Spinal Tech

If the legislation enforcing a 2.3 percent medical device tax, which is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013, isn't repealed, it could have a serious impact on U.S. jobs associated with orthopedic device companies, according to a Journal…

Atlanta-based orthopedic device company MedShape has received a United States patent for its shape memory polymer-based technology, according to a MedShape news release.

After holding a special meeting on Dec. 15, Synthes stockholders agreed to the acquisition offer proposed by Johnson & Johnson earlier this year, according to a Synthes news release.

Seattle-based medical device company Amp Orthopedics initiated two clinical trials for a total knee replacement and an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedure, according to a company news release.

The Food and Drug Administration granted clearance to 39 orthopedic- and spine-related medical devices in November, according to an FDA report.

Spine device company K2M has appointed Don O'Hearn senior vice president of sales in the Americas, according to a company news release.

Los Angeles Lakers team physicians Steve Lombardo, MD, and Daniel Kharazzi, MD, recently performed knee surgery on Lakers forward Derrick Caracter, according to a Lakers news report.

Wilmington, N.C.-based spine device company TranS1 recently announced a Medicare Administrative Contractor has removed its non-coverage policy for the AxiaLIF procedure effective Jan. 1, 2012, according to a TranS1 news release.

VertiFlex, a San Clemente, Calif.-based spine device company, has completed enrollment for its IDE clinical trail for the Superion Interspinous Spacer, according to a company news release.

A jury in the United States District Court ruled that Spinal Kinetics did not infringe on Synthes patents with the M6 Artificial Disc, according to a Spinal Kinetics news release.