Gainesville, Fla.-based Exactech received FDA clearance for the Gibralt Occipital Spine System, which features occipital plates and 360 degree articulating rods.

Miamisburg, Ohio-based X-Spine received FDA clearance for its Zygafix Facet Fusion System for fusion and stabilization of the facet joint.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons has announced its new officer appointments. William Couldwell, MD, PhD, FAANS, has been named the AANS president. Robert Harbaugh, MD, FAANS, FACS, is president-elect, Gary Bloomgarden, MD, FAANS, FACS, is vice-president,  Alex Valadka, MD, FAANS, FACS, is treasurer and Frederick Boop, MD, FAANS, FACS, is secretary.

Robert Watkins, MD, of Marina Spine Center in Marina del Rey, Calif., performed a successful microscopic lumbar discectomy on Chivas USA goalkeeper Tim Melia.

San Diego, Calif.-based NuVasive has acquired ANC, a spine implant manufacturer based in Dayton, Ohio.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons has announced Frederick Boop, MD, FAANS, FACS, as its secretary.

South Sound Neurosurgery has announced that it will now be named NeoSpine.

On May 2, Robert Watkins, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and co-director Marina Spine Clinic in Marina del Rey, Calif., performed a successful microscopic lumbar discectomy on Chivas USA goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Medtronic announced it plans to eliminate 230 jobs from its Memphis, Tenn.-based spine division, according to a Pioneer Press report.

Raritan Bay Medical Center, located in Old Bridge and Perth Amboy, N.J., has joined the Capital Institute for Neurosciences Network, according to a Newsday report.