I have previously written about the birthplace of modern ortho in Warsaw, or Why Warsaw? here.
Today, let's dive into the #2 birthplace of modern ortho and how it came to be.
Memphis, Tennessee, has emerged as an unlikely but powerhouse hub in the history of orthopedics and orthopedic medical devices—often called the "second largest" such cluster in the U.S. after Warsaw, Indiana—thanks to a potent combination of world-class clinical expertise, pioneering surgeons, entrepreneurial talent, and logistics advantages (like FedEx hub proximity).
Below is a deeper, researched chronological story, expanding on the slide with verified historical context from company records, clinical histories, and industry accounts. It highlights how the Campbell Clinic ecosystem directly fueled device innovation through proximity, surgeon feedback, and executive spin-offs.
Early 20th Century: Clinical Foundations and the Birth of Commercial Orthopedics
1895: Revra DePuy launches DePuy Manufacturing in Warsaw, Indiana—the first commercial orthopedic device company, focusing on splints, braces, and fracture care. This set the stage for the industry. One of DePuy’s sales reps, J. Don Richards, would lat...
