About
Arthrolense is a medical technology company focused on developing advanced imaging and diagnostic solutions for joint health.
The Challenge
Two surgeons envisioned a better alternative to outdated surgical tools but lacked the expertise to build it.
Dr. Russell Nevins and Dr. David Backstein, both high-volume knee replacement surgeons, were frustrated by the limitations of traditional metal jigs: expensive, cumbersome, and prone to human error. With nearly 1 million US procedures annually—set to grow to 3.5 million by 2030—the need for innovation was clear. Inspired by holographic displays, the pair conceived a way to overlay digital imagery onto real-world anatomy, providing unprecedented accuracy in joint replacement. But while they had decades of surgical expertise, they lacked the technical resources to transform their idea into a viable product. After costly freelance options fell short, they turned to Toptal for the expertise and structure to bring their vision to life.
The Solution
Toptal assembled expert developers, designers, and project managers to build Arthrolense’s holographic guidance system.
Through Toptal, the founders gained access to a fully managed team of specialists, including a C++ engineer, a UX/UI designer, and a dedicated project manager. The team worked closely with the surgeons to translate their vision into a HIPAA-compliant system built for Microsoft HoloLens. Regular discovery and showcase cycles ensured rapid progress and clear alignment with surgical requirements. Developers achieved precision in spatial mapping, while designers created a 360-degree interface for both the headset and companion mobile apps. The team also navigated complex regulatory requirements, laying the groundwork for FDA approval. With talent sourced globally and integrated seamlessly, the project advanced faster and more effectively than the founders had anticipated.
The Outcome
The Arthrolense system delivered unprecedented accuracy at a fraction of the cost of robotic surgery.
The new device enabled surgeons to visualize and manipulate joint data in real time before making irreversible cuts, achieving accuracy thresholds under one millimeter. It eliminated the need for costly jigs, reducing overall surgery costs by 75% and streamlining preparation, sterilization, and logistics. Compared to robotic navigation systems priced up to $1M, Arthrolense offered hospitals and surgical centers a more affordable, compact alternative. The founders believed the technology could extend well beyond knee replacements to transform other orthopedic and surgical procedures worldwide.