Orthopedic companies are developing smart implants that incorporate battery-powered sensors and self-sensing constructs to collect data and heal bones. This panel discussion includes startups and researchers who will share how they designed and developed their technologies, what data their implants track and why smart implants are critical for advancing patient care.

The growth in companies using additive manufacturing does not equate to an exponential increase in industry expertise and capacity. Our panel of OEMs and contract manufacturers will discuss choosing the right type of additive manufacturing for your implant, scaling your production processes and finding competent partners.

This panel discussion includes orthopedic companies with varying types of enabling and digital technologies. The group will explore questions such as: What are the uses and benefits of the technology today? How will the technology advance over time? How will data be captured and utilized to improve technology, surgical techniques and patient outcomes? What will it take to gain greater adoption in orthopedics?

Surface technologies play an integral role in the success of joint replacement implants, and orthopedic device companies are launching new coatings with greater biological acceptance. In this session, orthopedic companies discuss R&D efforts in implant coating and market forces driving new coatings and materials.

Polymers are expected to play an integral role in the next wave of innovative 3D-printed implants. This panel discussion brings together diverse perspectives — an OEM, materials company, machine company and researcher — to discuss the state and future of 3D-printed polymer implants.