The Science and Technology of Orthopaedic Implants

Dr. Marc Long
Stryker Orthopaedics
Mahwah, New Jersey


Abstract

The global orthopaedics market grew by 8.1% in 2007 to reach a value of $16.2 billion, with a 
forecast of $22.9 billion in 2012.  Total joint reconstruction accounts for a substantial part of this 
market.  While total joint arthroplasty surgeries have been one of the most successful surgical 
procedures with clinical success rates above 90-95%, several issues are still unresolved.  One of 
the top clinical issues has been and is infection.  While it happens in a relatively small percentage 
of patients, the absolute number of cases is substantial and the consequences to both the patient 
and the hospital are significant.  This talk will present an overview of the current status of total 
joint implants and the future directions and trends associated with the orthopaedic field.  The 
focus of the presentation will then be on infection control as it relates to orthopaedic implants, 
but also more generally to the operating room and hospital environment and procedures.  Current 
issues related with infection, opportunities for technologies to be implemented, and future trends 
of infection control strategies will be discussed.