Every year in the July/August issue, ODT’s editors compile a list of six noteworthy orthopedic companies that offer a unique innovation that has caught our eye. We call them the “emerging companies” because although they sit tangentially to the global orthopedic device makers, these firms have created something the orthopedic device industry should pay attention to.

Some of these emerging companies built such impressive solutions that larger orthopedic companies couldn’t resist and acquired or merged with many of the emerging companies throughout the past few years.

Conformis—restor3d

Conformis (featured in 2016) was an original developer of the custom-made knee implant. The company combined advanced 3D imaging technology with the latest manufacturing capabilities to make implants based on patients’ unique sizes and shapes.

The company was acquired by restor3d—an emerging company featured this year—in 2023. restor3d specializes in additive manufacturing of orthopedic implants, and the company said it could manufacture patient-specific femoral implants that were traditionally cast at low margin with 3D printing at its facility at a fraction of the cost.

Titan Spine—Medtronic

Titan Spine (featured in 2017) was a developer of titanium spine interbody implants and surface technology. Its portfolio included a comprehensive line of titanium, surface-enhanced interbody fusion devices.

Medtronic purchased the company in 2019. Medtronic said adding Titan’s portfolio to its existing spine technologies expanded opportunities to bundle interbodies, screws, rods, biologics, and enabling technologies like imaging and navigation to develop integrated procedural solutions.

OrthoSensor—Stryker

OrthoSensor (featured in 2018) created VeraSense, an intraoperative sensor for knee balancing. The company was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Dania Beach, Fla. 

Stryker bought the company in 2021—VeraSense had been used with its Triathlon knee system since 2011. Stryker said OrthoSensor’s technology was complementary to its Mako SmartRobotics, allowing it to enhance the robotic workflow through one complete, data-driven feedback mechanism.

Bioness—Bioventus

Bioness (featured in 2018) built neuromodulation and rehabilitation devices through its peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) therapy. The company was based in Valencia, Calif., and was founded by the Al Mann Foundation in 2004.

The company was acquired by Bioventus—another emerging company featured in 2016—for up to $120 million. Bioventus said it would advance Bioness’ revenue growth by leveraging its network of about 300 sales representatives calling on orthopedic, pain, and podiatric physicians, as well as expanding market access and reimbursement processing capabilities.

Pega Medical—OrthoPediatrics

Pega Medical (featured in 2018) was founded in 1997 and made seven different product sets for children, including pins, plates, screws, intramedullary nails, a self-extending rod, and a modular blade-plate system for femoral osteotomies and fractures.

Fellow pediatric orthopedic device company OrthoPediatrics bought the firm in 2022. OrthoPediatrics said the Pega organization was focused exclusively on addressing unmet needs for children whose lives are impacted by musculoskeletal disorders and diseases.

OrthoGrid—Zimmer Biomet

OrthoGrid (featured in 2020) developed HipAI, which analyzes hip replacement images in real-time for surgical guidance. It offers automated measurements of leg length and offset, as well as guidance for optimal cup placement.

Zimmer Biomet acquired the company in 2024, adding HipAI and two further FDA-cleared orthopedic applications as well as over 40 patents. The company said OrthoGrid’s AI systems address the market demand for fluoroscopy-based surgical solutions while strengthening its portfolio of hip offerings.

Conventus Orthopaedics—Flower Orthopedics

Conventus (featured in 2020) pioneered the platform nitinol CAGE technology to treat proximal humerus and distal radius fractures. The CAGE was cleared by the FDA in September 2015.

The company merged with Flower Orthopedics, maker of the FlowerCube to remove expensive set processing, in 2020. Conventus said due to concerns over viral and infection risks related to reusable implant trays, Flower’s Ready-for-Surgery platform reduces exposure to bioburden while boosting OR efficiencies. The merged company became Conventus-Flower Orthopedics.

Read this year’s emerging orthopedic companies spotlight here!