At the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, orthopedic device companies showcased their latest innovations and discussed industry trends. A prominent highlight was Stryker’s introduction of the fourth-generation Mako surgical robot, Mako 4, which received FDA clearance for a hip revision feature—the first such approval for a surgical robot. This new application aims to assist in complex procedures by offering functionalities like screw planning and intraoperative screw trajectory guidance.
Company executives observed that procedure volumes remain elevated, attributing this trend to factors such as aging demographics, increased activity levels, and the shift toward ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Stryker’s leadership noted that surgery schedules are booked six months in advance, indicating sustained demand. Similarly, other orthopedic management teams reported a growing number of procedures moving to ASCs, reflecting patients’ reduced apprehension toward surgeries.
Hospital capital expenditures continue to be robust, with no evident signs of a slowdown. However, some concerns were raised about potential Medicaid cuts possibly impacting future capital purchasing budgets. Despite these apprehensions, the current outlook on hospital spending for capital equipment remains positive.
Regarding tariffs, companies expressed hope that the medical technology industry would be largely insulated from cost-cutting measures associated with new tariffs on imports from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. Specifically, steel tariffs were highlighted as a potential area of concern, though companies like Stryker believe any impact would be limited.
Overall, the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting underscored the orthopedic industry’s commitment to technological advancement and adaptability amidst evolving economic conditions.
