Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

(ZBH/SYK/JNJ/etc)—“Smart” orthopedic implants track_patient_progress:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-knee-replacement-that-talks-to-your-doctor-its-just-the-beginning-2f9940b1

Already, a “smart knee” from medical-device maker Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., introduced in 2021, comes with built-in sensors…that can wirelessly transmit a slew of data about how the replacement knee is working.

The details about your gait are sent daily to your orthopedic doctor, who can track your step counts, range of motion and other metrics in the months and years after surgery. Doctors tracking the information can reassure patients who are hitting recovery milestones. Or, if the performance measures fall short, a doctor may intervene to avoid having a patient stuck with an underperforming artificial knee, such as ordering a change in the patient’s physical-therapy regimen.

That’s just the beginning, say doctors and medical-device engineers. They predict sensors will be added to artificial hips, shoulders, and spinal implants. And they envision uses beyond orthopedics…