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Tech Convergence a Key Theme at Orthopedics Conference in Chicago
Posted by Ogan Gurel MD MPhil at 3 April 2006, 11:16 PM and is filed under Technology convergence,Personalized Medicine,Midwest,FDA Reform,Orthopedics

You know the world is changing when you attend an orthopedic investor conference and feel like you’re more in the realm of biotechnology.

The Rise of Technology Convergence (Combination Medical Products) in Orthopedics
“Technology convergence” – or the combination of biotech, pharmaceuticals and devices in various forms – was clearly a key theme at the recent Small-Cap Orthopedics Conference in Chicago, which was put on by equity analyst William Plovanic and his team at First Albany Capital (Plovanic is now at Canaccord Adams). Another term for these convergent medical technologies (CMT) is bio-device combinations, which include drug-device combinations, implantable drug-delivery systems, medical nanotechnology and a host of other futuristic systems. All in all, the conference featured 30 company presentations along with plenary sessions by orthopedic surgeons to provide insights into the future of orthopedics.
Professor Gunnar Andersson, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, discussed trends in spinal surgery. He pointed out how the recent resolution of patent disputes (mostly surrounding pedicle screw technology) has unleashed new innovation. As a result, newer indications (such as facet joint and cervical spine surgery) are experiencing an influx of orthopedic device innovations.
The most important trend, however, has been toward ensuring greater mobility among patients that would have otherwise received mobility-restrictive spinal fusion surgery. While the evidence supporting mobility-preserving approaches is not yet out (long-term data spanning five to 10 years is required), the current trends strongly support further development of the artificial disc and related technologies.
In line with the trend toward convergent technologies, however, a number of potentially “disruptive” spine-based technologies are in the area of orthobiologics, which are under continuous development along with their various delivery mechanisms. Dr. Brian Cole, associate professor of orthopedics at Rush and team physician for a number of Chicago-based professional sports teams, discussed trends in cartilage repair in an area that looks less like classical orthopedics than space-age biotechnology. Future possibilities relating to stem cell transplantation were also addressed.

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