Here are brief profiles of six manufacturers’ that are among the world’s largest medical device companies; in addition, these six (listed alphabetically) are those from which orthopedic- driven ASCs and hospitals purchase much of their orthopedics-surgery related products.
DePuy Orthopedics (a division of Johnson & Johnson)
The largest and most diversified of the world’s healthcare companies, Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886. Today, with operations in 54 countries, and sales in more than 175 countries, it is the premier purveyor of more than 200 medical devices, including orthopedic and spinal products. J&J is also a global leader in the sales of pharmaceuticals and packaged consumer healthcare goods. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (symbol: JNJ). During fiscal 2007, Johnson & Johnson acquired two healthcare companies: Conor Medsystems, a cardiovascular device company with new drug delivery technology, and Robert Reid, a Japanese orthopedic product distributor. In Oct. 2008, Johnson & Johnson acquired HealthMedia, an online health counselor. DePuy’s U.S. headquarters is in Warsaw, Ind.
Medtronic
Founded in 1949, Medtronic is one of the leaders in innovative medical technologies and surgeries, with focus on diagnosis, prevention and monitoring of chronic conditions. Among the firm’s innovations of special interest to orthopedic surgeons are its bone graft and Minimal Access Spinal Technologies and image-guided surgical navigation procedures. The firm, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., sells its products in more than 120 countries. Its stock is traded on the NYSE (symbol: MDT). In Oct. 2007, the Company launched the CD HORIZON LEGACY Anterior Spinal System and in July 2008, Medtronic completed the acquisition of Restore Medical, manufacturer of devices to treat sleep-disordered breathing.
Siemens Medical Solutions
Siemens Medical Solutions provides a comprehensive mix of consulting services, including a variety of orthopedic-related devices and equipment. Among the innovative “firsts” developed by Siemens are the first x-ray tube patent, the first hearing aid with amplification adjustability, the first real-time ultrasound, the first whole body fast volume Spiral CT and the first PET-CT hybrid scanning system. Based in Erlangen, Germany, the firm was founded in 1877. Siemens AG stock is traded on the NYSE (symbol: SI).
Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew’s orthopedics division is a global provider of leading-edge joint replacement systems for knees, hips and shoulders, as well as devices for orthopedic trauma procedures. The specialist market helps drive the company’s annual $3.4 billion in sales, according to the company, by continuously developing new materials and techniques to meet the growing demands of procedures and facilities for tougher, long-lasting implants and lessinvasive, faster-to-heal surgical products for use across patient populations. Smith & Nephew was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in the United Kingdom. It is now the UK’s largest medtech company and one of the top companies in its field in the world. Their units jointly offer over 1,000 product ranges. It is traded on the NYSE (symbol: SNN).
Stryker Corp.
Stryker Corp., another industry leader, manufactures and sells a diverse product mix of medical and orthopedic devices in the domestic and global marketplace, including hip, knee and upper extremity replacement prosthetics, and spinal implants. The firm is also noted for its development, manufacturing and sales of video-assistedsurgical systems, powered surgical and collateral equipment and instrumentation for minimally invasive surgery. Among its innovative products is Endosuite, a functioning OR suitable for use in virtually all specialties. It has headquarters in Kalamazoo, Mich. Stryker is traded on the NYSE (symbol: SYK).
Zimmer Holdings
In 2003, Zimmer Holdings acquired Swiss-based Centerpulse, and became Europe’s leading orthopedic device company. With its U.S. base in Warsaw, Ind., the company markets its products in more than 80 countries. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of reconstructive implants and devices for spinal applications, and for knee, hip, shoulder and elbow joints, and related orthopedic surgery products. The firm is noted also for its innovation and the fast-growing spinal segment of its business. Founded in 1927, Zimmer Holdings stock is traded on the NYSE (symbol: ZMH). In April 2007, Zimmer Holdings acquired Endius, a company focused on minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery systems, and in Nov. 2007, it acquired ORTHOsoft. In Oct. 2008, the company acquired Abbott Spine, a manufacturer of spine implants.
By Marc Davis, with additional research by Ariel Levine