Below are some early trends/predictions that I am seeing in orthopedics.
Many of these trends have been occurring very slowly for years, but the COVID situation has accelerated everything. Examples: Some ortho companies were going out of business in a few years anyway; now it's months. VR Surgical Training was a decade phenomenon; now it's months. Big robot systems were going to be eclipsed by new small integrated ubiquitous systems in years; now it's months. Remote work was trending for years; now it's today. There has been a gradual pull towards virtual ortho meetings; now it's here as the CCJR is going 100% online in May.
Think of the COVID as a disruption ACCELERATOR for the orthopedics industry.
Trends/Predictions
25% of all orthopedic device companies are in trouble and may not survive the next 18 months.
Cash-rich companies will acquire over-leveraged companies at bargain prices over the next four quarters. Look for many M&A closings in late 2020 and 2021.
The IPO market will be closed for orthopedic companies over the next four quarters.
For the next few quarters, 100% of orthopedic patients will be screened for COVID before surgery. If positive they will b...
