The coronavirus outbreak that has been traced back to Wuhan, China, is affecting providers and device companies in spine and orthopedics.
Four updates:
1. Dr. Liu Zhiming, a neurosurgeon and director of Wuhan Wuchang Hospital in China, died Feb. 18 from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
2. In early February, Medtronic and its foundation pledged to donate about $1.2 million in cash and products to international coronavirus relief efforts.
3. An increase in demand stemming from the coronavirus outbreak could force hospitals to bolster staff with costly contracted workers and cancel profitable procedures such as orthopedic surgeries, according to a report by Moody's Investors Service.
4. Several clinical trials in China have been put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, including a treatment for a type of spondyloarthritis.
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