Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Oct. 30, 2014.
Which is more cost-effective? ACDF vs. disc replacement
The researchers examined data from patients who underwent ACDF or cervical disc replacement. For the disc replacement, researchers examined data using the ProDisc-C trial. The costs were significantly higher for ACDF after five years, at $119,814 compared to $102,274 for the cervical disc replacement.
Zimmer net earnings up 7.9% ahead of Biomet acquisition completion
Zimmer reported that third quarter net sales grew 2.9 percent to $1.1 billion and net earnings increased 7.9 percent over the same period last year, reaching $165.5 million. The company updated full-year revenue expectations, in part due to the $70 million in expenses related to the Biomet acquisition.
Orthobiologics device market estimated to reach $5.5 billion by 2019
The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9 percent over the next five years. It was worth $3.7 billion in 2012. Growth in the population 50 years and older will drive market growth, as this patient population is expected to nearly double by 2020.
Minimally invasive SI joint fusion: 5-year data
The five-year clinical and radiographic outcomes for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion with SI-BONE's iFuse system were recently published in The Open Orthopaedics Journal. The clinical improvements reported one year after surgery were maintained or improved at five years after surgery. Patient satisfaction was 82 percent at both one and five years after surgery, according to the study.
K2M's stock shoots up 8.44% ahead of 3Q financial report release
K2M's stock shot up 8.44 percent, placing it among the highest growth stocks on the Russell 2000 for the day on Oct. 28. The gain was $1.19 per share. Around 80,709 shares were traded in 668 trades, compared to the daily average of 105,419 shares.
Oxford Performance Materials, Yale University partner for 3D printing
The two organizations have entered into a joint research program to develop 3D printed biomedical technologies and applications. The joint research program will consist of 10 distinct projects, featuring seven Yale faculty members, and will explore a range of biomedical applications for 3D printing and PEKK — poly-ether-ketone-ketone, a high performance polymer.
Integra LifeSciences completes acquisition of 2 companies outside of spine, orthopedics
Integra LifeSciences completed its acquisition of MicroFrance and Xomed manual ear, nose and throat and laparoscopy instrumentation lines from Medtronic. The company expects to provide details on the financial impact of the acquisition on the third quarter financial report.
Coors establishes orthopedic implant company
CoorsTek Medical, a part of the Coors business portfolio launched as a company earlier this month. The new company will focus on designing and developing orthopedic implants and instruments. The company is privately held and includes more than 400 employees.
More articles on spine:
Spinal fusion economic analysis: Biologic substitutes vs. extenders — Which are cost-effective?
10 spine, neurosurgeons in the headlines this week
Dr. Robert Ayer joins Gwinnett Medical Group