Sports medicine physicians and surgeons play a critical role in the advancement of the field and delivery of care, according to a new article published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Robert LaPrade, MD, a knee surgeon at The Steadman Clinic and chief medical research officer for the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colo., hosted and co-chaired the Biologic Treatments for Sports Injuries Symposium in early March.

Here are seven spine surgeon responses to the question: Where should spine surgeons focus their research efforts in the future?

Here are 10 spine surgeons and specialists who have a focus on research and development in spinal biologics.

Medtronic reported third quarter revenue of $3.9 billion, a 2 percent increase over the same period last year, according to a company news release.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has added a new annual meeting symposium titled "Should I Use Platelet-Rich Plasma for My Patients in the Office and Operating Room?," according to an organization report.

Pioneer Surgical Technology has announced the first clinical use of its nanOss Bioactive 3D, which is part of its biologic bone graft product line nanOss Bioactive, according to a company news release.

Houston-based Essex Woodlands, a global healthcare growth equity and venture capital firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with Smith & Nephew to fund a spinout of its biologics and clinical therapies division, according to a company news release.

Spine surgeons are faced with several roadblocks to providing care in today's healthcare environment. Frank Phillips, MD, a spine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago, says research and innovation could lift some of these roadblocks, but clinical application of the most cutting-edge treatment is challenging. He discusses the importance of research for spine surgeons, difficulties associated with conducting that research and five prominent areas where surgeons are working to improve spine care.

In a new study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers show that platelet-rich plasma injections for treating chronic lateral elbow epicondylitis can significantly reduce pain at the six-week follow-up when compared with autologous whole blood injections, according to a Pain Medicine News report.