Contracts 101
We all need to understand contracts in the ortho business. Contracts shape everything from device development to practice management. In
5 questions to predict the success of an Orthopedic startup.
As a recruiter specializing in the orthopedic industry, I am frequently asked, “How can one predict the success of an
How Ortho Clinical Data Lost its Meaning
In the cardio world, clinical data rules ! Clinical data completely dictates which devices are used. In the ortho world,
Big Bots, Big Problems: Why Ortho Robots Fall Short.
In this no-nonsense deep dive, I’m tackling the buzz around today’s surgical robots in orthopedics—think Stryker’s Mako, Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA,
Overview of the Globus Medical vs. Life Spine Patent Infringement Case
By exploring the intellectual property feud between Globus Medical and Life Spine, you will uncover the intricacies of a high-stakes
Does Crime Pay in Orthopedics? The SpineFrontier case says YES.
It’s Tiger again, diving into the murky waters of orthopedic device scandals. If you’ve been following the spine industry, you
Centinel Spine’s Prodisc Revolution: Redefining Motion Preservation in 2025
Today I’m fired up about a mature startup in the spine world that’s straight-up revolutionizing motion preservation: Centinel Spine. If
What Should You Do If You Have a New Orthopedic Product Idea?
It might seem counterintuitive, but here’s my top advice for ortho entrepreneurs who reach out to me with their revolutionary
How groupthink can lead Orthos into bad acquisitions.
In this article I am going to introduce the Abilene Paradox. Large successful orthopedic companies, naturally chase acquisitions. These acquisitions
The Erosion of Clinical Meaning in Total Joints (guest article by Rick Gerhart)
To unravel the mystery of how clinical outcomes in total joint orthopedics have become devoid of reliable guidance, let’s embark
How to find your superpower in Orthopedics
In this short article, I am going to share how to uncover your hidden superpower in the orthopedic arena—through gritty
The Bullshit Test (or how to avoid false positives)
In this article I am going to try to explain one of the biggest traps when designing and developing a
Learning Loops: The Secret Sauce for Winning in Orthopedics
At my core, I am a product development Engineer who, in my previous life, launched somewhere around 78 implant systems
List of AI Startups in Ortho
AI is everywhere today…. but its very very early. AI tools are finding their way into Orthopedics in various ways.
PA startup pioneering ACL reconstruction with a simple new tool
Today, I’m diving into a company that’s quietly making waves in the world of ACL surgery: DanaMed Inc. If you’re
Debating the Usefulness of Robotics in Total Knee and Hip Surgery: Sharing a Discussion on LinkedIn
Sharing an interesting discussion this week about robots in total joint cases. Below is my original premise. The Setup You’ve
Beware the Big Ortho Supplier Trap – Lessons from a Battle-Scarred CEO
Today, I’m dropping a public service announcement (PSA) straight from the trenches. This isn’t some theoretical fluff – it’s raw,
NC Startup ushering in the Joint Preservation Era.
Today I’m fired up about a hot new player that’s straight-up revolutionizing joint preservation: CytexOrtho. If you’re in the ortho
VISIE Executes First Pin-Free Knee Bone Cuts Using Spatial Computing
VISIE Executes First Pin-Free Knee Bone Cuts Using Spatial Computing (press release) No manual registration, pins, clamps or arrays VISIE
Understanding the Four Key Investor Types for Orthopedic Companies
For orthopedic companies seeking funding to innovate, grow, or scale, understanding the landscape of potential investors is crucial. Based on
ZB acquires Monogram – I Don’t Get It.
I’m scratching my head here. ZB, the world’s leader in total joint implant sales, just dropped $177M (before earnouts) to
Swiss startup is revolutionizing rotator cuff repair
The future of sports medicine surgery isn’t just about fancier implants or robotic precision. It’s about smarter, faster, and stronger
10 “Sacred Cows” in Orthopedics
First a definition: A “Sacred Cow” is a widely held belief, tradition, or practice within an industry or organization that
13 elements of a typical Job Offer.
Job offers can vary wildly company to company, but a typical Job Offer includes most the following thirteen elements: 1/Base
Choice is killing the our industry – We need to return to simplification for our customers.
Remember when you went to the grocery store to buy ketchup in the old days. You’d find a single brand—perhaps
Your compensation is only one vector.
