From new product launches to partnerships, here are six key updates in spine and orthopedic robotics during the third quarter:
1. Think Surgical partnered with Signature Orthopaedics. Its TMini robot was also approved for use with Zimmer Biomet's Persona knee replacement system.
2. ECential Robotics, a company specializing in surgical robots to improve bone surgery outcomes, named Clément Vidal as its new CEO.
3. DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson's orthopedic company, earned FDA 510(k) clearance for and launched Velys Spine. Velys Spine is a dual-use robotics and standalone navigation platform created in collaboration with eCential Robotics.
4. The FDA sent a letter to Globus Medical in July warning the devicemaker about an inspection related to the Excelsius GPS spine robot. Globus Medical filed a Form 8-K Aug. 13 commenting on the letter, and it said the company has "taken corrective actions and provided a comprehensive and timely response to the FDA."
5. The Medacta Group has partnered with orthopedic robot manufacturer Think Surgical to provide its robotic, wireless hand-held TMINI miniature robotic system for total knee replacement surgery supporting both GMK Sphere and GMK SpheriKA, a knee implant designed specifically for kinematic alignment.
6. Think Surgical's upgraded TMini robot, version 1.1, was used in its first total knee replacement since earning FDA clearance.