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5-orthopedic-device-market-trends-2022

5 orthopedic device market trends 2022

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The past few years have presented many important trends in the orthopedic device market that we have been talking about for a while now. As the elderly population is expanding, the need for orthopedic devices that improve the quality of life for patients will continue to grow. In this blog article, I share what we see today and how things are developing, presenting 5 orthopedic device market trends in 2022.

1. The acceptance of robotics in orthopedic surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery is a major focus in orthopedics. About five years ago, robotic surgery was pretty much in its infancy. A lot has happened in the past few years, and it has now become more accepted. Every single company has or is coming out with its own system for doing robotic surgery. It started with hips and knees and has progressed to involve spine and trauma applications.

One of the major orthopedic device companies installed 600 robots globally in 2021 and expects to install another 350-400 robots in 2022. Another major orthopedic device company installed 100 robots for knee replacement surgery in 2021 and expects to install another 200 robots in 2022. A third key player believes the demand for robotic-assisted surgery in orthopedics will remain strong. 

I think this trend will continue to evolve, and the robots will become more refined, feature-rich, and precise. This is how the market is going, and companies will have to keep up with the development to stay ahead of the competition.

2. The shift to ambulatory surgery centers

Another trend, especially for the US market, is the shift to ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) performing more of the procedures. Prior to Covid, there was a general trend in the industry of trying to move more procedures to the ASC setting. Cost savings and ease of access for the patients and physicians made the movement to the ASC desirable, but it was slow.

With COVID, the move was accelerated. The hospitals were understandably full of Covid patients occupying beds that may have been needed post-surgery. Also, many surgical patients were concerned about being in close proximity to Covid-positive patients.

I think this is a trend that is definitely going to continue in the future. I don’t see us going back to when most orthopedic procedures were performed in the hospital.

The aspect of robotic surgery also plays into the ambulatory surgery situation. There was a time when, if you had a total knee replacement, you were in the hospital for a minimum of a week. Now you can do same-day surgery with robotic assistance due to their preciseness.

One of the major orthopedic device companies is experiencing continued penetration of US ambulatory surgery centers and contribution from robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. They also saw the shift to the ASC setting evolving in the Covid environment and expect the ASCs to grow significantly going forward. ​

Another key player is seeing continued growth of large joint replacements in ambulatory surgery centers, especially knee replacements. They believe entering the cementless knee space will be critical to staying competitive in the orthopedic device market. 

3. The shift to disposable instrumentation in surgery

Another big trend, which also plays into the ambulatory surgery setting, is a shift from reusable to disposable instrumentation. Since the inception of orthopedic surgery, surgeons have used drills, screwdrivers, saws, and other surgical instruments of one form or another for their procedures. Then they go down to central supply, where the instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and repacked after every case.

But now, we are starting to see a shift slowly going to disposable instrumentation. The disposable instruments come prepackaged and sterile. They are used for one procedure and are then properly and sustainably disposed of and recycled to aid in the production of new instruments. Brand new packs are taken out for the next procedure. I think this is the way a lot of the systems are going to go for instruments that have been used historically over and over again.

Until this point, the biggest impediment has been the cost of buying disposable instrumentation. However, there is a cost of sterilization as well. Many hospitals have invested millions of dollars in systems to clean and sterilize the instruments between procedures. They are now looking at the cost of using disposable instruments versus sterilization.

According to the latest research by FMI, the demand for disposable spinal instruments is poised to increase at a robust CAGR of 8.3% between 2022 and 2028, totalling a valuation of US$ 96.5 Mn by 2028. If the market can get the disposable cost down to a reasonable level, I think that is where this is going.

4. Additive manufacturing for orthopedic implants

Additive manufacturing is another big trend. Industry analyst SmarTech estimates that the orthopedic segment of additive manufacturing is forecast to grow by nearly 30% annually. However, it is taking a bit longer to ramp up, and the orthopedic market still hasn’t fully adopted it for some indications.

Again, a large factor is the cost. Once the manufacturers can bring the cost down, which we are starting to see, I think 3D-printed, custom-made implants will start to become more accepted. We are already starting to see many spine implants created using additive manufacturing.

Right now, for most arthroplasty procedures, surgeons try to match pre-made implants as closely as possible to the patients’ anatomy – and they can get it pretty close. But everybody is different, as we know. With 3D printing, however, it is possible to custom-make an implant specific to the patient’s unique anatomy. The fit will be better, and the implant will last longer.

