Is Orthopedics a “Locked Up” Market?

A recent conversation sparked a thought-provoking question: Is a significant portion of this market—perhaps as much as 80%—effectively "locked up"?
This isn't just a casual observation; it's a sentiment echoed by many who witness the formidable presence of industry giants like Stryker and J&J, their exclusive contracts, integrated robotic systems, and expansive distribution networks seemingly limiting choice and stifling smaller, innovative players.
It's a stark contrast to two decades ago, when the orthopedic market felt more driven by individual product innovation and strong surgeon-re...