Memphis, Tenn.-based Medtronic Spine announced the launch of its MAST ALIGNEDSM procedure for multilevel spinal fusion procedures at the 2013 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans.

Austin, Texas-based Wenzel Spine has launched its newest spine implant, the VariLift-C Stand-Alone Zero-Profile Expandable Cervical Interbody Fusion Device, three months after receiving FDA market clearance.

Shelton, Conn.-based Spine Wave received FDA 510(k) clearance for its StaXx IB System, an intervertebral body fusion device.

St. Petersburg, Fla.-based VG Innovations unveiled its SiJoin Posterior Sacroiliac Joint Fusion system.

Hallett Mathews, MD, MBA, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical officer of New York City-based Paradigm Spine, LLC, a non-fusion spinal implant and device technology manufacturer. Dr. Mathews is also a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and minimally invasive spine surgery pioneer.

SpineCraft has recently moved its office location to Westmont, Ill., and has since been expanding its team. The company has also signed a distribution agreement with Zimmer for the APEX Spine System, which will allow the company access to key U.S., Canadian, New Zealander and Australian markets.

SpineCraft has moved to a new office location in Westmont, Ill., and signed a distribution agreement with Zimmer for the APEX Spine System.

Stryker reported 1.3 percent net sales growth in the first quarter of 2013, but net earnings decreased 13.1 percent when compared with the first quarter of 2012.

Here are seven things for spine surgeons to know for April 25, 2013.

---

SpineFrontier launched less invasive pedicle screw system.
Beverly, Mass.-based SpineFrontier has launched its PedFuse REmind Pedicle Screw System for midline lumbar surgery. The LES pedicle screw is placed through the pars and fixated using a mediolateral trajectory rather than a traditional point lateral to the facets.

Dr. Drew Dossett will operate on Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison's herniated disc.
Drew Dossett, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is scheduled to perform a microdiscectomy on the Texas Ranger Matt Harrison. Dr. Dossett will perform the procedure to address a herniated disc in the pitcher's back.

K2M released VESUVIUS putty osteobiologic product.
Leesburg, Va.-based K2M is expanding its U.S. biologics offerings with its VESUVIUS Osteobiologic Systems product line launch. The VESUVIUS DBM Putty, a material used in osteobiologics solutions for spinal fusions, will join current products such as VESUVIUS Demineralized Fibers and Demineralized Sponge.

Amendia to double its spine device manufacturing facility.
Marietta, Ga.-based Amendia plans to nearly double its spine device manufacturing operations. Amendia manufactures minimally invasive spine and orthopedic implants, and currently has more than 18 products, such as cervical plates and lumbar screws.

Dr. Vincent Wang joined Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center.
Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center in Sugar Land announced it has been joined by Vincent Wang, MD, an expert in complex spinal surgery and neurocritical care.

Holland Hospital nearly completes $10M spine expansion.
Holland (Mich.) Hospital announced its $10 million spine, neurosurgery and orthopedic unit expansion is nearly completed. The hospital has also begun preparing for the addition of a $6.3 million medical office building.

NuVasive opened Tokyo office.
San Diego-based NuVasive has opened a Tokyo office, bringing the company's spine device offerings to the world's second largest spine market. The spine device developer now has eight international offices located in Europe, Australia and Asia and in more than 35 countries.

More Articles on Spine:
6 Trends for Successful Spine Practice Models of the Future
Holland Hospital $10M Spine Expansion Nears Completion
5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Spine Practice Online Video Marketing

San Diego-based NuVasive has opened a Tokyo office, bringing the company's spine device offerings to the world's second largest spine market.