Even though 3D printing is still too expensive for a lot of orthopedic implants, there are companies making them for very specific indications such as bone cancer and spinal surgery. Additive manufacturing has already revolutionized the design and manufacturing processes in a lot of industries. I think it will continue as a trend also in the orthopedic industry.

5. New innovative materials for orthopedic implants

Another big and ongoing trend in orthopedics is the development of new materials such as alloys, composites, and polymers and how they are manufactured. For example, there is a new polymer that scientists at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have come up with that is twice as strong as stainless steel but as light as plastic. The medical implications of those properties are huge. Michael Strano, the Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, says this new polymer may open up a whole new class of materials that are strong in new kinds of ways.

We are also seeing a big trend with PEEK implants, and that is just continuing to grow as companies are learning how to manufacture more complex components. According to Science Direct, polymer materials have become the research hotspot and achieved outstanding results in recent years.

I think these new types of materials will play a large part in the future of the orthopedic device market.

I hope this blog post gave you some insight into some of the orthopedic device market trends in 2022. To learn more about Elos Medtech’s offer, visit our website.

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Robotic surgery - A growth engine in the orthopedic market

Robotic surgery – A growth engine in the orthopedic market

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The use of robots in orthopedic surgery is an emerging field that has steadily gained momentum over the past few years. As a result, we are experiencing an increased demand for orthopedic products for robotic surgery. But why has robotic surgery become a growth engine in the orthopedic market? And what should you consider when looking into a development and manufacturing partner for your orthopedic products?

Robotic surgery allows for the most complex procedures

During robotic or robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon uses computer technology to direct the movements of a robotic arm with small instruments attached to it while looking at a 3D image of the patient’s intricate anatomy on a large screen. The precise movements of the robotic arm allow surgeons to perform the most complex procedures with more control, accuracy, and flexibility compared to conventional techniques.

The benefits of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery

Robotic surgery can support surgeons with advanced targeting, visualization, and task execution with precision beyond human skills. It provides a high level of repeatability with reproducible results eliminating variations in surgical outcomes.

Robotic surgery can be used to cut bone, help position implants, as well as guide the surgeons for positioning instruments more precisely. It is ideal for total joint replacement, such as hip and knee, as the bone can be treated as a fixed object.

According to the Medical Device Network, the number of robotic-assisted knee reconstruction surgeries is expected to reach approximately 700.000 globally by 2030 with a CAG of 8% from 2021 to 2030.

One of the main benefits of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery is the high level of precision when reducing long bone fractures or correcting spinal deformity. In spine surgery, the surgical guidance system helps surgeons provide a minimally invasive incision and insert the orthopedics implants more precisely in the case of multiple fractures. Surgeons at Yale New Haven Hospital were early adopters of robotics in the operation room and will add a new robot for spinal surgery this year.

In orthopedic trauma, robots are used for assistance in closed fracture reduction and reconstruction. Other benefits in fracture care include precise guiding of the implant, inserting, and manipulation of the screws and bolts.

Robot-assisted orthopedic surgery greatly benefits patients

Robot-assisted orthopedic surgery also offers many benefits to the patient. Minimally-invasive surgery means smaller incisions resulting in less scarring on the body and reduced risk of infection. This also has the effect of reducing blood loss, pain, and discomfort post-surgery. The recovery time is generally faster, and patients are often discharged on the same day, depending on the procedure.

High demand for orthopedic products for robotic surgery

Robotic surgery has demonstrated its potential and significance. It is replacing conventional techniques and has the potential to transform the way orthopedic procedures are done in the future. As robotic technology brings surgery into the digital age, the demand for orthopedic products continues to increase.

According to Orthopedic Surgical Robots Market Outlook 2028 by Strategic Market Research, the market is expected to reach USD 4489 million in 2028 and robotic-assisted surgery is estimated to be the most trending technology in the future. The technology comprises a colossal potential in standardizing surgical procedures and enabling minimal invasive surgery, technique thereby ushering in a new era of growth.

Are you looking to outsource your orthopedic products?

Today, many companies focus on outsourcing as a competitive strategy. When looking into a development and manufacturing partner for your orthopedic products, there are many things you should consider: Are they a trusted partner in the industry? Do they understand your market? Are they willing to invest? Do they have the knowledge, expertise, and capabilities required for developing and manufacturing your specific products?

Choosing a CDMO is one of the most important decisions you can make for influencing the future success of your products, and, therefore, you should always look into different options. Here are some of the reasons why other orthopedic companies have chosen to collaborate with us.

