Orthopedic surgeons across the U.S. continue to drive innovation in surgical technology, devices and care coordination. In recent weeks, several specialists have made headlines for developing new tools, performing first-of-their-kind procedures and advancing robotic-assisted surgery.
Here are five orthopedic surgeons making news nationwide.
- Michael Crovetti, DO, an orthopedic surgeon at Henderson, Nev.-based Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, developed a digital platform designed to personalize and coordinate knee replacement recovery. The platform, URKnee, creates a secure patient profile with surgical details, imaging and recovery goals to help align surgical planning, rehabilitation and care coordination across providers.
- Jeffrey Deren, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Orlando (Fla.) Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, invented an adjustable hand and wrist splint designed to improve early injury stabilization. The device, SafeSplint, is being piloted across several Orlando Health emergency departments and clinics to help maintain proper hand positioning and adapt to swelling after injury.
- Doug Werner, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Phoenix-based HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center, performed the nation’s first joint replacement using Stryker’s Mako RPS handheld robotic system. The image-free platform is designed to improve implant alignment while reducing infection risk and time under anesthesia.
- Jacob Gorbaty, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, Wash., performed the first robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement in Washington, Oregon and Montana. The technology is designed to improve surgical precision and may enhance outcomes and recovery for patients with advanced shoulder joint damage.
5. Carl Hasselman, MD, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, W.Va., performed the world’s first bunion surgeries using the Lapidus I-Beam plate. The device, which he co-developed with Arthrex, uses a 3D fixation design intended to improve healing and allow immediate mobility.
