartTRAK's Anne Staylor, Executive Editor, VP &GM of Neurotherapies, is in Barcelona attending the INS 15th Congress.

The following is just a small sampling of recent neuromodulation updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

Clinical Developments

• Medtronic*
• • Medtronic announced the first patient implanted in its “Evaluation of Long-term Patient Experience with a Medtronic Closed-Loop SCS System” study of its investigative, closed-loop, ECAP-responsive device to treat back and limb pain. The prospective study is enrolling 90 patients across 10 centers in Australia.
  • A University of Florida-sponsored eight patient clinical trial will evaluate DBS to treat Tourette syndrome targeting two brain regions in each hemisphere of each patient and using two leads in each hemisphere connected to two Percept PC devices. Estimated study completion is Aug 2026. clinicaltrials.gov
    
    
•  Boston Scientific*
• • Boston Scientific received FDA approval of its latest image-guided programming software, Vercise Neural Navigator with STIMVIEW XT. Developed in collaboration with Brainlab*, STIMVIEW XT provides real-time visualization of lead position and simulation modeling for Parkinson’s Disease and essential tremor treatment.

Emerging from the COVID-19 era, wound care innovation is driven by smaller companies

In April, the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring 2022 returned to an in-person format for the first time since 2019. Though the turnout was below expectations, attendees enjoyed reconnecting with clinicians, engaging with vendors and catching up with colleagues and competitors.

Despite being three years since the last SAWC Spring, large wound care companies like Smith+Nephew* (SNN), Mölnlycke*, 3M* and others were oddly without major product introductions. SmartTRAK has learned that extended FDA review timelines and supply challenges may be playing a significant role in this reality. Companies have publicly commented that innovation and new product launches are planned for 2022, but timelines must have slipped past the SAWC Spring deadlines.

Regardless, innovation was not completely absent from SAWC Spring as smaller companies introduced new products and more companies exhibited IT-driven diagnostic, measurement and data-capture technologies.

(The SmartTRAK team will be attending the upcoming European Wound Management Association (EWMA) event May 23-25 in Paris. We would love to schedule some time to meet and hear your perspectives and views and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you make more informed strategic business decisions.)

In this article, SmartTRAK highlights new products and novel technologies exhibited at SAWC Spring 2022.

Increased wound prevalence meets new software and solutions at WCT 2022.

There was a positive energy in the room at the 5^th Wound Care Today (WCT) conference as industry and clinicians came together in Milton Keynes. COVID-19 infection rates remain high in the UK but this is not being reflected in hospitalizations or deaths, leading to a national determination to move forward without restrictions. The pandemic has, however, shaped the priorities of those present and in a range of discussions. SmartTRAK encountered a commercial eagerness to make up for lost time and a looming burden of chronic wounds.

The SmartTRAK team will be attending the upcoming European Wound Management Association (EWMA) event May 23-25 in Paris. We would love to schedule some time to meet and hear your perspectives and views and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you make more informed strategic business decisions.

From economics to the ASC shift, SmartTRAK looks at the trends affecting the Total Joints Market

The start of the new year did not play out as so many of us had hoped. Heading into 2022, the next COVID surge reared its ugly head with the Omicron variant storming through countries around the globe. Healthcare facilities once again postponed elective procedures due to capacity issues and/or staff or patients being diagnosed with COVID. Overall inflation rose to a level that hasn’t been seen since the early 1980s. Looking ahead, is there a silver lining in this dark cloud? SmartTRAK believes the forecast is not all doom and gloom. Let’s look at some of the trends affecting the climate of the Total Joints market.

(Continue reading to find out how to receive FREE SmartTRAK DAILY UPDATES)

From the impact of stringent regulations to the shift toward new indications and rising market segments, SmartTRAK explores some of the trends to watch for in 2022 and beyond.

Orthopedic regenerative medicine therapy as an emerging area of science holds great promise for treating and promoting faster healing in a variety of injuries. There is also a belief among some scientists and industry stakeholders that it may hold the key to halting or reversing degenerative chronic conditions through self-healing. In a previous article, SmartTRAK had highlighted several challenges that Regenerative Medicine therapies would need to overcome to become a fully viable business and recognized treatment solution for patients. In 2021, businesses, societies and health care systems across the world continued to experience disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent waves of variants. Furthermore, much greater scrutiny and tougher regulations for some of the injectable regenerative medicine therapies were put into place. The start of 2022 is also not quite as “rosy” as most had hoped for ...

In an interview with SmartTRAK, University of Arizona professor Dr. Philipp Gutruf discusses research on a new class of bioelectronics he calls osseosurface electronics and its application in the orthopedic field. Dr. Gutruf is an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Arizona and his research group focuses on creating devices that integrate with biological systems by combining innovations in soft materials, photonics and electronics to create systems with broad impact on health diagnostics, therapeutics and exploratory neuroscience. 

