Stryker's multibillion-dollar acquisition, Nexus Spine's newest leadership hires and six more updates from spine and orthopedic device companies in the last week:
1. Stryker signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vocera Communications for $3.1 billion.
2. Nexus Spine appointed a vice president of quality engineering and manufacturing and vice president of marketing.
3. SpineGuard and WishBone Medical signed a distribution agreement to broaden technology for surgeons performing spine surgery on pediatric patients.
4. VySpine was given FDA 510(k) clearance for its posterior cervical thoracic system.
5. Medtronic on Jan. 6 issued a Class I recall of the company's Synergy Cranial and StealthStation S7 Cranial software.
6. The Quantum Titanium Cervical Plate, developed by Nvision Biomedical Technologies and Watershed Idea Foundry, was cleared by the FDA and launched.
7. Catalyst OrthoScience, which focuses on upper extremity orthopedic devices, named Carl O'Connell president and CEO.
8. Medical device company Hand Biomechanics Lab launched a blade assembly device for use in endoscopic carpal tunnel release.