A leading global development and manufacturing partner

Our commitment to the orthopedic market has made us a global development and manufacturing leader for medical devices and components. Our specialization is one of the reasons why many of the world’s leading companies choose to collaborate with us along with our high-quality standards. We operate from facilities in Europe, China, and the US, and our customer base comprises international medical technology companies.

A strong product offering in orthopedics

In recent years, we have developed a strong product offering in orthopedics through specialization and investments in our core competencies. During the previous year, the expansion of our production site in Memphis, USA, was completed as part of our strategic growth plan. Our focused investments and dedicated work have contributed to an increased interest from global leading orthopedic companies.

Investing in our orthopedic business area

To meet increased customer demand in 2022, we will continue to invest in our orthopedic business area. Within a few years, we expect about half of our sales within orthopedics will be products for robotic surgery. This requires investments in machinery, personnel, and other equipment, primarily in the US site, over a three-year period which we now plan for.

Demonstrated expertise in orthopedic products for robotic surgery 

Orthopedic products for robotic surgery is an area of the market where we are well established with several customers. We have demonstrated expertise in this key market, long-term specialization in selected products, and close partnerships with our customers.

In-depth experience in other markets and medical technologies

Our ability to share expertise and capabilities across our centers increases the ways we can add value to our customers’ projects and business. In the Elos Medtech Group, we have in-depth experience in other markets and medical technologies, including hearing devices and cardiovascular, neurosurgical, and oncology treatments as well as delivery systems.


Robotic surgery is a fascinating area and we are really excited to see this market trend continue to develop. Would you like to know more about our orthopedic offering? Visit our website.

EDM Elos MedTech

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) increases automation and precision in orthopedic manufacturing

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When manufacturing products for the orthopedic market, precision is of the greatest importance. The right combination of technology and automation can ensure this precision, while reducing production costs and increasing capacity at the same time. At Onyx Medical, we believe it is important to develop our skills and knowledge in order to meet our customers’ needs. In this article, I’d like to share one way we are doing that with an EDM machine that enables us to create perfectly straight holes in our cannulated drills – faster, and at a lower cost, than other techniques.

Orthopedic instruments that require high-precision drilling

A cannulated drill is an example of an orthopedic product that requires extreme manufacturing precision. Used in fixation surgeries for fractured bones, the drill has small-diameter hole through which a guide wire is inserted, which is used to drill a small guide hole in the bone where a tunnel or screw hole is required.

The advantage of this process is that the guide wire can be repositioned without causing undue trauma to the bone. When the position is right, the cannulated drill is driven along the guide wire to drill the actual hole into the bone. This way of working makes for a more precise surgery, provided that the guide hole in the cannulated drill is perfectly straight. If it is not, the guide wire might move off of position while drilling.

Comparing gun drilling vs EDM for the creation of perfectly straight holes

One way of creating holes in orthopedic instruments is gun drilling. The gun drilling process uses a single fluent drill held stationary or slightly rotated. The drill has a high-pressure coolant that runs through the center and removes chips and lubricates the drill. A challenge with gun drilling is that when drilling long holes, the drill can drift somewhat sideways. So, as the drill exits the workpiece, it will come out slightly off center.

Another method of creating a perfectly straight hole in a cannulated drill is electrical discharge machining (EDM). This method uses the effects of rapidly recurring electrical discharges between electrodes and the drill. The discharges create sparks that erode small parts of the material from the item, in this case, the cannulated drill. The cannulated drill is positioned vertically to the EDM machine and the sparks from the electrode reach the center of the drill and erode a uniform diameter hole all the way through its center.

An EDM machine makes it possible to create smaller, longer and straighter holes than with gun drilling. The holes can be as small as 0.8 millimeters in diameter and up to 200 millimeters in length.

Automated manufacturing for reliable results and reduced production costs

The EDM machine is also highly automated. Once the cannulated drills are loaded, the machine does the rest, changing electrodes and positions automatically. This reduces human operator time and ensures more consistent and reliable results. The key role of the human operator is to position the cannulated drills correctly, and exactly vertical to the machine. Once that is accomplished, the EDM machine produces straight, centered holes every time.

Elos Medtech continuously seeks to drive innovation forward and enhance our technical knowledge and skills in order to meet the demands of the market. Onyx Medical’s investment in an EDM machine in 2017 contributes to this goal. During our process of validating the machine, we have developed solutions and routines that perfect its performance. We have also designed and tested a variety of different fixtures to make it easy to load the machine with cannulated drills.

We are closing in on a solution that makes it possible to load the machine at the beginning of the day, after which it will run smoothly on its own for the rest of the day. The operator then unloads the completed parts, loads the machine with new parts and presses “go” again. This process produces reliable and high-precision results, reduced production costs and higher capacity.

