Acquisitions, distributorships and major recalls captured the attention of Becker's Spine Review readers in 2016.
The following are among the most popular spine and orthopedic device and implant stories this year:
1. Has Xenco Medical ushered in the future of spine surgery?
When UCSF released its finding that Xenco Medical’s disposable, plastic surgical instrument outperformed a metal counterpart in a comparative strength study last October, the news spread quickly in the spinal device industry.
Healthcare themes in 2015 included consolidation, continuum of care integration and diversification; the year was no different for orthopedic device companies.
3. Are Stryker's hip implants about to be recalled?
After the Australian government issued a warning about Stryker's LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 femoral heads, physician/lawyer Shezad Malik believes a recall could be "imminent."
4. PODs under attack again — 5 key notes from the Senate Finance Committee's report
The Senate Finance Committee released a new report on physician-owned distributorships, focusing on spine surgeons.
5. Is the Johnson & Johnson job cut an ominous sign for the medical device industry? 5 key thoughts
Johnson & Johnson plans to cut around 3,000 jobs over the next two years as the company restructures its medical device business. Does this hint at disaster for the industry?
6. Smith & Nephew acquires Blue Belt Technologies — Will Stryker make its move soon? 5 key notes
Smith & Nephew has completed the acquisition of Blue Belt Holdings, also known as Blue Belt Technologies.
7. Zimmer Biomet to acquire LDR in $1B transaction — 9 things to know
Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet will acquire Austin, Texas-based LDR Holding for $1 billion.
8. Beyond the implant — DePuy Synthes pushes innovation inside & out of the OR
DePuy Synthes, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices companies, continues to push the boundaries of business with innovation that goes beyond device development.
Here are key notes on some of the leading companies in the spine device market space — where they are today and where they're headed.
10. Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, J&J & more: 26 key notes — AAOS edition
Twenty-six key notes on orthopedic and spine device companies from early March 2016.