TakeHome Message: Think past the salary before you jump to your next company. When considering a job offer, it’s easy
Windows and Doors
In orthopedics, as in life, success often hinges on a willingness to take risks. I talk with many people each
More “innovation theatre” from Big Orthos – this time from Exactech.
Big Orthos are at it again, waving the innovation flag with all the enthusiasm of a used car salesman hyping
Carlsmed’s $100M IPO Bet: Personalized Tech, Risky Finances
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice, and investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions. Tiger’s
Job Seekers, learn prompting to land your next great role.
In today’s ortho job market, prompting has emerged as the new skill that matters, empowering you to unlock the full
Startup brings new technology to ASCs that’s so simple, it’s genius.
The future of OR efficiency has nothing to do with robots, or better nav, or better imaging. It’s much simpler.
Great ortho companies execute quietly / struggling orthos clamor for attention
Let’s talk about Press Releases. I have found an inverse correlation between success and press releases (illustrated below). When I
Why Talented, Ambitious People Should Build Their Own Companies (and Why Average People Seeking Stability Shouldn’t)
The entrepreneurial landscape in orthopedics is made up of many strange characters. For some, starting a company is a calling—a
The Power of a Monopoly in Orthopedics
Monopolies in orthopedics? Yes, they exist, and they have HUGE advantages. A handful of innovative orthopedic companies carve out entirely
Behold… Big Ortho’s latest innovation illusion
The orthopedic giants, like J&J MedTech (formerly DePuy-Synthes), love to play the innovation card, strutting onto the stage like tech
Evolution of Risk-Taking in Orthopedics
The appetite for risk in orthopedic medical device companies evolves with their size, reflecting shifts in resources, priorities, and stakeholder
Texas startup aims to reduce the need for revision joint surgery. This could be really big !
Key Points Solenic Medical’s AMF technology could reduce risks for patients by offering a non-invasive treatment for implant infections. It
Mastering Ortho Sales in the VAC Era (includes a 14 Step How to Guide)
This could be the most valuable advice given on OrthoStreams this year. As you know, the U.S. healthcare system has
6 Hiring Mistakes that can kill your Orthopedic Startup
Building a thriving orthopedic company from scratch is no small feat. The first 5 to 10 hires you make are
Let’s tear down BOB
I am currently talking with and watching a hundreds of ortho startups trying to enter the US ortho market that
The 4 Financial Strategies for Emerging Orthopedic Companies this Year.
Moving into the second half of 2025, I am anticipating the reopening of the IPO market which is expected to
Dynamic Smart Bracing is the future of Scoliosis Treatment.
For decades, scoliosis bracing has looked the same. Like this Boston Brace image below. Hard plastic prisons. Movement, breathing and
Most Ortho Startups won’t reach market traction or an exit, so why not pool together to share the risk?
According to industry data, only about 10-15% of medical device startups achieve significant market traction or an exit event like
Why private Ortho companies should stay private even longer.
A compelling trend emerged in our ortho industry: companies are staying private far longer than they used to. IPOs have
Has a Spanish startup finally solved the ACL tunnel problem ?
It’s early, but very promising. Abanza’s WasherCap™ devices are poise to revolutionize soft-tissue graft fixation with bone-independent design, up to
Understanding Moats: Why Surgeon Customers Stick with Existing Products.
Orthopedic companies thrive by creating moats—strategic advantages that protect their market position and fuel growth. Like the moats around medieval
Is ‘Enabling Technology’ a Real Category or a Marketing Scam?
WARNING: This article might sting for those in Big Ortho chugging the “Enabling Technology” Kool-Aid. Background The term “Enabling Technology”
Startups should chase Rain, not Virga
You’ve likely seen virga—rain that falls but never hits the ground. It’s a striking sight, especially at sunrise or sunset,
An Interview with Jessie Dionne on “How to Simplify Life for your Surgeon customers.”
Why don’t other orthopedic startups prioritize “simplicity first” as a foundational principle? In a recent discussion with the private BoneChat
Your first FDA clearance is just a fishing license.
Orthopedic startups chase FDA clearance like it’s the ultimate prize. Years of grinding through R&D, clinical trials, and regulatory hoops