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog article about our new EDM machine at Onyx Medical. Feel free to contact me with questions, or visit our website for more information. Also, don’t forget to visit Elos Medtech on social media and Elos Medtech’s knowledge blog for more interesting articles.

Swemac and the Hansson Pinloc System

Customer Case: Swemac and the Hansson Pinloc System

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Last year, we wrote a blog article about The Introduction of the Hansson Pin and the Olmed Screw, describing a pin and a screw that would improve the lives of patients suffering from femoral neck fractures. As you probably know, the development moves fast in the medtech industry. Since then, the Hansson Pin has gained further improvements, resulting in the Hansson Pinloc system. In this blog article, I will describe the Hansson Pinloc system and Elos Medtech’s involvement in the development process.  

Swemac offers solutions for fracture treatment and joint replacement

Swemac is a Swedish-based company, providing the medtech market with innovative and practical solutions for fracture treatment and joint replacement. The company dates back all the way to 1968 and has been developing and selling orthopaedic implants and medical equipment ever since. In addition, Swemac provides orthopaedic simulation training systems, as well as orthopaedic training programs that focus on surgical techniques and the characteristics of different orthopaedics implants. Swemac’s products aim to benefit the patients as well as professionals working with the implants. Quality, high performance and innovative competence were Swemac’s features in the past and most certainly will be in the future.

The Hansson Pinloc System is an evolution of the Hansson Pin System05

The Hansson Pin system was designed to offer secure, stable fixation for femoral neck fractures with reduced risk of healing complications, as well as to minimise surgical trauma to the patient. The Hansson Pin consists of two parts, an outer pin, and an inner sliding tongue. Fixation in the femoral head is achieved by pushing the inner sliding tongue out through the window of the outer pin. However, in some cases, the femoral head tilts back again to the same position it had during the fracture. This is the result of the screws not having the mechanical stability to allow the fracture to heal in its reduced position. To overcome the problem of fracture displacement after internal fixation, and still maintain the same features as the Hansson Pin System, Swemac designed the Hansson Pinloc System.

“When launching a new medical device, a successful cooperation with a development and production partner is crucial. To avoid bottlenecks and failure in deliveries, an optimal flow is required between the development phase, production phase and marketing phase. Basically, it all comes down to trust between the companies, says Lars Öster, responsible for Research and Development at Swemac.“  

High rotational stability with the Hansson Pinloc System

Skärmavbild 2016-11-24 kl. 14.48.15Swemac identified the need to further develop the Hansson Pin and make it even better, to provide the patients with even more benefits. Instead of the two isolated pins constituting the Hansson Pin, The Hansson Pinloc System consists of three Hansson Pins and a plate creating a dynamic unit, which has the ability to recreate the stability of an unbroken hip. The pins in the Hansson Pinloc System can not rotate in relation to each other, as often is the case when independent screws are used. This means that the femoral head can only rotate if the bone cuts through all pins simultaneously, which is very unlikely. Thus, the Hansson Pinloc System reduces the occurrences of complications during fracture healing and increases the quality of life for the patient.

Femoral neck fracture is a common fracture type,where around 30 to 40 % of the fractures are treated with osteosynthesis. The other 60 to 70 % are treated with arthroplasty. The surgery could result in symptoms like pain, limited ability to walk as well as tenderness. The Hansson Pinloc System aims to limit these symptoms to a minimum.

Elos Medtech started offering its expertise in the development phase

Swemac started collaborating with Elos Medtech early on in the development of the Hansson Pinloc System. Elos Medtech supported with production improvements to achieve an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. In addition, Elos Medtech was responsible for producing all the components, sterile validation, packaging and labelling the products. Elos Medtech was also Swemac’s development and production partner when manufacturing the Hansson Pin. Consequently, when manufacturing the Hansson Pinloc System, Elos Medtech contributed with an extensive understanding of the product, experience in producing similar devices as well as a unique know-how concerning the mounting, which was highly appreciated by Swemac.

Swemac puts high demands on a development and production partner

There were a lot of parameters Swemac took into consideration when choosing a development and production partner. High quality was on top of the agenda, as well as the prize, flexibility and delivery precision.

