Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Nov. 3, 2016.
NASS names Dr. F. Todd Wetzel president
North American Spine Society named F. Todd Wetzel, MD, president at their annual meeting in Boston. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, Dr. Wetzel has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications with a research interest in disc biomechanics, influence of activating factors on degeneration, ethics and conflict of interest in medical decision-making.
Zimmer Biomet Q3 net sales up 4%, but lowers growth projections — shares drop 13%
Amid a year of acquisitions, Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet lowered the high end of its forecasted profits and cut its sales guidance, wreaking havoc on the company's share price on Oct. 31. The company reported net sales at $183 billion, a 4 percent increase over the same period last year, and net earnings jumped 612.5 percent to $158.8 million. The company is having trouble with supply chain integration since the $13.35 billion merger of Zimmer and Biomet last year.
US surgical navigation, robotics market to hit $5B by 2023; Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical lead space
The U.S. surgical navigation and robotics systems market is anticipated to hit $5 billion by 2023, according to an iData Research report. Higher selling prices of surgical robotic systems will spur market growth. Navigation systems with spinal applications account for the largest market share, at 40 percent. Medtronic leads the U.S. surgical navigation system space and Intuitive Surgical leads the U.S. surgical robotics market.
Study of Stryker's 3D-printed Tritanium PL Cages yields positive results
Stryker's spine division revealed results from a pre-clinical study for its 3D-printed Tritanium PL Interbody Cages. The study found the Tritanium PL cages demonstrated reductions in segmental motion. Additionally, the cages exhibited increases in construct stiffness on all three loading directions between the eight- and 16-week post-implant time points.
46% of Medicare Advantage listings include wrong information
A new investigation from CMS shows nearly half of the physicians listed in the Medicare Advantage directory include inaccurate information, according to an American Journal of Managed Care report. The most common error with the data involved inaccurate location for available providers in multi-site practices. Nearly 46 percent of physician listings included at least one piece of wrong information.
DePuy Synthes unveils Zero-Profile Plate for spinal fusions
DePuy Synthes' spine division recently launched its ZERO-P NATURAL plate that supports bone growth and stability during spinal fusion procedures in the neck. The company designed the device for use with the CC Natural spacer, an allograft spacer that offers structural support and fusion potential. Four locking screws anchor the ZERO-P NATURAL Plate.
5 states left with 1 marketplace insurer moving forward into 2017
Many states will be left with less payers offering coverage on the federal exchange next year, with the following five states only having one payer offering coverage, based on ASPE Research Brief data. Alaska, Alabama, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming will all have one marketplace insurer in 2017.
Male RNs earn $83k in 2015, compared to female RNs' $78k
The Medscape RN/LPN Salary Report 2016 included responses from 10,026 nurses who are either registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or advanced practice registered nurses. In 2015, RNs earned an average full-time salary of $78,000, down from $79,000 in 2014. Male RNs noted average full-time earnings of $83,000, compared to $78,000 for female RNs.