Another incredible AAOS has come to a close, and the excitement around personalized surgical solutions has never been stronger. Over the past few days, we connected with medical device companies, surgeons, and industry leaders, all eager to find ways to scale patient-specific care more efficiently.
Personalized orthopedic solutions are no longer just a niche innovation—they’re quickly becoming the standard. The demand for faster, more efficient, and scalable workflows was a key theme throughout the conference. That said, challenges like long lead times, high costs, and complex regulatory requirements continue to hinder widespread adoption and scalability.
As the orthopedic industry evolves, advancements in technology and patient-specific solutions are reshaping the delivery of care. At the recent AAOS Annual Meeting, leaders from across the field came together to explore new innovations and discuss the future of orthopedic surgery.
In this Q&A, we sit down with Christopher Beaudreau, Vice President of Orthopedics at Axial3D, to reflect on his key takeaways from the event, share insights from discussions with medtech companies, and explore the growing role of AI in orthopedics.
- What was the biggest takeaway for you from AAOS?
CB: The biggest takeaway for me from AAOS was the growing recognition of the critical role that patient-specific solutions will play in the future of orthopedics. The conversations I had reaffirmed that medical professionals and device companies alike are actively looking for ways to improve surgical outcomes through personalization, and we’re right at the forefront of making that a reality.
- What were some key findings from your discussions with medtech companies?
CB: Medtech companies are eager to integrate more advanced technologies into their workflows, but there’s a clear need for solutions that streamline the process. They’re looking for ways to reduce time and complexity while maintaining accuracy and improving patient outcomes. AI and obtaining 3D data and models are seen as crucial in addressing these needs, but companies are looking for partners that can help them scale these solutions in a way that is both clinically effective and cost-efficient.
- What type of solutions are MedTech companies looking for?
CB: Medtech companies aren’t just looking for off-the-shelf segmentation tools—they need fully integrated, patient-specific workflows that streamline the entire process. Right now, these workflows are often disjointed, relying on a patchwork of outdated software or multiple standalone tools that weren’t designed to work together. Many of these systems were built years ago and don’t take advantage of today’s AI-driven advancements to maximize efficiency.
Companies want software solutions tailored to their specific needs—technology that seamlessly integrates into their workflows while eliminating inefficiencies. They need an automated, end-to-end solution that reduces manual touchpoints, accelerates turnaround times, and enhances accuracy. It’s not just about improving segmentation; it’s about creating a cohesive, scalable process for patient-specific care. That’s exactly where Axial3D excels—delivering AI-powered solutions that transform disjointed workflows into a streamlined, efficient system built for the future of personalized medicine.
- How is the industry feeling about AI?
CB: The industry is optimistic about AI, though there’s still caution. There’s strong interest in its potential for surgical planning and personalized care, but professionals are looking for proven, reliable solutions. AI must be implemented thoughtfully, with a focus on patient safety and outcomes. At Axial3D, we’re excited to show how AI can make a real impact in orthopedic care.
At AAOS, automation and AI-driven workflows dominated the conversation. The ability to streamline segmentation, reduce bottlenecks, and speed up production is changing how medical device companies approach personalized care. AI-driven segmentation, especially with multimodal and longitudinal data, is enhancing precision and consistency, making significant strides in orthopedic technology.
- What was the reaction when medical device companies saw Axial3D’s solutions?
CB: The reaction to AXCEL was overwhelmingly positive. Medical device companies were excited to see how it directly addresses their challenges with personalized solutions and patient-specific workflows. They were particularly impressed with its AI-driven automation, which streamlines the entire digital workflow—from image acquisition to device design—while also bringing surgeons and clinicians more seamlessly into the process. AXCEL delivers the precision and scalability companies need to move beyond traditional methods and fully embrace personalized surgical planning. The feedback we received made it clear: AXCEL is exactly what the industry needs to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven, patient-specific solutions.
Looking Ahead
AAOS reinforced that the future of orthopedics is patient-specific, scalable, and AI-driven. Medical device companies are eager to integrate solutions that allow them to deliver customized implants, surgical instruments, and pre-surgical models faster and more efficiently.
