Optimized Ortho: Functional Analysis Powered by Patient-Specific Ortho-Simulations

Back in 2012, an Australian startup decided to undertake a unique approach to address a significant challenge within the orthopaedic hip replacement sector. “Every patient moves differently, and their total hip replacement should be optimized to account for this” says Tristan Jones, Director of Personalized Technologies for Optimized Ortho. “The adoption of a ‘design-thinking approach’ has allowed our business to consistently develop solutions that are relevant to customer needs.” By collaborating with leading orthopaedic surgeons, locally and abroad, Optimized Ortho has developed industry unique technology, allowing the organisation to become a serious player in the Australian and global orthopaedic marketplace.

“The simulation technology is based on analyzing the dynamic and functional movement profile for each patient, which ultimately provides the surgeon with a tailored surgical plan,” said Jones. “Total hip replacement is a very successful operation, but if and when issues are to occur, they often manifest while the patient is performing some form of dynamic task It therefore makes sense that we pre-operatively analyze patients performing these activities, allowing us to simulate and optimize implant alignment strategies patient specifically.

The process starts with medical imaging, using X-rays and CT scans of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower limbs. These parameters are then measured on each of the functional images and used as inputs to define the patient-specific kinematics within the simulation. The software calculates the dynamic force at the replaced hip throughout the activities and plots the bearing contact patch as it traces across the articulating surface. Once the planning has taken place, Optimized Ortho then designs 3D printed surgical guides to assist with implant positioning intra-operatively. These guides, used in conjunction with a laser guided alignment system, allow the plans to be delivered accurately within the operating theatre environment.

As a subsidiary of the Corin Group, Optimized Ortho also has big plans for the future. With current R&D incorporating emerging technologies such as mixed and augmented reality, 2D and 3D imaging advances, alignment-sensing technologies, and real time simulations platforms, significant market growth is expected to continue in Australasia, the U.S., and Europe. These solutions carry the potential to improve implant longevity for the patient while also delivering efficiencies into the sector by streamlining equipment requirements for healthcare facilities and industry partners. “We are sharply focused on shaping the future of orthopaedics with our dedicated technology teams and our close collaboration with key surgeon networks all around the world,” said Jones.