Becker's ASC Review

27 ORTHOPEDICS Smart implants hold promise for orthopedic surgery By Alan Condon R ecent innovations in sensor technolo- gies demonstrated huge potential in orthopedic surgery, evolving beyond the bulky, expensive and less reliable tech- nologies of the past. e idea behind this new generation of wireless, smart implants is to provide per- sonalized data that can be used to optimize outcomes for patients. Implantable sensors can be used for measur- ing parameters such as force, torque and pressure. Smart implants such as Zimmer Biomet's Persona IQ are being developed to enable better remote monitoring, tracking steps, range of motion and other metrics. Persona IQ has a smart sensor that can count steps and measure walking speed, range of motion and other indicators of knee func- tion aer surgery. Orthopedic surgeons Peter Sculco, MD, and Fred Cushner, MD, of New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery, performed the first knee replacement with the implant in October. "It collects data every day during the first year following surgery, providing objec- tive, accurate information on how the knee is functioning," Dr. Cushner said. "Patient monitoring can continue for much longer, though, as the battery that powers the device was made to last at least 10 years." As more patients receive the smart implant, it has the potential to gather a vast amount of data on gait metrics following knee replace- ment. In the future, orthopedic researchers may be able to use data analytics and ma- chine learning to translate that information into evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care and outcomes. Stryker is focused on developing its own portfolio of smart implants and wearables. Last year, it acquired OrthoSensor, a digital tech company focused on total joints. "Patient recovery will become more active as real-time measurement on key perfor- mance insights drive improved outcomes and patient satisfaction," said Spencer Stiles, Stryker's president of orthopedics and spine. e acquisition complements Stryker's Mako SmartRobotics technology by advancing robotic workflow through a single data- driven feedback mechanism. OrthoSensor's MotionSense remote patient-monitoring wearables and mobile application will also combine with OrthloLogIQ — Stryker's cloud-based data platform — to grow its data analytics capabilities. "e impetus for Stryker acquiring Ortho- Sensor was to utilize sensors to better un- derstand patients through their arthroplasty journey utilizing objective data," said Martin Roche, MD, founder of OrthoSensor and director of hip and knee arthroplasty at HSS Florida in West Palm Beach. "When we plan robotic surgery, we will have some informa- tion preoperatively through wearables, and now with sensor-assisted robotic surgery, we have real-time data related to align- ment, navigated gap distances and the true ligament tension through full motion. is data will enable the robot to perform a more accurate surgical procedure to hit your target zone of personalized knee balance." As Stryker brands its Mako robot to the knee, the hip and into the shoulder with its $4 billion acquisition of Wright Medical and in the future into spine, the company wants to integrate sensors into all platforms. "Every implant they put in will have intel- ligence embedded in it, so we can really un- derstand a patient's function, kinematics and potentially monitor for infection, healing, etc.," he said. Ultimately, implantable sensors hold great promise for joint replacements and spinal fusion as the ability to monitor load sharing between implant and bone will allow clinicians to identify problems early in their development. n Terminated New York orthopedic surgeon gets community support By Carly Behm R esidents in Warsaw, N.Y., are petitioning Wyoming County Community Hospital to reinstate a termi- nated orthopedic surgeon, Livingston County News reported Feb. 19. According to the petition, his practice has maintained The Joint Commission's advanced hip and knee certification since 2019 and sees 500 to 700 patients per month. Petition signers include hospital employees and community members. "Since 2014, Dr. Mason and his team have offered the highest quality orthopedic services to our Wyoming County community," the petition reads. "Highly regarded by his colleagues, employees, and patients, Dr. Mason was the highest ranking physician according to patient survey scores at WCCH." The petition garnered 646 signatures in its first 13 hours online. As of Feb. 22, the petition has more than 2,400 signatures. Dr. Mason and his physician assistant Jim O'May pub- lished a letter Feb. 21 in The Daily News about their departure. The letter said the termination or resignation of Dr. Mason and other physicians happened after the hospital's CEO, Don Eichenauer, retired and the hospital's strategic direction changed. The duo still plans to practice in western New York, the letter said. "We have been committed to providing the best orthopedic care over the last 8 years and will stay committed, unfortu- nately, not associated with WCCHS," they wrote. "We would like to express our gratitude for your overwhelming support over the years and are honored and humbled by your trust in us, allowing us to care for you and your loved ones." Wyoming County Community Hospital did not respond to a request from Becker's for comment. n

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