Technavio identified three emerging trends expected to affect the global spinal implants market through 2020.
Here are three trends:
1. Physician-owned spinal implant distributorships: Under this model, physicians may endorse, distribute and sell implants as well as recommend certain implants to patients. This business model represents one in five spinal fusion surgeries billed to Medicare.
The majority of hospitals purchase spinal implants from physician-owned distributors, so vendors are working with physicians to enhance product sales.
2. Increased spinal non-fusion procedures: More surgeons are favoring non-fusion procedures over spinal fusions, as these procedures better preserve spine mobility and stability. In response to this trend, vendors are focusing on devices for artificial disc replacement, dynamic stabilization and interspinous process decompression.
3. Contract manufacturing: Contract manufacturers focus on spinal implant manufacturing and timely device delivery, relieving pressure on original equipment manufacturers. These manufacturers utilize technologies like PEEK spacers to develop spinal implants for 3D printing.
Contract manufacturers have multiple clients with similar product types. They receive bulk orders and purchase a great volume of materials from suppliers at subsidized costs.