Intech and Coulot Join Forces to Help Orthopedic Companies Leverage the Power of Additive Manufacturing Coulot Decolletage is an orthopedic implant manufacturer that underwent a series of investments in recent years. The company has a modern manufacturing facility capable of producing a variety of implants. These products include 3D-printed cages and PEEK. In addition to producing traditional orthopedic implants, Coulot also produces implants in a variety of advanced materials. Intech’s acquisition of Coulot Decolletage Intech has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire Coulot Decolletage, a medical device manufacturer. Founded in 1985, Coulot Decolletage specializes in manufacturing complex surgical implants and medical prostheses. Its capabilities also extend to the additive manufacturing of designs. This transaction marks Intech’s first acquisition since Montagu invested in the company. Coulot Decolletage is an orthopedic implant manufacturer that’s undergone major investments in the past few years. The company has a wide range of products, including 3D-printed cages and PEEK implants. These investments should further improve the company’s ability to produce prosthetic devices. Additive manufacturing The use of additive manufacturing technologies in orthopedic companies is gaining momentum. The technology has been around for almost a decade, but today it is reaching a critical tipping point. According to a recent survey of orthopedic device professionals, additive manufacturing is the third most promising technology for the medical device industry. The benefits of this technology for orthopedic companies are numerous. This technology enables mass production of orthopedic instruments, implants and devices from metals, thereby eliminating the need for secondary processes. The rapid growth of 3D printing is also accelerating the development of new methods and materials. While additive manufacturing initially specialized in plastics, it is increasingly being used to manufacture metal components using metal powder, which is of particular interest to orthopedic device manufacturers. Orthopedic manufacturers have already begun to use 3D printing to create patient-specific implants. These models resemble actual cases, giving surgeons an idea of what to expect during surgery. This technology is also useful for testing surgical procedures in advance, as it provides surgeons with a realistic representation of the bones they will be dealing with. Growth opportunities in spine surgery The rise in the popularity of spine surgery is giving manufacturers a foothold in the surgical field. In the United States, more than 250 companies produce orthopedic hardware and implants. Manufacturers often tout the advantages of their products, which can cost up to $20k per patient. But a recent whistleblower case revealed that companies are using a variety of tactics to influence surgeons’ decisions. They have paid for billboard space, hired surgeons’ relatives and even mailed checks to surgeons’ homes. And while surgeons may be paid upwards of $500,000 per year for major procedures, industry consultants are making more than half a billion dollars per year. Intech and Coulot are leveraging their joint expertise to help orthopedic companies leverage the power of spine surgeries. Their collaboration has already led to new innovations for surgeons and new technologies for spine surgery. The joint venture between these companies aims to improve patient care by reducing the cost of spine surgery, while simultaneously providing surgeons with better implants and fewer complications. |