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.

The Orthopedic Market experienced healthy growth in H219 fueled by a strong Q319 in the face of difficult comps with the usual fourth-quarter bump due to the seasonality of elective procedures. Looking ahead, several key issues have the potential to impact the US market in 2020. From the economy to taxes, SmartTRAK takes a look at some of the bigger picture issues...

Steady as she goes...Soft Tissue Fixation Market on track to achieve SmartTRAK estimates for FY 2019

For the third quarter of 2019, the WW Soft Tissue Fixation Market revenue was up +3.4% YoY. Aggregate growth for the quarter benefited from solid revenue growth in the Hip Labral Repair segment, which was up +10.1% YoY, based on SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. 

Focusing on the US region, the Soft Tissue Fixation market was up YoY. However, on a sequential basis, growth was slightly down, attributable to the seasonal nature of Sports Medicine where many surgeries are elective with Q4 generally seeing high procedure volumes. Aggregate growth for Q319 was pulled by notable growths in the Shoulder Soft Tissue Fixation and the Hip Labral Repair segments. Although Knee Soft Tissue Fixation represents the 2nd largest segment, revenue growth was marginal, with the moderate growth seen steady at slightly above  ...

Among the many topics covered in the complete, comprehensive Q319 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Recap*, including all the news, financial data, revenues, charts and SmartTRAK's expert analysis, are: