Spinal Tech

Aspen Valley Hospital has acquired the MAKOplasty robotic system for partial knee and hip replacements, according to a report from the Aspen Times.

A team of European researchers have postulated that wood may make a more suitable bone replacement material than previously used technologies, such as metal, plastic and ceramic, according to Med Gadget.

Hand surgeon Mark R. Paiste, DO, has joined the staff of Shore Orthopaedic University Associate Physicians in Somers Point, N.J., according to a report in the Cape May County Herald.

Medical device maker Wright Medical Group has agreed to buy BioMimetic Therapeutics for $380 million and has reached a financial agreement with Sam Lynch, MD, BioMimetic CEO, according to the Nashville Business Journal.

Device company Ohio Third Frontier has invested $3 million in a partnership between Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and University Hospital Case Medical Center, according to News and Research Outcomes Magazine.

The first patient has been treated with PCM Cervical Disc surgery from NuVasive, a minimally invasive spine device company.

Nine spine and orthopedic devices were launched or cleared by the FDA in December.

Boston Scientific launched the Precision Spectra Spinal Cord Stimulator on the European market to provide spine pain relief.

Device company Surgical Innovations has appointed John Griffith and Jake Timothy as clinical advisory board members, according to the Yorkshire Post.

David Scott, MD, is in the first year of his two year study of a hip replacement device, which is designed to preserve more femur bone and reduce the risk for osteoporosis, according to Spokane Journal.