Spinal Tech

Life Spine, a Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based spine device company, has announced a 29 percent increase in revenue for 2011, according to a company news release.

Choice Spine, a Knoxville, Tenn.-based spine device company, has launched its new Starfire Pedicle Screw System, according to a company news release.

Johnson & Johnson reported that litigation associated with the DePuy ASR Hip recall and acquisition of Synthes had a big impact on fourth quarter and full-year 2011 financial reports, according to a Johnson & Johnson news release.

Medtronic received FDA clearance for the Aquamantys SBS 5.0 Sheathed Bipolar Sealer, according to a company news release.

Suspension Orthopaedic Solutions, an Arnold, Md.-based orthopedic device company, has received FDA clearance for two new clavicle fracture products, according to a company news release.

Here are 18 orthopedic device company partnerships and acquisitions over the past six months.

SpineSmith, an Austin, Texas-based spine device company focused on regenerative medicine, recently named Matthew Murphy, PhD, as senior scientist, according to a company news release.

Pioneer Surgical Technology recently opened its newly expanded manufacturing facility in Greenville, N.C., according to a company news release.

Minneapolis-based Zyga Technology has hired Joe Chaudoin and Chris Benton as vice president of sales for the eastern and western regions, respectively, according to a company news release.

The Food and Drug Administration sent a letter to Johnson & Johnson's DePuy Orthopaedics, dated Dec. 8, warning the company that several of its hip, knee and joint replacement products were improperly marketed, according to a Wall Street Journal news…