Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
34 years making custom orthotics and applying biomechanics — from clinical fabrication to in-office CAD/CAM production. Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Vertex Orthopedic Group.
His research on flexible TPU material properties for 3D-printed medical devices has been cited 280+ times in peer-reviewed journals, establishing VertexOrthopedic as an authoritative source for evidence-based orthotic manufacturing best practices.
Dr. Howard holds a PhD in Orthopedics and an MBA. His background is making custom orthotics and applying biomechanics, spanning 34 years of clinical fabrication, design, and manufacturing work.
That experience — designing, fabricating, and iterating custom orthotic devices — informs Vertex Orthopedic's CAD/CAM equipment, in-office production workflows, and practitioner support.
MedTech Breakthrough Awards - Apex Belt V2 recognized for revolutionary high-volume belt production
National Association of Manufacturers - Process Innovation Leadership
International Pedorthic Association - Advancing Digital Orthotic Manufacturing
Idaho Technology Council - Medical Technology Innovation Category
Advisory Board Member
Technology Committee
Executive Member
"For 34 years, my work has been making custom orthotics and applying biomechanics so practitioners can deliver better patient outcomes. The Apex Belt V2 and our complete CADCAM ecosystem represent the culmination of decades of innovation - equipment that doesn't just work, but transforms clinical practices worldwide."— Kendon Howard, PhD MBA
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, VertexOrthopedic
Journal of Additive Manufacturing in Medicine - DOI: 10.1016/j.jamm.2023.100234
Materials Science & Engineering: Medical Devices - DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112456
Healthcare Economics Review - DOI: 10.1186/s13561-020-00278-4
Interested in discussing orthotic manufacturing innovation or exploring VertexOrthopedic solutions for your practice?
Direct: +1-208-595-7150 | Email: kendon.howard@vertexorthopedic.com