Stryker is making strides in its spine robot launch and saw strong spine business growth in the first quarter of 2024, leaders said in an April 30 earnings call.
Five notes:
1. Mako Spine is on pace to launch in the fourth quarter, and the shoulder application is expected by the end of the year, Jason Beach, vice president of finance and investor relations, said as transcribed by Seeking Alpha. The anticipated launch was pushed back slightly because of regulatory timelines, he said.
2. The robot will comprise of the Q guidance system that is already on the market, and it will have a robotic attachment for pedicle screw guidance, CEO Kevin Lobo said. Another product that will be launched with the robot, CoPilot, will help with discectomy and bone preparation with haptic feedback.
3. Strong sales growth in the first quarter was led by U.S. performance in instruments, medical, endoscopy, trauma and extremities and Mako segments, Mr. Lobo said.
4. The U.S. spine business grew 3.9% year over year, and U.S. orthopedics grew 45.6% year over year, Glenn Boehnlein, the company's CFO, said. U.S. orthopedic growth was largely driven by Mako robot installations.
5. Stryker completed its acquisition of mfPHD, which makes modular stainless steel wall systems, Mr. Lobo said. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the communications business unit portfolio in endoscopy. The company also closed its acquisition of SERF in its hip business in the first quarter.