Device Companies — 7 Key Notes — Stryker, Orthofix & More

Here are seven key notes on major spine and orthopedic device companies. Stryker reported year-end net earnings of just more than $1 billion, down 22.5 percent from 2012's net earnings of $1.3 billion. However, the company's fourth quarter saw earnings jump 43 percent over the same period in 2012 to $386 million. 

Johnson & Johnson announced its fourth quarter and year-end financials, and its medical device and diagnostic sales increased 3.9 percent from 2012; total global 2013 sales totaled $28.5 million, up from 2012's $27.4 million.

DJO Global announced its preliminary fourth quarter and 2013 fiscal year financial results, and the company anticipates sales of $313.6 million, up 7.9 percent from last year's $290.5 million in net sales.

Lewisville, Texas-based Orthofix International named Kathleen Regan as the interim chair of the board to succeed Randy Thurman.

The U.S. Supreme Court reversed a decision by a lower court in the patent infringement case against Medtronic and unanimously decided the patentee bears the burden of persuasion on patent infringement in the case of Medtronic v. Mirowski Family Ventures. 

Leesburg, Va.-based K2M submitted an S-1 draft resignation statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its proposed initial public offering.

Salt Lake City-based Amedica appointed Jeff White to its board of directors.