Surgeons Share Lessons from 2020, Technology Predictions
by Kathie Zipp | Nov 2020
While 2020 brought unpredictability, it highlighted numerous opportunities for improvement of processes and technologies with digital tools, additive manufacturing and O.R. platforms. ... Read more »
3 DF(x) Elements to Follow for New Product Development
by Kathie Zipp | Nov 2020
A modern design for manufacturability approach forces orthopedic device companies to develop products aligned with customer needs and business needs. ... Read more »
Essential Steps to Proactively Improve Your Product Development Process
by Kathie Zipp | Nov 2020
In a perfect world, product development goes smoothly. However, we don’t live in a perfect world. Our imperfection is why a focus on process improvement to enhance our work product is worth R&D teams pursuing. ... Read more »
5 Tips Startups Need to Know for Success
by Kathie Zipp | Sep 2020
Nimble startups remain critical to driving market innovation in orthopedics. To experience success, companies need to time the market, focus heavily on product development and develop a strong pipeline. ... Read more »
4 Human Factors Practices that Lead to Successful FDA Submission
by Kathie Zipp | Sep 2020
Nearly 90% of FDA 510(k) submissions receive reviewer comments related to human factors engineering. While these four practices are likely not new to you, they serve as a refresher for what FDA is closely considering with your submission. ... Read more »
Additive Manufacturing Advancements to Boost Use in Orthopedics
by Kathie Zipp | Aug 2020
The additive manufacturing market is expected at a CAGR of +20% by 2024. The medical device industry, and orthopedics specifically, are expected to experience strong growth due to advancements in additive manufacturing technology and processes. ... Read more »
How to Create a Product Development Roadmap
by Kathie Zipp | Jul 2020
Product portfolio roadmapping is like taking a trip. Companies must decide where they're going and how they're going to get there in order to be successful. ... Read more »
Orteq Promotes Joint Preservation with Meniscus Implant
by Kathie Zipp | Jul 2020
Orteq’s ACTIfit received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, an important milestone toward entering the U.S. knee market. ... Read more »
DiFusion Brings First Immuno-stealth Polymer to Orthopedic Market
by Kathie Zipp | Jun 2020
PEEK and titanium dominate the spinal fusion market—two materials with roots in the aerospace industry. DiFusion received FDA 510(k) clearance to market a spinal interbody made of ZFUZE, a new polymer engineered specifically for orthopedics. ... Read more »
Keys to an Effective Additive Manufacturing Quality System
by Kathie Zipp | Jun 2020
FDA and Stryker joined an additive manufacturing panel to discuss the importance of quality systems and industry and regulator collaboration. ... Read more »
Traditional Metals Meet Mainstream Adoption in Orthopedics
by Kathie Zipp | May 2020
Here’s a look at some of the leading metals in the orthopedic market and what’s pushing the development of new materials and manufacturing processes. ... Read more »
What Does the Next Generation of Total Ankles Need?
by Kathie Zipp | May 2020
Preoperative planning, surgical instrumentation and bony ingrowth are advancements that surgeon Alan Davis, M.D., says are a must for future total ankles. ... Read more »
How to Ensure a Well-Established Problem Definition
by Kathie Zipp | Apr 2020
Empathic design pushes product development teams to follow the user journey to gain a sense of the true problem they’re trying to fix. ... Read more »
Startups to Drive Polymer Innovation in the New Decade
by Kathie Zipp | Mar 2020
While the orthopedic device industry has changed its tune on metals vs. polymers over the last 20 years, the push for material innovation has remained. Entering a new decade, orthopedics is experiencing another wave of polymer innovation that provides greater design freedom and compatibility with th ... Read more »
How to Control Project Scope Creep
by Kathie Zipp | Jan 2020
Directional change and scope creep are inevitable in product development. However, their effects can be minimized through a systematic approach. ... Read more »