Well known industry insider, Tom “Tiger” Buford is the new Vice President, Global Research & Development for Memphis-based Active Implants Corporation.
"Tiger" Joins Active Implants
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“Tiger is a proven leader with a 25-year record of successfully commercializing orthopedic technology and products, ” stated Michael R. Mainelli, President & CEO of Active Implants. ”We are excited about his exceptional background, drive, and character and are delighted to have him on our team.”
According to an April 26 company announcement Buford has brought over 50 orthopedic devices to the marketplace while working for the world’s leading orthopedic companies.
His career started at Smith & Nephew as a product development engineer. He progressed through a series of increasing responsibilities with Sulzer Orthopedics, Wright Medical Technologies, and most recently as Vice President Research & Development with NovaLign Orthopaedics. He was that company’s third employee. He received a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Memphis.
Buford holds two patents for knee prosthetics: System of inserts for the tibial component of a knee prosthesis—U.S. Patent # 5, 047, 058 and Prosthetic knee with posterior stabilized femoral component—U.S. Patent # 5, 405, 398.
Many readers may also be familiar with Tiger’s blog at www.orthostreams.com. We note Tiger is also a master social networker with over 500 connections on his LinkedIn page.
Headquartered in Memphis, with research facilities in Netanya, Israel, Active Implants is developing cushion-bearing technology for the orthopedic industry. The company’s first product, the TriboFit Hip System is a Class III approved CE mark device sold throughout Europe. The company’s second product, the NUSurface Meniscus Implant is designed to treat meniscal deficiency, has also received CE mark and is in early studies in Europe.
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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