COVID-19 pandemic hit the brakes mid-March resulting in a quick growth slow-down

Q120 was looking like a strong first quarter following Q420’s 4.5% YoY growth, the highest rate seen in the US Total Joints Market for several years. But, the COVID-19 pandemic and the institution of stay-at-home orders in most US states put the brakes on elective procedures in March, resulting in -4.8%, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. The postponement of procedures and the resulting downturn in revenue late in Q120 also resulted in orthopedic companies withdrawing guidance due to uncertainty about the timing of recovery.

Among the many topics covered in the comprehensive Q120 US Total Joints Market Recap* are:

As access to healthcare continues to open up, the orthopedic industry is taking significant precautions to insure the health, safety and piece of mind of patients and caregivers and balance that with its attempt to ramp up services and procedures. The following is a small sampling of the orthopedic updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:

Updated Survey Data Points to Recovery by Q420

We are excited to announce the launch of Computer Assisted Surgery's Financial Dashboard. SmartTRAK's financial analysis is highly regarded and frequently cited by many in the industry for its accuracy and comprehensiveness. As the Computer Assisted Surgery industry continues to evolve, it's more important than ever for industry players to stay on top of the market financials.  

Financial Dashboard makes it easy to:

• Size a market
• Gauge market share
• Compare year-over-year growth
• Spot financial trends

Robotics and other enabling technologies continued to drive implant sales for existing competitors in Q419, with several new product introductions and expanded applications expected in 2020 and beyond.

New research shows excellent results for anatomic TSA using a stemless humeral component with an inlay glenoid. Dr. Gregory Nicholson gives the breakdown on the research, indications, market acceptance and limitations. 

In the market for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), younger, active patients with degenerative conditions of the glenohumeral joint are a unique and more complicated population for surgeons to treat with TSA. Challenges in treating this cohort include higher functional demands that can lead to implant wear and failure. However, a recent study suggests a new implant design might be a good option these types of patients, potentially filling a treatment gap and expanding the market for TSA.

Tough comps and pricing pressure dampen growth during Q419

According to BioMedGPS’ SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard, the WW Trauma Market posted +2.8% growth, down from Q3, while the US achieved growth of +3.8%, also down from Q3. Trauma market leader DePuy Synthes (48.6% US Q4 share) reported while sales were down compared to Q319, gains were driven by overall market growth and strong adoption of their Femoral Neck System.

Tough comparisons, both YoY and sequentially, impacted the Q419 Trauma Market. The US pricing environment remains relatively steady as DePuy Synthes noted pricing pressure of -2.0%, in line with their Q2 and Q3 pricing (Q1 was -2.5%). Zimmer Biomet’s SET pricing improved in Q4 at -1.8% vs. Q3’s -2.0%. BioMedGPS believes 2019 pricing trended at -2.0 to -2.5%.

Among the many topics covered in the comprehensive Q419/FY19 Trauma Market Recap* are:

Healthy competition ignited by new product intros propels extremities arthroplasty while fixation runs into tough comps along with a lack of new product drivers

Improvements in procedure volumes drove strong growth across the spine hardware market.

Improvements in procedure volumes drove positive growth across the spine hardware market, with the WW spine hardware market up for Q419 and FY2019, respectively, according to the SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Similarly, Cantor Fitzgerald analysts estimate 2019 global spine market (inclusive of biologics) growth at +2.2%, the highest growth the market has seen in 5 years, with +2.1% US growth and +2.2% growth OUS.

Among the many topics covered in the comprehensive  Q419 Spine Market Recap*  are:

Product Mix Shift and Improved Pricing Strengthens US Total Joints Market

In the US, revenue in the Total Joints market for Q419 achieved much stronger growth compared to Q418, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Both Hip and Knee Replacement market segments saw growth acceleration. Keep in mind that this growth does not include revenue generated by the sale of robotic systems and associated disposables. The Total Joints market is typically seasonal with a dip in sales during Q3 with recovery in Q4. However, Q419’s uptick seemed particularly strong benefiting from mix shift in products, including the increasing popularity of cementless knees and dual mobility hips.

Among the many topics covered in the comprehensive Q419 US Total Joints Market Recap* are:

Shifting spine procedures to an ASC setting and participating in a free market healthcare environment.

Richard A. Kube II, MD discusses the advantages and challenges of moving spine procedures to an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) setting in an interview with SmartTRAK. Spine surgeon Dr. Kube founded the  Prairie Surgicare Spine Surgical Facility in Peoria, Illinois as well as the Illinois chapter of  Free Market Medical Association. He shares with us why many are choosing an ASC setting as well as the importance of transparency in healthcare. To find out more, click on the following video. A transcript of the interview is also provided below.