Jason Winkler, Sales VP of cybersecurity startup Device Authority, discusses the state of cybersecurity in healthcare in an interview with SmartTRAK.

To find out more, including the devices most vulnerable to cybersecurity threats and how medical device manufacturers should think about designing cybersecurity measures into their connected products, click on the following video to listen to the full interview (17:29 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Erez Lampert, CEO and Founder of Israeli start-up Pathkeeper Surgical, discusses the Company’s real-time spinal navigation system that’s generating high interest from ASCs in an interview with SmartTRAK 

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Pathkeeper Surgical CEO and Founder Erez Lampert discusses Pathkeeper’s mobile, light-weight spinal navigation system. 

To find out more, including the timeline for FDA approval and demand from surgeons, hospitals and ASCs, click on the following video to listen to the full interview (22:29 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Macroeconomic headwinds are projected to continue through the first half of 2022.

Supply chain headaches and inflationary pressures significantly impacted wound care companies in 2021. Though Advanced Wound Care revenue rebounded +11.5% in 2021 according to SmartTRAK’s Financial Dashboard, it was not without strong headwinds of higher input costs, logistical nightmares and labor shortages.

To understand how these macroeconomic trends affected wound care companies, SmartTRAK reviewed quarterly and fiscal year earnings reports from FY21 to see how various wound care companies reported the company-specific impact. From troubles sourcing materials to higher input costs and the need to raise prices, SmartTRAK uncovered a consistent trend of macroeconomic pressures affecting many global and regional wound care manufacturers.

Wallaby Medical announced it has acquired phenox GmbH, including phenox's femtos GmbH, a German-based neurovascular company, for a total of ~$545MM (EUR 500MM) including milestone payments. SmartTRAK previously reported the possibility of the acquisition deal in early March 2022. Wallaby Medical acquiring phenox GmbH is one of the largest recent cross-border transactions in the medical device industry and will enable the Company to provide a wide range of neurovascular solutions to pts in the US, China, Europe, Japan and other international markets.

For more information about phenox, click to read "phenox Takes Aim at US Market with Novel Stroke Devices", SmartTRAK's interview with James Lago, President and CEO of phenox Inc., in which he discusses the Company's novel mechanical thrombectomy device and flow diverter, and what’s next in terms of bringing these technologies to the US market.

Dr. Mark Figgie, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Nick Deeter, Founder & CEO WishBone Medical discuss their journey to develop a pediatric-specific hip replacement system in an interview with SmartTRAK

To find out more, including the indications for a pediatric hip replacement, the global market implications, and the next steps Dr. Figgie and WishBone will be taking to bring this hip system to the market, click on the video below to listen to the recorded interview (17:53 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Abbott’s Binith Cheeran, MD, PhD discusses the latest trends in DBS as well as the Company’s strategies for growth in an interview with SmartTRAK

Binith Cheeran, MD, PhD, Abbott’s senior director of medical and clinical affairs for deep brain stimulation (DBS), discusses the latest trends, research and innovation in DBS in an interview with SmartTRAK. Abbott is focused on growing the market through patient education, improving access to care through its NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic and expanding the ecosystem in DBS through the Company’s connected devices.

To find out more, including Dr. Cheeran’s thoughts on primary cell vs rechargeable devices, use of specific image guidance systems, closed-loop DBS and empowering patients through digital health solutions, click on the video below to listen to the interview recorded online via Zoom (32:45 min). A link to download the transcript of the interview is also provided below.

New products and signs of procedural recovery lighten the mood at AAOS 2022

The mood at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2022 Annual Meeting was upbeat despite scaled-back attendance and exhibit space. Surgeons and exhibitors alike were excited to get back to in-person discussions about issues in orthopedics, new products hitting the market and the potential for recovery from the impact of COVID. While at the meeting, SmartTRAK met with industry professionals from clinicians to company representatives identifying key takeaways from market drivers and limiters to new product introductions.

Advanced wound care delivers strong double-digit growth and still has room to grow.

The WW Advanced Wound Care markets regained their form in FY21 as wound care recovered globally after COVID-19 impacted FY20. Advanced Dressings delivered nearly double-digit growth, with Wound Biologics and External Devices also reporting excellent revenue growth vs FY20.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q421/FY21 AWC Market Recap* are:

New Products:

• Cardinal Health* 
  

  Cardinal Health announced the launch of the first surgical incise drape using Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG). The drape features Avery Dennison's patented BeneHold CHG adhesive technology, which helps reduce the risk of surgical site contamination w/ organisms associated w/ SSIs.

