Here are 12 things for spinal surgeons to know for September 3, 2015.
Trends in the global spinal fusion market
A new report from MedGadget examines key trends in the global spinal fusion market over the next six years. Interbody cages made of bioabsorbable or resorbable materials are becoming more popular; bioabsorbable materials aren't suffering from MRI imaging; minimally invasive procedures are increasing; sedentary lifestyles, more road accidents, irregular exercise and an again population all contribute to the growing spinal fusion market.
Stryker completes Muka Metal acquisition
Stryker completed the acquisition of Muka Metal, a Turkey-based company that sells hospital beds. The transaction was all-cash and is expected to be neutral on the company's earnings per share excluding acquisition, integration-related and intangible amortization charges for this year. The acquisition will expand Stryker's global presence in key markets with Muka's product portfolio to complement current offerings.
Amedica releases lumbar interbody spinal fusion device
Amedica released the silicon nitride lateral lumbar interbody fusion device, Valeo II LL interbody fusion device. The Valeo LL is made of a micro composite silicon nitride biomaterial designed for bone growth and osteointegration. The device also contains anti-infective properties and is semi-radiolucent. It is indicated for intervertebral body fusion for skeletally mature patients and designed for use with autograft to facilitate fusion.
Titan Spine signs distribution agreement for Europe
Titan Spine entered into a distribution agreement with MBA, an international device making and distribution organization focusing on orthopedic and neurosurgery treatments, for the Endoskeleton titanium implants line. Under the new agreement, the Endoskeleton titanium implants will be available in six countries across Europe: Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Luxembourg, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Greatbatch to acquire Lake Region Medical for $730M in cash & stock
Greatbatch is buying Lake Region Medical for approximately $730 million in cash and stock, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Greatbatch will pay $478 million in cash and 5.1 million in shares, and the deal is valued at $1.73 billion, including the assumption of debt. Lake Region Medical develops cardio and vascular products as well as advances surgical products, which includes spine and joint reconstruction devices.
US spinal fusion cost variation
Researchers examined the geographic variation in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as well as posterolateral fusion costs in a new Spine study. They used Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment data to investigate costs for ACDF, PLF and total knee arthroplasty. Differences existed in total costs for all three procedures across geographic regions, with the Midwest presenting the lowest costs for all procedures. Surgical costs correlated with the cost of living but weren't associated with the state's population.
NuVasive to launch integrated global alignment platform for select international markets
NuVasive is introducing its Integrated Global Alignment platform to some international markets at EUROSPINE 2015. The technology is a digital platform of products that help surgeons with precise spinal column alignment. The platform helps surgeons calculate alignment parameters with NuvaMap and Nuvaline, and helps surgeons correct the anterior and posterior columns with comprehensive implant solutions using real-time intraoperative assessment via NuvaMap O.R.
Scoliosis Research Society turns 50
The Scoliosis Research Society is celebrating its golden anniversary — 50 years of focusing on spinal deformities and education. Thirty-five members founded the Scoliosis Research Society in 1966 and now the organization has grown to 1,200 members worldwide. Since 1998, the organization has awarded more than 100 grants totaling more than $3.5 million.
Cheaper surgical option for osteoporosis patients
Researchers at Baylor Research Institute in Dallas found that the lesser expensive vertebroplasty is just as effective as the more common kyphoplasty for osteoporosis patients. Kyphoplasty uses a small inflatable balloon to repair vertebral compression fractures, while vertebroplasty uses bone cement. The researchers noticed improvements in pain and disability in both sets of groups, within three days post-surgery. Researchers concluded the lesser-used and less-expensive vertebroplasty procedure is just as effective as kyphoplasty.
2 new board members for SI-BONE
SI-BONE appointed Karen Licitra and Keith Valentine to its board. Ms. Licitra was most recently corporate vice president at Johnson & Johnson where she led worldwide government affairs and policy. Mr. Valentine is the president and CEO of SeaSpine, a spin-off of Integra LifeSciences' spine company. He previously served as the president and COO of NuVasive.
Alan Kozlowski named to OrthoPedatrics' board
Alan Kozlowski is a new board member of OrthoPediatrics, a global provider of orthopedic surgical systems for pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Mr. Kozlowski most recently served as president of the Colson Group of Medical Companies. He earned his MBA at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Providence Medical reaches $12M in new financing for DTRAX products
Providence Medical Technology, a cervical spine technology provider in Lafayette, Calif., reached $12 million in new financing. The proceeds will push forth the company's DTRAX cervical fusion products, which aid patients with cervical degenerative disc disease. Providence also named Jason Hoffman to vice president of global sales.
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