Exactech, a developer and producer of innovative implants, instrumentation and smart technologies for joint replacement surgery, announced the acquisition of Muvr Labs Inc, a pioneer in intelligent patient wearables and digital communication tools. The latest addition to Exactech’s Active Intelligence platform of technologies, the Muvr portfolio is designed to help surgeons engage with their joint replacement patients throughout the journey of care.

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“We are incredibly excited to join efforts with the team at Muvr to transform the relationship between patients and surgeons through this comprehensive care management platform,” said Darin Johnson, Exactech Chief Executive Officer. “This acquisition demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering personalized, data-driven solutions to improve patient outcomes.”

The Muvr platform includes patient wearables, mobile device applications and chatbot texting, which allow surgeons to remotely monitor patient recovery. The wearable device continuously provides the healthcare team with real-time data on each patient’s experience and recovery. Wireless sensors worn by the patient measure the individual’s range of motion, not simply steps taken. The patent-protected, self-calibrating design allows the patient to manage the wearable independently without additional in-person office visits and requires minimal intervention by the healthcare team, reports BusinessWire.

Muvr’s corresponding tablet application provides surgeons a dashboard to easily identify at-risk patients and connect remotely for follow-up. The surgeon/patient chatbot is a customizable software application that automatically conducts text conversations to provide patient reminders and respond to patients’ most common questions. The Muvr technology is designed to reduce the surgical team’s workload while collecting pain scores, exercise adherence, mobility metrics and survey information.

Orthopedic surgeon Alexander Sah, MD, in Fremont, Calif. has seen the positive impact of Muvr technology on his practice. “Patients are attracted to the technology because they know our team is monitoring their progress; remarkably, this has caused my patients to take more ownership of their recovery,” he said. “We have already observed an increase in exercise time, patient satisfaction and a reduction in office calls. It’s also very simple to use because it doesn’t require in-office calibration, which allows patients to use the sensors, at home, unsupervised.

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Pilot launch of the Muvr technology is slated for early 2021 with a full release by year-end. The company plans to further develop the technology to support shoulder and ankle replacement surgery.