• Coloplast*

  Coloplast is gradually launching Alprep Pad in select markets. Now available in the UK, Australia and New Zeeland. Alprep Pad is a foam for mechanical cleansing and debridement of wounds.

New product introductions offset slightly weaker Q4 results due to COVID-19 headwinds and international pressure.

While the Trauma segment was not impacted as heavily due to COVID-19 headwinds, companies that play within the space were impacted by deferrals of elective surgeries such as limb restoration. Long bone trauma volumes remained healthy as players cited new product introductions as growth drivers for the segment. 

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q421/FY21 Trauma Market Recap* are:

Scott Laster, CEO and co-founder of MiCare Path, discusses the present and future of monitoring patients between office visits in an interview with SmartTRAK

Scott Laster is the CEO and co-founder of MiCare Path, a leading platform to connect patients with their providers between visits. Scott is a medical device industry veteran with 15+ years of experience in the trenches launching products and supporting clinicians. In this interview with SmartTRAK, Scott shares his thoughts on the benefits of monitoring patients between office visits, the evolution of reimbursement of remote monitoring and where MiCare Path is going in the future.

To find out more, including Scott’s take on how MiCare Path benefits orthopedic and wound care patients and clinicians, click on the following video recorded live via Google Meet (17:04 min). Specific interview topics by timecode are outlined below. To download a complete transcript of the interview, click here.

Soft Tissue Fixation Takes A Hit In Q421

After two quarters of significant growth, Soft Tissue Fixation took a hit in Q421, with another spike in COVID cases negatively affecting procedure volumes. 2021 was a year full of ups and downs due mainly to the COVID pandemic and Q4 was no different. COVID once again brought a new wave of cases, with the Omicron variant taking its toll on Soft Tissue Fixation case volumes resulting in modest YoY revenue declines over 2020.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q421 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Recap* are:

As the world continues to adapt to the "new normal", even with the possibility of a new variant ahead, SmartTRAK keeps calm and carries on, reporting daily on the challenges still ahead, covering all aspects of the Orthopedic market: Extremities, OrthoBio, Spine, Computer Assisted Surgery, Total Joints, Trauma, Soft Tissue Fixation and EU Extremities and Trauma. And, if you are in Chicago for the big Orthopedics conference this week, make sure you visit us at Booth #4350, or you can schedule a meeting with us...just click here.

SmartTRAK features curated content by our team of industry experts, bringing the most relevant information and insight directly to you in real time. Learn about the latest news, emerging technologies or start-ups to watch, conference happenings and more via articles, videos and interviews.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Orthopedic updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

New Products:

• Nexxt Spine* 
  

  Nexxt Spine launches a product-line extension to the NEXXT MATRIXX 3D Printed Porous Titanium portfolio of implants indicated for use in stand-alone ALIF procedures, which features Nexxt Spine’s proprietary 3D laser printed titanium technology. LinkedIn.com

• Attune Total Knee* - JNJ/DePuy Synthes*
  

  DePuy Synthes announced two new additions to its Attune Knee line, Attune Cementless Fixed Bearing Knee w/ AFFIXIUM 3D porous coating (tibial component) and Attune Medial Stabilized Knee.(medial stabilized fixed-bearing insert), that can be used with other Attune components.

• Life Spine*
  

  On FY21 performance, Biogennix’s CEO Chris MacDuff also mentioned the Company saw increasing sales for its newest product, Agilon Moldable, esp in the F&A surgery market. The company also continued to see consistently strong growth of Agilon Moldable in the spine market segment.

Patents:

• Medtronic*
  

  Warsaw Orthopedic’s US Patent Application “SPINAL IMPLANT WITH FEATURES FACILITATING INDEPENDENT EXPANSION OF PORTIONS THEREOF & METHOD FOR USE THEREOF” was published describing an implant which facilitates adjustment of lordotic/kyphotic &/or coronal angulation. 20220079770

• One-Way Adjustable Loop Suture Constructs  
  

  US Patent “One-Way Adjustable Loop Suture Constructs And Methods Of Forming And Using The Same” was issued describing surgical constructs & methods of use for a one-way adjustable fixation loop for a fixation device, such as a cortical button or plate.11,272,920

• Acumed*

  Acumed’s US Patent Application “HEADLESS COMPRESSION SCREW HAVING AN ATTACHMENT MECHANISM” was published describing a cannulated headless compression screw w/ an attachment mechanism that enables coupling various attachments to the screw. 20220079642

Spinal Cord Stimulation companies had a strong start in Q421 but the market lost steam as the Omicron variant surged

Despite a strong start for all SCS competitors in Q421, the SCS market started to run out of steam late in the quarter as the contagious Omicron variant surged around the world, slowing elective procedures and resulting in a YoY low-single-digit decrease in SCS revenue in both the US and WW.  For the full year (FY), US and WW SCS revenues were up in the low-double-digits driven by strong YoY results in Q121 and Q221 in which COVID trends improved against easy comps in Q120 and Q220. 

