Presentation Title: The Future of the Orthopedic Medical Device Industry
Abstract: Dr Skinner will present an overview of the clinical issues and current medical device innovations in the orthopedic arena. He will discuss a variety of issues related to the direction of the orthopedic market. These will include arthroplasty of the hip and knee, using standard techniques, minimal incisions, navigation, hip resurfacing, ceramic hips, gender-specific knees and Metal-on-Metal hips. Trauma devices and techniques will be covered, as will brief coverage of spine devices and spine arthroplasties. Dr Skinner will give his view on where (and why) he thinks the market for these devices is heading, and what innovations may mean. Biologics will not be discussed.

A nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, Harry B. Skinner, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in minimally invasive joint replacement, including unicompartmental replacement and arthroscopic procedures -- to successfully treat knee and hip pain. His expertise includes the most complicated joint reconstruction surgeries performed today as well as complex joint revisions.

The former Chair of Orthopedics at UCI, Dr. Skinner is one of the nation's leading experts in hip and knee joint replacement surgery. He was a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery (also Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering) in the UC system for 25 years. He was trained as a materials scientist (prior to medical school and residency in Orthopedic Surgery). His research and innovations in every aspect of joint replacement - from materials to pain management - have helped create remarkable outcomes for patients of all ages. Dr. Skinner recently went into private practice in orthopaedic surgery with the St Jude Heritage Medical Group.

In addition to over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, Dr. Skinner is the author of "Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics," (one of the most respected textbooks and reference guides for doctors in and out of the U.S.) which is now in its 4th edition. In addition, he recently co-authored and published "Essentials of Orthopedics", which is intended as a quick reference guide for physicians treating common orthopedic conditions.

Dr Skinner has recently been included among "The Best Doctors in America" for the third straight time. (2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2007-2008). This award, which differs from other similar awards, is based on nominations from other physicians across America and includes only 50,000 doctors in all specialties, worldwide. He was also noted to be a "Physician of Excellence" in 2006 by the Orange County Medical Association as seen in "Orange Coast" Magazine.

Dr. Skinner is a co-founder Bone-Rad Therapeutics, which is working on the development of radioactive bone cement. Dr. Skinner has had experience with two start-ups, Norian (manufacturer of an injectable bone substitute that was eventually sold to Synthes, Inc.) and Kyphon (now a multi-billion-dollar corporation marketing supplies for kyphoplasty). He has served as a panel member for the FDA, evaluating various orthopaedic devices. Dr. Skinner has consulted with all the major orthopedic companies and several pharmaceutical companies at one time or another. He will bring his knowledge of the orthopaedic market, orthopaedic surgery, materials science, and regulatory issues to this forum.