Dynamic Stabilization Rocks Spine
Executive Summary
In the US acceptance of dynamic stabilization devices (DYNs) has been strong owing to the compelling advantages of DYNs over artificial discs, including that they can be implanted from a posterior route, do not violate the disc space and the procedure is reversible. Rather being an alternative to fusion, artificial discs will likely compete with DYNs.
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The Hot Trend in Spine: Motion Preservation Mania
While products for fusing the spine remain the backbone of the booming market for spinal implants and instruments, there's a new focus on motion preservation. These technologies--for lumbar and cervical disc replacement, nucleus replacement, posterior stabilization,and pedicle screw-based systems--promise a host of new procedures to treat patients with symptomatic back pain who are earlier in the degenerative process.
Kyphon Steps Up
A year ago at this time, a sale to another company was the last thing on the minds of senior executives at St. Francis Medical, one of the leading companies in dynamic stabilization. But interest by large spine companies put a halt to the company's plans to go public and led to an auction that was eventually won by Kyphon. Kyphon's acquisition of St. Francis Medical was one of the device industry's biggest deals in 2006--and just what everyone was waiting for.
In Brief
Brief summaries of recent developments in the medical device industry.