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q421/FY21 Spinal Cord Stimulation Market Recap* are:

SmartTRAK examines recent trends in breast implants and discusses their future impact on breast matrices.

Breast matrices, whether acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) or biosynthetics, have enabled improved outcomes in implant-based breast reconstruction and have contributed, in large part, to the revival of the prepectoral breast reconstruction technique. As the number of breast implant procedures has grown, so has the use of breast matrices. However, SmartTRAK believes the side effects and health consequences now associated with breast implants, while rare, will negatively impact breast implant usage and thus reduce the growth rate of breast matrices in 2022 and beyond.

In this informative Outlook article by Doug Devens, SmartTRAK's Product Director and Senior Editor, Wound, Doug covers:

• The Relationship between Breast Surgery and ADM Usage
• Trends in Implant Usage
• Recent Concerns that May Affect Breast Implant Usage
• The Future Outlook for 2022 and Beyond

We are pleased to announce that Beth Roach has joined the team at SmartTRAK as our new Account Manager, Customer Success. The SmartTRAK Customer Success team ensures that our users are realizing the maximum benefit from the platform. The team is a central point of contact for users, in addition to the existing SmartTRAK Sales and Analyst teams, and provides complimentary training (refresher or new user) in person or via video.

If you'd like to discuss your SmartTRAK account with Beth, please reach out to her and she'll be happy to support you.

Meet Beth Roach:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? Account Manager, Customer Success

What do you like about SmartTRAK? There is just so much information all in one place. All news, company profiles, market sizing, product portfolio comparison and so much more all at your fingertips!

Kathleen “Kathy” Schaum, President of Kathleen D. Schaum & Associates, discusses her thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on wound care and reimbursement.

Kathy is a “go-to” provider of wound care reimbursement information, education and strategy to manufacturers and providers. In this interview with SmartTRAK, Kathy shares her thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery and reimbursement of wound care and the advancements in remote monitoring, diagnostics and sensors. To find out more, including Kathy’s take on skin substitute/CTP trends, click on the following video recorded live via Google Meet (25:13 min). Specific interview topics by time code are outlined below. A link to the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Procedures using surgical matrices continued their recovery and companies have resumed investing, with revenues surpassing their Q419 levels. 

As the pandemic wanes and procedures are again being scheduled, the US Surgical Matrices market grew strongly in Q421, gaining +12.7% YoY according to the SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie continued to lead the Surgical Matrices market, with Becton Dickinson also growing well ...

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q421 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

In this article, SmartTRAK reviews the development of AI in healthcare and profiles four companies implementing AI-driven imaging in these spaces.

The US Orthopedic Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS) Market is one of the fastest-growing markets in orthopedics and is expected to reach revenues of $1.14B by 2025, according to SmartTRAK estimates. The Orthopedic CAS market includes a range of enabling technologies including robotic platforms, navigation systems, surgical planning tools, augmented/virtual reality technology and artificial intelligence (AI). AI is being increasingly incorporated into diagnostics and planning to assist in optimization of surgical decision making and anomaly detection.
 
The prominence of AI and machine learning technologies in medicine has snowballed over the past decade. Diagnostic Imaging and navigation is experiencing a new paradigm of technology through the emergence of AI-driven 3D reconstruction, segmentation and navigation applications. Two areas seeing quick implementation and adoption of these new systems are orthopedic planning/navigation and neurovascular diagnostics. In this article, SmartTRAK reviews the development of AI in healthcare and profiles four companies implementing AI-driven imaging in these spaces.

Abbott’s Allen Burton, MD discusses the Company’s new MRI labeling, expanded payer coverage for DRG, big data and digital initiatives in an interview with SmartTRAK at NANS 2022

Allen Burton, MD, Abbott Divisional Vice President, Medical Director Neuromodulation, discusses Abbott’s latest research and innovation in an interview with SmartTRAK at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Annual Meeting held January 13-14, 2022.

To find out more, including about the Company’s new MRI labeling, UnitedHealthCare coverage for DRG, big data and the status of Abbott’s digital initiatives, click on the video below to listen to the interview recorded live at NANS 2022. (30:18 min.) A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Medtronic Neuromodulation executives Dave Anderson and Charlie Covert discuss the Company and the future of neuromodulation in an interview with SmartTRAK at NANS 2022

Dave Anderson, Medtronic’s President Neuromodulation, and Charlie Covert, Vice President and General Manager of Pain Therapies, discuss the Company, pandemic and the future of neuromodulation in a wide-ranging interview with SmartTRAK at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) 25^th Annual Meeting held January 12-15, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

To find out more about the Company’s newest innovations, expanding indications*, clinical research and strategies for driving growth in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), click on the following video recorded live at NANS 2022. (33:45 minutes.) Specific interview topics by time code are also outlined below. To download a complete transcript of the interview, click here.

