Advancing Orthopedic Innovation

Innovations in Orthopaedics | Spring 2025

Six pioneering technologies emerge from University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center initiative

The University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center recently announced the first partnerships to emerge from its inaugural investments, driving the future of sports medicine and spotlighting next-generation innovations that enhance performance, prevent injuries and promote faster recovery.

“These advancements range from biomedical sensors to surgical equipment and beyond, reimagining care for our athletes and supporting our expert providers with new tools and technologies,” says James Voos, MD, the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at University Hospitals and Executive Director of the UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center. “As we reflect on the accomplishments of our first year, we look forward to a future of continued collaboration with our partners as we develop and test new products—both here in our living lab and out on the field.”

Made possible by a transformational $20 million gift from Dee and Jimmy Haslam, the center identifies and invests in the world’s best sports medicine innovations to accelerate athletic safety and performance and inspire exercise and healthy lifestyles.

Inaugural partners include:

• CollaMedix, Inc. is a Northeast Ohio-based biotech startup developing CollaFabric, a novel collagen material with multiple soft tissue support and repair applications. The technology shows promise for orthopedic procedures, including rotator cuff repairs and ACL reconstructions. “Their remarkable collagen product is something we can utilize in the operating room to improve healing,” Dr. Voos says.
• KyūrMD develops high-performance apparel engineered for elite medical professionals. In partnership with Kyūr, the University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute is improving the clinical environment with advanced medical apparel designed for comfort in active health care settings. Offering superior craftsmanship and innovative design, Kyūr apparel is scientifically engineered to ensure durability and safety. “Our collaboration with Kyūr offers elevated medical apparel with high-tech fabrics that allow our healthcare providers to perform in the same comfort as our athletes,” Dr. Voos says.
• Lazurite® is the developer of ArthroFree™, a wireless camera system that improves safety, ergonomics and visualization during surgery. The innovative technology eliminates camera cables, reducing the risk of cable-related burns, operating room fires and tripping hazards. University Hospitals was the first medical institution in Ohio to perform surgery using the ArthroFree system. “Lazurite is providing remarkable technology in the operating room that benefits both the surgeon and the patient,” Dr. Voos says.
• Notus Labs offers the world’s most advanced safety and performance monitoring platform. The sports technology company provides real-time health data to coaches and trainers, enabling proactive decision-making to reduce injuries. “This homegrown Cleveland company continues to enhance safety in the training of our athletes to help them perform in a safer environment,” Dr. Voos says. “Our partnership with Notus continues to grow.”
• OsteoCentric® Technologies is the developer of UnifiMI, an advanced implant-to-bone interface designed to preserve the architecture of the bone while providing immediate and sustainable primary stability. “Our partnership with OsteoCentric builds upon their remarkable platform of bone preservation during surgery,” Dr. Voos says.
• T3 Performance is a long-time partner of University Hospitals. T3 Performance offers premier athletic training facilities that expand University Hospital’s living lab and geographic presence. The partnership provides an optimal environment for treating patients and capturing athlete performance data for analysis. “We've worked with the people at T3 Performance for many years and share a common goal of helping our athletes stay healthy and maximize their performance using scientifically proven techniques,” Dr. Voos says.

Advancing the Future of Sports Medicine

The UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center opened in 2023 as a catalyst for advancing sports medicine through strategic industry partnerships. Providers within the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute remain at the forefront of these initiatives. They actively participate in the research and evaluation of emerging biometric and surgical technologies, reinforcing the center’s commitment to integrating physician expertise into its mission to provide world-class care for elite and recreational athletes.

“Our goals are to optimize physical performance, reduce the risk of injury, promote healing and enhance the lives of active individuals throughout our communities,” Dr. Voos says. “We look forward to continued partnership with these elite companies who are helping bring national recognition to sports medicine excellence here in Northeast Ohio.”

For more information, contact Dr. Voos at James.Voos@UHhospitals.org.

Contributing Expert:

James Voos, MD

James Voos, MD
Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Executive Director
University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center
Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Charles H. Herndon Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
Medical Director, Cleveland Ballet