Where Surgeons' Ideas
Become Surgical DevicesSurgical Design Innovations is a development, consulting and education partnership.
THE SDI DIFFERENCE
Surgeons Advancing Surgical Innovation
SDI brings decades of foot and ankle surgical experience directly into the medical device development process—from identifying unmet clinical needs to evaluating technologies, advancing concepts and educating surgeons.
Surgeon-Led
Experienced surgeons, educators, researchers, and key opinion leaders.
Clinical + Industry
Experience across surgical practice and medical device development.
Idea → OR
Supporting innovation from clinical need through surgical application.
Designed by Surgeons, for Surgeons.
Valuable to Industry.
FOR SURGEONS
Have An Idea?
Some of the best surgical innovations begin with a problem encountered in the operating room.
SDI helps surgeons evaluate promising ideas, develop concepts, and determine the right path forward with an experienced team that understands both surgery and product development.
FOR INDUSTRY
Advancing Your Portfolio?
The SDI team works with industry partners and medical device companies to develop and advance new surgical technologies—from SDI-originated concepts and devices to collaborative product development, clinical evaluation, testing, education, and portfolio strategy.
FROM IDEA TO APPLICATION
From the Sketchpad to the Operating Room
SDI brings surgeon perspective into each stage of the development process—from identifying a clinical need to evaluating, developing, testing, and advancing a surgical solution.
Identify
Clinical Need
Define the surgical problem, unmet need, and potential opportunity.
Evaluate
Concept + Market
Assess clinical relevance, concept viability, and market considerations.
Launch
Mechanical + Cadaveric
Evaluate product performance through testing and hands-on surgical assessment.
Design
Design + Prototype
Advance promising concepts through design, prototyping, and iterative surgeon evaluation.
Advance
Clinical Application
Refine the solution and support progression toward clinical use.
SDI Lecture Series
Free educational programs and clinical insights from leading surgeons advancing surgical care and innovation.
PROVEN INNOVATIONS
Surgical Innovations In Practice
ExoToe™ Hammertoe Fixation
Extramedullary hammertoe fixation designed to preserve the medullary canal and provide stable fixation outside the bone.
Explore the surgical technologies SDI has developed, advanced, and helped bring to clinical practice.
FACILITY RENTAL
A Facility Built for Collaboration
Located minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the newly renovated SDI facility provides a professional setting for surgeon meetings, hands-on education, product evaluation and cadaveric testing.