D. Keith Grossman, chairman, CEO and president of Nevro Corporation, discusses the Company, expanding indications and driving growth through innovation and evidence in an interview with SmartTRAK

Nevro’s Keith Grossman expects randomized controlled trials and recent FDA approvals for expanded indications--painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and non-surgical refractory back pain (NSRBP)--to provide a competitive edge and help drive growth in the market for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). To find out more, including Grossman’s take on Medtronic’s recent FDA approval for the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) indication, click on the following video recorded live* via Google Meet (40:20 min). Specific interview topics by time code are also outlined below. If you would like to download a complete transcript of the interview, please click here.

SmartTRAK highlights current and emerging trends in hernia outcomes research presented at the European Hernia Society – Americas Hernia Society Joint Congress held in Copenhagen.

by Doug Devens - Sr Analyst, Biosurgery, IT Product Director

Changes in hernia regulations and evolving views on how to study the performance of hernia matrices have fueled a growing interest among hernia researchers in using different methods and data sources to measure outcomes associated with these devices. In this article, SmartTRAK highlights current and emerging trends in hernia outcomes research presented at the European Hernia Society – Americas Hernia Society Joint Congress (Hernia2021), in Copenhagen, including the increasing use of registries and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to the gold standard randomized controlled trial (RCT). ­

As the world slowly adapts to the "new normal",  SmartTRAK continues to report daily on the challenges still ahead, covering all aspects of the Orthopedic market: Extremities, OrthoBio, Spine, Computer Assisted Surgery, Total Joints, Trauma, Soft Tissue Fixation and EU Extremities and Trauma. And, if you are going to Chicago for the big Orthopedics conference in March, visit us at Booth #4350 or you can schedule a meeting with us...just click here.

SmartTRAK features curated content by our team of industry experts, bringing the most relevant information and insight directly to you in real time. Learn about the latest news, emerging technologies or start-ups to watch, conference happenings and more via articles, videos and interviews.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Orthopedic updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

New Products:

• Journey ll* - Smith+Nephew*
  

  Smith+Nephew announced the first completed surgery using its JOURNEY II Medial Dished (MD) System for total knee arthroplasty. The procedure was performed by Dr. Ran Schwarzkopf, Orthopedic Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction at NYU Langone Health.

• Zimmer Biomet*  
  

  Zimmer Biomet is anticipating the launch of Persona* cementless knees later in 2022 incorporating a design for improved press-fit fixation. The Company has < 10% penetration in cementless w/ runway ahead for the new knee to take off. ZBH Q421 Earnings Transcript on Unhedged.com

• Biogennix*  
  

  On FY21 performance, Biogennix’s CEO Chris MacDuff also mentioned the Company saw increasing sales for its newest product, Agilon Moldable, esp in the F&A surgery market. The company also continued to see consistently strong growth of Agilon Moldable in the spine market segment.

Patents:

• CONMED* 

  Conmed’s US Patent Application “Dual Expansion Anchor” was published describing a suture anchor with an expanding function for biceps tenodesis. 20220039792

• Expandable Intervertebral Device
  

  A US Patent Application “EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL DEVICE,” submitted by the Moskowitz Family, LLC of Rockville, MD was published describing a universal zero-profile expandable intervertebral spacer device for fusion & distraction throughout the entire spine. 20220039963

• Stryker*

  Howmedica Osteonics’ US Patent Application “ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL PLANNING BASED ON SOFT TISSUE AND BONE DENSITY MODELING” was published describing virtual surgery planning using a mixed-reality headset display. 20220039868

From Site of Care Migration to the Impact of Reimbursement Changes SmartTRAK evaluates market trends to watch for in 2022.
by Gary Delhougne, GM Wound

The Skin Substitute/CTP (Cellular and/or Tissue-based Products) market is undergoing significant growth and change. Reimbursement motives, COVID-19 and clinician site of care decisions had a profound impact on the market in 2020 and 2021. The growth outlook for 2022 remains strong as providers and industry adapt to unique market conditions.

SmartTRAK estimates the 5-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate) through 2025 for Skin Substitutes/CTP products to be in the mid to high single digits. In 2020, industry revenue surpassed $1B and SmartTRAK expects the market to pass $1.5B by 2025.

To better understand the impact of site of care changes, SmartTRAK launched a new subscription module specifically covering site of care changes occurring in the Skin Substitute/CTP market. It’s SmartTRAK’s fastest-growing new product offering and you can learn more by clicking here.

