Chunli Medical

Chunli Medical ranks among China’s leading orthopedic implant manufacturers, having built broad product lines spanning hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow joint prostheses alongside spinal fixation systems. Founded in 1998 and dual-listed on both the Shanghai STAR Market (688236.SH) and Hong Kong Stock Exchange (01858.HK), the company has recently expanded into handheld surgical robotics with its Yangtze INS navigation platform.

Company Overview

Headquartered in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, Chunli Medical has grown from a domestic orthopedic implant producer into an internationally recognized manufacturer exporting to over 50 countries. The company achieved recognition as a National Manufacturing Single Champion Enterprise for artificial joint prostheses in 2024, awarded by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The company’s core competency lies in joint prosthesis manufacturing, particularly ceramic-on-ceramic articulation systems. Chunli Medical was the first Chinese company to receive NMPA approval for BIOLOX delta fourth-generation ceramic joint products, including both full-ceramic and semi-ceramic configurations. This NMPA clearance gave Chinese hospitals a domestic option in a category that had been served largely by imported products.

Core Products

Orthopedic Implants

Chunli Medical maintains one of China’s most complete orthopedic implant portfolios:

Joint Prostheses: Standard and customized prostheses for hip, knee, shoulder, elbow joints, plus small joint products for fingers and toes. The company holds 46 medical device registration certificates covering these product lines.

Spinal Products: Complete cervical and lumbar fixation systems including pedicle screws, interbody fusion cages, and posterior fixation devices.

Sports Medicine: Suture anchors, interference screws, suspensory fixation devices, and surgical sutures for ligament reconstruction.

Yangtze INS Surgical Robot System

In 2024, Chunli Medical received NMPA approval for two handheld orthopedic surgical navigation systems:

Knee Joint Replacement Navigation System: Guides surgeons through precise bone resection during total knee arthroplasty using handheld navigation tools rather than robotic arms.

Hip Joint Replacement Navigation System: Recognized as the world’s first approved self-sensing handheld orthopedic surgical robot for total hip arthroplasty procedures.

Unlike conventional surgical robots that employ robotic arms, the Yangtze INS platform uses handheld navigation instruments that preserve the surgeon’s direct control while providing computerized guidance for accurate bone cuts.

Technology & Innovation

For joint replacement surgery, Chunli Medical’s Yangtze INS uses handheld navigation tools and self-sensing technology to guide bone resection while preserving direct surgeon control.

Chunli Medical’s approach to surgical robotics differs fundamentally from competitors. Rather than replacing surgeon movements with robotic arms, the Yangtze INS system augments human capabilities through:

• Handheld Navigation Tools: Instruments that guide cutting paths while maintaining surgeon control
• Self-Sensing Technology: Real-time feedback systems that monitor instrument position and orientation
• Flexible Operation: Equipment that adapts to various surgical environments and techniques

The company holds 179 domestic patents, including 20 invention patents. Research and development investment reached RMB 133 million in 2024, representing 16.52% of revenue.

Market Presence

Chunli Medical’s products serve healthcare facilities across China and more than 50 countries internationally. The company’s overseas revenue grew 78.31% in 2024, offsetting domestic challenges from volume-based procurement policies that significantly reduced implant prices.

The company participates in major international orthopedic conferences including events in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to expand global partnerships. Domestic distribution covers all provinces through a combination of dealer networks, direct sales, and distribution partnerships.

Key Milestones

• 1998: Company established in Beijing
• 2015: Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing (01858.HK)
• 2015: First Chinese company to receive NMPA approval for BIOLOX delta fourth-generation ceramic joints
• 2020: Initiated development of Yangtze INS handheld surgical robot platform
• 2021: Shanghai STAR Market listing (688236.SH)
• 2024: NMPA approval for knee joint replacement navigation system
• 2024: NMPA approval for hip joint replacement navigation system (world’s first self-sensing handheld orthopedic robot)
• 2024: Recognized as National Manufacturing Single Champion Enterprise for joint prostheses

Frequently Asked Questions

What surgical robots does Chunli Medical manufacture?

Chunli Medical produces the Yangtze INS series of handheld surgical navigation systems for joint replacement surgery. Unlike traditional robotic arms, these systems use handheld instruments with computerized guidance to assist surgeons during knee and hip arthroplasty procedures. Both products received NMPA approval in 2024.

Is Chunli Medical publicly traded?

Yes, Chunli Medical is dual-listed on Chinese exchanges. The company trades on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market under code 688236.SH and on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under code 01858.HK. The Hong Kong listing occurred in 2015, followed by the Shanghai listing in 2021.

What makes the Yangtze INS different from other orthopedic robots?

The Yangtze INS adopts a handheld navigation approach rather than robotic arm technology. This design maintains surgeon control over instruments while providing computerized guidance for precise bone resection. The hip joint system is recognized as the world’s first approved self-sensing handheld orthopedic surgical robot.