Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for February 20, 2013.
Spinal cord injuries have increased in the U.S.
The average age of adults with traumatic spinal cord injury is 51, up from 41 in 2005, according to a study in the Journal of Neurotrauma. Emergency room charges increased 20 percent over the study period, and the lifetime costs of caring for someone with a serious spinal cord injury range from $1 million to $5 million.
Biomet considering IPO
Warsaw, Ind.-based Biomet, an orthopedic device manufacturer, appears to be in talks with banks about forming an initial public offering. The company is currently seeking underwriters for an IPO that will raise approximately $1 billion for its return to being publicly traded.
35 new spine and orthopedic devices get FDA clearance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearances to a wide-array of devices, including SpineFrontier A-CIFTColofuse Cervical Intervertebral Fusion Device System from SpineFrontier and SpineSelectPolyscrew Pedicle Screw System from SpineSelect.
Spinal fusions topped costliest hospital procedures list
According to an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality statistical brief, spinal fusions accounted for $12.8 billion, around $16,600 per hospital stay, making them the costliest procedure performed in hospitals. Laminectomy was also among the top 20 procedures, accounting for $2.3 billion. The statistics were gathered from procedures performed in 2011.
Medtronic's announces 3Q earnings
The company's worldwide spine revenue was $744 million, down from $753 million during the same period last year. Medtronic's U.S. spine revenue was $517 million for Q3, down from $522 million during the same period last year. Its bone morphogenic protein business grew $3 million from the last quarter — hitting $113 million in Q1 — but continues to slump in the U.S. with revenue at $98 million, compared with $100 million during the same quarter last year.
Function, balance most important in spinal deformity treatment decisions
A study published in Spine Deformity: The Official Journal of the Scoliosis Research Society examined the factors influencing adult spinal deformity surgical decision-making.
The study authors examined 28 international adult deformity surgeons who completed an online survey of 10 spinal deformity cases.
ArthroCare announces 4Q revenues
ArthroCare announced fourth quarter 2013 revenues of $101.7 million, up 4.9 percent from fourth quarter 2012 revenues. In addition, ArthroCare's sports medicine line grew 6 percent from fourth quarter 2012 to $3.8 million in fourth quarter 2013.
Minimally Invasive SpineCARE now SpineCARE
The new name reflects the wide array of procedures that the spine center offers, including a focus on pain management and rehabilitation.
More Articles on Spine Surgeons:
Biologics in Spine Surgery: Challenges & Opportunities From Dr. Andrew Cash
Spinal Fusions Top List of 20 Costliest Hospital Procedures
Make Room to Grow: 8 Key Concepts for More Efficient Spine Surgeon Practices