As SmartTRAK looks to 2022, we see three trends to consider for the Skin Substitute/CTP market –

We are pleased to announce that Kris Flinn has joined the team at SmartTRAK as an analyst in Wound Care. Kris has 20+ years of experience within wound care, including Smith & Nephew. Kris recently ran a consultancy focusing on assisting med device companies with commercial strategies. He is based in England.

Meet Kris Finn:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? I’m an analyst within the wound team, with a particular focus on NPWT in Europe.

What do you like about SmartTRAK? The quality of the information and analysis produced is excellent, and something which does not exist anywhere else. All of the team members are true experts in their field, and have the experience and networks to prove it.

What is something special or unique that you bring to SmartTRAK subscribers?

SmartTRAK, the leading source of competitive intelligence used by the top ten global orthopedic & wound care companies, was once again cited as a trusted source, this time in ConvaTec's press release "Entry into the attractive wound biologics segment through the acquisition of Triad Life Sciences Inc" published January 28th.

ConvaTec, in the press release, stated that it was " ...

Jointechlabs – Emerging leader in point-of-care regenerative and rejuvenation medicine therapies

Nathan Katz PhD, ALBB, Co-founder, CEO and Chief Technical Officer at Jointechlabs* (JTL) discussed the Company’s unique technology platform and product developments in a recent interview with SmartTRAK.

JTL is a privately-held regenerative medicine solutions company based in North Barrington, IL. As an emerging leader in point-of-care regenerative and rejuvenation medicine therapies, JTL has patented, portable medicine products that enable personalized therapies. The Company’s lead product, MiniTC*, is an FDA-cleared portable medical device for isolation of fragmented and purified fat grafts (microfat) at the point-of-care. Additionally, JTL is developing therapies for unmet medical needs, with its first product candidate, JTL-T-01*, a proprietary injectable stem cell scaffold in clinical development as a biologic therapy for osteoarthritis, for approval under the FDA’s fast-track program.

SmartTRAK: Can you first tell us a little bit about yourself and then about Jointechlabs?

Nathan Katz: I have a medical background. I graduated from medical school back many years ago in Russia, then graduated from Tel Aviv University and acquired my Master’s Degree and PhD in Cell Biology. I came to the US 16 years ago, first, working on genetics and embryonic stem cells. I spent quite a lot of time in research with embryonic stem cells in the first decade of this millennia and then I was looking for the technology that could be translated into applicable medical technology and translated into therapy.

Adult stem cells came up as the first and obvious choice to look at more precisely, so we shifted, and I shifted personally, my focus from embryonic stem cells towards adult stem cells. I came across PadZuke, and Patricia, who published the first publication on actual adipose-derived stem cells in 2001. My idea was that it is the right way to go and could lead to ...

To read the entire interview with Dr. Katz, please click the button below to download the complete transcript.

SmartTRAK is the leading source of competitive intelligence used by the top ten global wound care & orthopedics companies. If you would like a demo of what SmartTRAK has to offer and how we can help increase proficiency, improve productivity and reduce costs for your company, just click here.

We are pleased to announce that Tracey Clarke has joined the team at SmartTRAK as our new Account Manager, Customer Success. Tracey has 20+ years experience in the Print and Digital Communications industry, including roles as a Client Relations Manager and IT Project Manager at Broadridge Customer Communications and DST Output LTD.

Meet Tracey Clarke:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? I am an Account Manager on the newly established Customer Success team.

What do you like about SmartTRAK? This is an exciting time to be starting at SmartTRAK. There are many positive changes happening and I am enjoying the opportunity to see the outcome. I feel very fortunate to be with a company that helps others Be the Expert.

Despite the seemingly never-ending COVID-19 epidemic, SmartTRAK continued to keep you informed of everything that transpired in the MedTech industry in 2021. As the leading provider of real-time market data and analysis for the orthopedic, wound, regenerative medicine and neuro therapies markets, SmartTRAK is uniquely suited to make you the expert on all the latest developments. Our knowledgeable analysts covered a lot of ground, everything from breaking medical device event coverage to interviews with some of the industry's top thought leaders.

Here are SmartTRAK's Top 10 blog posts of the past year that garnered the most attention from you and your colleagues, plus 3 bonus posts, because at SmartTRAK we always strive to deliver more than what's expected!

Trends in OrthoBiologics & Regenerative Medicine: A Surgeon's Perspective
by Freddy Buntoum

In this wide-ranging interview with SmartTRAK, Dr. Wasik Ashraf, an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, gives his view of CMS' FY21 OPPS-ASC Final Rulemaking, and discusses emerging trends and innovation in OrthoBiologics and Regenerative Medicine.

