Engineering Students Participate in Novel Collaboration with Orthopedic Startup

Grace College engineering students have been working with Lifejoint Orthopedic Solutions, a small start-up based out of Baltimore, Maryland, to create a new finger joint prosthetic implant design. Lifejoint has relied on the students to test and refine the device as the company prepared for its pitch with Plug and Play Indiana. Plug and Play Indiana, an innovative accelerator platform, is part of a statewide initiative to keep Warsaw the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

“Dr. Fred Wentorf and the Grace engineering students have been fantastic for helping us move the product development along as we work to change the standard of care for advanced hand arthritis,” said Marcia Hart, co-founder and CEO of Life Joint Orthopedic Solutions. “Start-ups come with a steep learning curve and require a lot of work. You need resources and interest from the industry — and Warsaw is the place for orthopedics.”

An architect by trade, Hart got involved in the orthopedic industry after a table saw accident in 2020. When she inquired about an implant, she discovered the market lacked good options; the market-leading device was invented in 1962.

“My surgeon, Dr. Ryan Katz from the Curtis National Hand Center, is one of the best in the world and was equally frustrated with the limitations of the current devices,” said Hart.

The two partnered in 2022 to found LifeJoint. As they developed new technology with a rolling contact mechanism, they worked with several accelerator programs and began adding to their team. Mary Wentorf was brought on as the chief technology officer, and her husband, the Grace College Chair of the Department of  Engineering, Dr. Fred Wentorf, was named the research director. Hart eagerly accepted help from Fred’s engineering students at Grace to test and refine the device.

Andrew Daeger is one such student. A Warsaw native, Daeger hopes to work in the orthopedic industry after graduation.

“I was born in Warsaw and plan to be here for the rest of my life,” said Daeger. “The orthopedic industry is one of the most exciting things happening in our area, and I want to be a part of it.”

Daeger was particularly excited about applying his engineering skills to solve a real-world orthopedic problem. His research for the project focused on creating an artificial implant that could reproduce the finger’s natural motion.

“The silicone device surgeons are using now has flaws,” said Daeger. “So, it’s cool to use my creativity and engineering skills to develop a unique design with real-world impact. I know this experience gives me a great foundation to build upon as I pursue a career in orthopedics.”

Dametrius Hall, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Anderson, Indiana, also began working on the Lifejoint project last summer.

“I really enjoy the development side of things,” said Hall. “I love seeing the design change and actively working on testing a new product that will impact people every single day and make a tangible difference in the world.”

Wentorf says his goal is to give students as many experiential learning projects as possible.

“It is a blessing to brainstorm with Andrew and Dametrius in this project and to watch them grow in confidence as engineers,” said Wentorf. “Our program is built upon experiences like this for students that help them develop their skills, impact others and help our community remain a hub for innovation as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.”

Other industry leaders agree that the innovation and collaboration resulting from Plug and Play is one strategic way the community can achieve this. Headquartered in Warsaw, Plug and Play Indiana is sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, Orthopediatrics, Paragon Medical, and several other local businesses.

The Indiana State Government, the Office of Economic Development and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation are also supporting Plug and Play, which has proven a viable pathway to provide jobs, produce tax revenue and build the economy in Indiana.

“I am incredibly proud of my alma mater, Grace College, and its commitment to fostering innovation and hands-on learning,” said Indiana State Representative Craig Snow. “It’s inspiring to see Grace’s engineering students engaging with Lifejoint Orthopedic Solutions, contributing their skills and creativity to a groundbreaking initiative. Their involvement in Plug and Play Indiana not only showcases their talent but also highlights the college’s dedication to equipping students with real-world experiences that drive progress in our state. I look forward to seeing the impact they will make in engineering and beyond.”