Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for March 17, 2016.
Amendia introduces new spinal system
Marietta, Ga.-based Amendia launched its new corpectomy device, inCORPorate. The system is intended to restore the biomechanical integrity of the anterior, middle and posterior column. The implant is composed of PEEK, and is designed to replace a diseased vertebral body. It allows anterior decompression of the spinal cord and neural tissues.
Spine implant costs vary at US academic medical centers
Researchers found implant costs at academic medical centers varied from center-to-center and manufacturer-to-manufacturer for pedicle screws, anterior cervical plates and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The variation was similar to the difference in joint replacement implant price. There was a negative relationship between purchasing volume and cost.
Satisfied patients more likely to pay medical bills in full
Recent evidence shows a strong correlation between patient satisfaction and paying medical bills. Among respondents, 35 percent gave billing processes a top score of five on a scale of one to five, and 51 percent rated the billing processes a three or less. Among respondents giving billing processes a top score, 74 percent paid their bills in full.
Alphatec Spine 2015 revenue drops 10.5%; Net loss hits $178.7M
Fourth quarter revenue hit $47 million, down 12.4 percent when compared to the same period last year. Net revenue in the United States reached $29.5 million in the fourth quarter, down from $35.7 million in the same period last year.
Implanet, TFS partner for adult deformity clinical trial
Implanet began a prospective and multicenter clinical study to document outcomes with the JAZZ Band in patients with adult degenerative and deformity conditions. The JAZZ implant treats spinal pathologies with vertebral fusion surgery and has the FDA clearance. The first scoliosis surgery performed with the JAZZ implant in Brazil occurred earlier this year, after the implant received regulatory approval in the country.
CDC issues 2016 recommendations for prescribing opioids
Per the recommendations, opioids like OxyCotin and Percocet should not be the first line of defense to treat chronic pain. When prescribing opioids, providers should prescribe immediate-release opioids, as opposed to extended-released. The recommendations state in acute pain cases, a three day to seven day course of opioid drug therapy should suffice to combat pain the patient may be experiencing.
Mayo Clinic researchers develop expandable polymer grafts
Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic researchers developed biodegradable polymer grafts that adjust to specific damaged vertebrae. The grafts take on a spongy material that grows to the proper size and shape of damaged vertebrae to fix spinal columns.
Medtech sells 1st ROSA Spine in US
Montpelier, France-based Medtech completed its first U.S. sale of the ROSE Spine robotic surgery system with Dayton, Ohio-based Miami Valley Hospital. The FDA cleared ROSA Spine in January 2016.