Author: Alan Condon

From risk-sharing payment models to increased scrutiny placed on hospital surgeons and expanded data collection and integration, six surgeons predict how the specialty will change as healthcare shifts from a fee-for-service model toward value-based care.

Almost 23,000 orthopedic surgeons practice in the U.S., according to Definitive Healthcare's PhysicianView, which includes data on more than 2 million physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the U.S.

Alaska is the most expensive state to undergo spinal fusion surgery and Iowa is the least expensive, according to Sidecar Health's care calculator, which outlines the average cash price for every procedure, test and drug in the U.S. healthcare system. 

An increasing number of independent orthopedic practices are seeking strategic partnerships with private equity firms and management services organizations as a way to steady the ship in the midst of a challenging economic environment. 

Adaptix, a medical imaging company in the U.K., submitted a 510(k) application to the FDA so it can market its Point-of-Care 3D orthopedic system in the U.S.

Spiderwort, a startup developing cellulose-based tissue scaffolding to treat acute spinal cord injuries, has secured $13.2 million through a series A financing round, the company said July 12.

Smith+Nephew has partnered with Rods&Cones to offer smart surgery glasses and digital remote assistance to its customers.

After a brief lull in mergers and acquisitions among orthopedic device companies because of the COVID-19 pandemic, market activity is picking back up again.

"Smart" knee implants have only just entered the medtech industry, but BTIG analysts predict they will "become ubiquitous within orthopedics, much like robotics," Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry reported July 6.

Naples, Fla.-based Lee Health has added two orthopedic robots at two hospitals to assist surgeons with hip and knee replacements, Gulfshore Business reported July 6.