SmartTRAK was cited as a source in a press release from Smith+Nephew* entitled "Smith+Nephew acquires novel cementless partial knee system."

Smith+Nephew, in the release, announced that it has acquired Engage Surgical, owner of the only cementless unicompartmental (partial) knee system commercially available in the US. The article cited SmartTRAK's reporting that "the partial knee market is currently worth approximately $300 million in the US".

The press release goes on to say that "This acquisition strongly supports Smith+Nephew’s strategy for growth by transforming its business through innovation and acquisition, while also providing differentiation for its customers. The Engage Surgical Partial Knee System is a novel, modern cementless knee implant to serve a resurgent segment driven by the potential for better long-term fixation through biologic integration, shorter operating times, and the shift to Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)."

Randy Kilburn, Exec VP & GM, Reconstruction, Robotics and Digital, added:

“Smith+Nephew is now the only medical device company offering both cemented and cementless partial knee implants in the US, as well as robotics-assistance through the CORISurgical System that is well-suited for the precise alignment needed .... The acquisition will drive Smith+Nephew’s Robotics and Real Intelligence strategy. Partial knee procedures are well-matched for robotics due to the need for precise alignment and Smith+Nephew’s CORI Surgical System already supports the cemented JOURNEY II^◊ unicompartmental knee. The Engage Surgical Partial Knee System is optimised for robotics and will have an application with CORI in the future. Engage Surgical’s Partial Knee System also complements Smith+Nephew’s focus on serving the growing outpatient market, with an increasing proportion of knee procedures performed in ASCs."

Used by the leading orthopedic and wound care companies, SmartTRAK is the premier provider of competitive intelligence, including market data, analysis and advisory services for the orthopedic, wound, regenerative medicine and neuro therapies markets. If you would like a demo of what SmartTRAK has to offer and how we can help increase proficiency, improve productivity and reduce costs for your company, just click the button below.

We are pleased to announce that Courtney Sheedy has joined the team at SmartTRAK as our new General Manager, Spine. Courtney has 15+ years of Global Marketing and Product Development experience dedicated to the spinal medical device market serving in leadership roles for companies like Zimmer Biomet, Alphatec, Corelink and joimax.

Meet Courtney Sheedy:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? General Manager, Spine

What do you like about SmartTRAK? I’m fortunate to have been a user of SmartTRAK for many years prior to joining the ranks as a GM. I love how dynamic the SmartTRAK platform is. For Marketing and Business Development teams to be able to access real-time market information to guide their pipeline planning and day-to-day marketing strategies is one of the most unique and beneficial attributes. I also love how user-friendly the platform is. As a former marketer, I loved the ability to export data files for direct use.

The Spine Market was down in every category as Covid halted elective spine cases globally. 

Spine market performance in Q321 was mired by the resurgence of the Covid-19 Delta Variant, both in the US and OUS. All markets were down sequentially YoY, with dynamic devices taking more than a double digit hit globally.

Globus’ potential takeover of Nuvasive was the biggest storyline of Q3, as they search to gain market share through acquisitions. Market participants are certainly taking note of Globus, as Medtronic CEO Geoffrey Martha stated they are trying to attract Globus users with the launch of their Catalyft Expandable Interbody System.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q321 Spine Market Recap* are:

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Mesh Suture, Inc. (MSI) Founder Gregory Dumanian MD, discusses the Company and its novel suturable mesh that has the potential to change how hernias and other conditions are treated.

MSI is commercializing a novel suturable mesh that combines a mesh’s ability to distribute forces and support tissue with the precise placement and minimal foreign body presence of a suture. In a time when patients and physicians are rethinking how mesh is used in hernia treatment, MSI’s Duramesh offers the potential of retaining the durability of mesh repair with less foreign body presence. Today, the Company is running clinical trials and building evidence to support regulatory clearance in the United States. To find out more about the Company and its operation, SmartTRAK talked with Gregory Dumanian, MD, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Founder & Medical Officer of MSI and the inventor of the new technology.

Click on the following video to listen to SmartTRAK Senior Analyst Doug Devens’ interview with Dr. Dumanian, which was recorded via Zoom audio (24: 35 min). A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

The US market for Hemostats and Sealants regained its pre-pandemic stride in Q321 as many procedures mostly returned to normal volumes.

Hashed Health CEO John Bass discusses how Hashed Health is bringing blockchain technology to healthcare in an interview with SmartTRAK

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Hashed Health CEO John Bass discusses the Company and the use case of blockchain and distributed ledger technology in the medical device industry. Hashed Health is a venture product studio that partners with healthcare and life science enterprises to introduce new blockchain-based healthcare solutions to market.