“I feel very safe letting Elos Medtech produce our products, and I have great confidence in them as our development and production partner. The manufacturing process was built on an open and tight dialogue between Swemac and Elos Medtech. Not all partners live up to the high level that Elos Medtech does, says Lars Öster, responsible for Research and Development at Swemac.“          

Elos Medtech is responsive to customer requirements

The medtech industry is characterised by tough competition and high-quality demands. Elos Medtech is an experienced and confident development and production partner, responsive to the customers’ requirements and market demands. On short notice, we manufacture products based on given specifications. We offer a unique flexibility during the design phase, which is highly appreciated by our customers. We provide valid and reliable instruments and products for clinical situations, and we take responsibility for your products throughout their entire lifecycles.

Are you more curious about the Hansson Pinloc System, or want to know more about Elos Medtech? Contact me directly or visit our website for more information. Don’t forget to visit Elos Medtech’s Blog for more interesting blog articles.

Elos MedTech Onyx Medical Exterior

Onyx Medical – A Leading Supplier to the Orthopaedic Market

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Last year, Elos Medtech acquired US based Onyx Medical. The Memphis company develops, manufactures and supplies the “nuts and bolts” for orthopaedic surgeries including pins, wires, screws and drills. The high expectations the company sets for itself has led to double digit compound annual growth for the past decade. But what makes Onyx Medical’s operation particularly rewarding, according to themselves, is the fact that they produce life changing medical devices.

With a presence in the US we can better serve the global market

The acquisition of Onyx Medical in 2015 was part of our strategy to focus entirely on the medical device industry while strengthening market positions in target growth segments within orthopaedics. With a presence in Europe, Asia and the US, we are now better positioned and have an increased ability to serve the global market. Since the deal closed, Onyx Medical has continued its existing operations as a business unit within the Elos Medtech Group and has served as a platform for expansion within the US.

Staying ahead of the competition in the orthopaedic device industry

Onyx Medical was founded in 1990 by Laraine and Roger Gilmore. The company grew out of the couple’s desire to invest in a company and create employment opportunities in their hometown Memphis, Tennessee. Today, Onyx Medical employs more than 120 people and provides high-tech components to the top five orthopaedic companies in the world.

“We are a fast-paced and highly progressive company that is passionate about serving the industry”, says Jodie Gilmore, the CEO and Managing Director at Onyx Medical. “Our customers demand certain outcomes and we develop the most effective, efficient and sustainable way to deliver those results. This may include helping to resolve a particular surgical or procedural challenge through collaborative design and development, or identifying the most secure and cost effective global sourcing solutions”.

Prepared for always going full out to keep up with growth

When Jodie Gilmore first came onboard, Onyx Medical had already started doing business with some of the major orthopaedic companies. One of the biggest challenges over the years has been to further develop these into strategic relationships and manage the significant growth. “Based on long-standing relationships, we have grown predominantly with our existing customers”, Jodie says. “We are more than ten times larger now compared to when we first started. From that perspective, we need to have the mindset that there is no quiet period, and be prepared for always going full out. Our goal is to be a trusted supplier over the long run and continue to remain focused on our core product, which is really the “nuts and bolts” of orthopaedics. Manufacturing isn’t glamorous, but it is an essential building block for economic growth, and when combined with the fact that we are producing life changing medical devices, it makes what we do at Onyx particularly rewarding”.

Drills, wires, screws and pins for the orthopaedic device industry

Onyx Medical produces mostly drills, wires, screws, and pins. These components and instruments are used to either hold a medical implant in place, to cut bone for a screw or help the surgeon navigate the implant to the proper position. Most of the products are used for implants in trauma related procedures. The company also makes cross over products for reconstructive and spinal implants, along with neurology and endoscopic applications.

“While our customers are focusing more on the design and development of the primary implants, we are focusing on the accessories and other items that are not their area of core competence, Jodie says. “Many companies prefer to buy such items from outside vendors in order to save time, money and manpower. We fill the gap for these companies and free them up to do more R&D.”

Keeping pace with market needs and serving customers in the long run

When it comes to the future, Jodie has large expectations for the company. “In general, we want to continue to grow while maintaining a strong and sustainable business foundation”, she says. We feel it is important to grow at, or above, the market level, so that we are keeping pace with market needs and our customers’ ever evolving expectations. Continuing to put ourselves in the best position possible to serve our customers in the long run, is extremely important. We need to be better tomorrow than what we are today; we need to produce parts more quickly, less expensively, and with the same level of quality. Our future goal is to support the next twenty years of growth for our company and our service to the global medical device industry”.

Would you like to know more about Onyx Medical? Also, read our blog article Profile in Focus: “ I am an enthusiastic and constant student” with Jodie Gilmore. If you have any questions about Elos Medtech or the acquisition, please contact us.