Stryker is enjoying strong demand for its MAKO robotic surgery platform with plans to increase system placements and procedure volumes while working on a next-gen system that would enhance ease-of-use for surgeons and improve accuracy. The company also has plans to expand into other areas of focus, according to analyst reports from this year's AAOS annual meeting in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Smith & Nephew and Zimmer Biomet are trying to set themselves apart with their robotic technologies.

Improvements in technology surrounding knee and hip replacements means a shorter recovery time for patients, but a recent US CMS proposal to take the procedures off the "inpatient procedure only" list means surgeons will have to carefully choose Medicare patients that are appropriate for the outpatient setting, and payment bundles could be affected.

Global sales for arthroscopy and sports medicine devices are predicted to hit $6.5bn by 2021. This will be driven by the fast-growing soft tissue fixation products segment: significant changes in market dynamics are expected over the next few years, as hip fixation procedures pick up pace. This article delves into the landscape of the soft tissue fixation device market, as well as the four key segments in the arthroscopy devices space. It will also analyze the key players in these markets, highlight trends and discuss the biggest challenges.