To find out more, including why blockchain technology is important for medical device manufacturers, click on the following video to listen to the full interview (25:42 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Covid-related challenges continued to dampen market recovery in Q321. Despite pandemic hurdles, technology that improves surgical precision and real-time workflows is driving adoption and innovation in computer-assisted spine surgery and accelerating the development of products and systems.

Many companies with established enabling technologies are pushing to expand indications for existing systems and bolster them with robust preoperative planning, enhanced navigation and post-op evaluation solutions for start-finish integration within a single line of products. Meanwhile, other players are focusing on open-platform solutions to address care gaps for specific procedures and populations. At the forefront of industry research and development are artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies to aid in imaging, planning and navigation assistance (robotic-assisted and freehand). 

Renewed COVID-19 headwinds mute overall Q3 results, however, the soft tissue repair segment remains resilient

Impact of the Delta variant was felt broadly across OrthoBio, with virtually all publicly traded companies observing a reduction in surgical volume (relative to forecast) directly attributable to a resurgence of COVID-19. Overall, OrthoBio revenue declined, primarily driven by a sharp reduction in Bone Replacement revenue. Several companies noted the decrease in surgical volumes was most acute in August and September due to shortages in hospital staffing. Weakness was most closely tied to deferrable, elective, complex spine procedures.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q321 OrthoBio Market Recap* are:

Trauma market continues to ride the wave of healthy growth with positive returns for current players and new players start to stir the waters

Trauma players rode the wave of another quarter of healthy returns as trauma procedures were not as impacted by the rise in the Delta variant as its elective procedure counterparts. The Trauma Market closed Q3 up +4.5% YoY compared to Q320, with the US up +5.8% YoY.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q321 Trauma Market Recap* are:

Advanced Wound Care (AWC) continues to rebound in 2021 with growth from US Skin Substitutes and WW Advanced Dressings despite weakness in NPWT.

The WW Advanced Wound Care (AWC) market grew +6.5% YoY in Q321, according to the SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard.

The WW AWC market is made up of a diverse array of wound care products comprising the segments of Advanced Dressings, Wound Biologics and External Devices. WW Advanced Dressings grew in Q3, driven by robust gains in Foams, Antimicrobials and Superabsorbents. WW Wound Biologics showed continued gains among US Skin Substitute market leaders. WW External Devices (of which NPWT makes up 96%) was mostly flat due to delta variant headwinds and low elective procedure volumes slowing growth.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q321 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap* are:

OsteoCentric Technologies' CMO Gavin Sontag discusses the Company and its OssiMI mechanical integration technology in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Gavin Sontag, CMO of OsteoCentric Technologies, discusses OsteoCentric's OssiMI platform technology, company growth rates and plans for expansion in an interview with SmartTRAK. To find out more, including why OsteoCentric acquired an SI-Fusion system, click on the following video. A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Q321 results were a letdown compared to the previous quarter as COVID-19 continues to burst HA players’ bubble but hopes for a return to normal prevail.

Spring 2021 brought on much relief to the US Joint Fluid Replacement market and the summer looked promising for a return to normal business conditions. However, as more cases of COVID-19 Delta variant were reported, especially in key hyaluronic acid (HA) states, like Texas and Florida, companies were left as though their bubble got burst. Some players expressed concerns that volumes could be depressed for Q421 since it does not seem to be picking up as fast as they projected. But, for Q321 and for the most part, the majority of HA market players did report positive revenue increases in the third quarter.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q321 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap* are:

As a tumultuous year comes to a finish, the orthopedic industry prepares to gather one last time and close out the year. The Orthopedic Summit once again comes to the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada to bring together the top names in the industry. SmartTRAK will be attending OSET 2021 from December the 11th through the 14th. We've put together an overview of recent Orthopedic news highlights to get you up to speed before the meeting. If you'd like to meet with us in person, please reach out.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Orthopedics related news and updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time every day by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

Markets:

• Needham Ortho Surgeon Expert Call Highlights
  During a call co-hosted by Needham, Hip and Knee surgeon Dr. Richard Berkowitz of Tamrac, FL, noted COVID accelerated the shift of recon procedures to the outpt setting w/ ~10-20% of his procedures outpt to increase to ~40-50% over the next few yrs. Needham Ortho Expert Call
  
  
• Knee Market Leaders See Share Gains in Q321
  According to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard, US knee replacement implant market leader Zimmer Biomet* saw improved market share sequentially in Q321 compared to Q221. Stryker* also experienced an increase in share compared to Q221.
  
  
• OTA 2021 Updates
  

  DePuy Synthes* showcased their long awaited 3.5/4.5 VA-LCP Periprosthetic Femur Plate*. According to SmartTRAK discussions, the periprosthetic plate spans the femur and is currently in limited launch w/ ~50 sets in the field and full set rollout to commence next year.