Hinge Health raises $8 million to help monitor knee and back pain

Digital health startup Hinge Health has raised $8 million in a Series A round led by Atomico.

The startup, which was founded in London but is now based in San Francisco, develops hardware and software for monitoring musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, like knee and lower back pain.

Its wearables analyse a user’s condition and delivers results via a dedicated Hinge tablet device. The company believes the solution is of particular help to people in remote places. Most of the company’s customers for its Digital Care Pathways devices and monitoring routine are in the US.

“Most chronic conditions have clear clinical guidelines underpinned by a solid evidence base. However, these guidelines are often not followed because it is too onerous for the patient and doctor,” said Daniel Perez, CEO of Hinge Health. “Lower back pain and knee arthritis are prime examples, where non-surgical guidelines are not followed. The result is that patients are shunted onto opiates and eventually surgery.”

The company, which previously raised a $1.3 million seed round, will invest the new funds in further product development and expanding the scope of its service to cover hip, shoulder, and neck pain.

Atomico partner Carolina Brochado will be joining the board. The biggest innovations in the coming decade will be in the health space, she said: “We believe this will be driven by tech-enabled solutions that bring consistent high-quality care to even the most remote places, and especially to those who might not have had access to it before.”