Stryker (NYSE:SYK) announced today that it has bought privately-held OrthoSensor and its Verasense intraoperative sensor tech that could further enhance the ortho giant’s Mako robots.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Stryker officials in a news release noted that Verasense since 2011 has proved itself to be a unique knee balancing solution in Stryker’s Triathlon knee system, providing feedback to surgeons on soft tissue. They think the sensor tech will further boost Mako surgical robotics systems, enhancing workflow through one complete data-driven feedback mechanism.
Additionally, OrthoSensor’s MotionSense remote patient monitoring wearables and mobile application combined with the OrthloLogIQ cloud-based data platform could up Stryker’s data analytics capabilities.
“Smart devices and implants will play a big role in orthopaedics and we are excited for OrthoSensor to join Stryker as we continue to innovate and advance smart sensor technologies, including intraoperative sensors, wearables and smart implants across our joint replacement business,” said Spencer Stiles, Stryker’s group president of Orthopaedics and Spine.
“Patient recovery will become more active as real-time measurement on key performance insights drive improved outcomes and patient satisfaction,” Stiles said.
It is unclear how the deal will impact strategic partnerships that OrthoSensor has had with Stryker competitors Smith+Nephew and Zimmer Biomet, according to analysts at Truist.
Kaila Krum, David Rescott and Samuel Brodovsky at Truist found it interesting that the deal comes not long after Zimmer Biomet announced a partnership with Canary Medical, with plans to launch smart implants later this year. “Overall, the trend certainly seems to be pointing in the direction of greater data integration into surgery, which should add momentum to novel technologies in the industry.”
