Commentary

An Issue With Backbone

Though large-joint replacement—knees and hips—once were the backbone (forgive the pun) of the orthopedic device industry, the dominance of these implants is being challenged by the spine sector. The large-joint market used to be able to boast solid double-digit annual expansion, but 15%-20% growth just a few years ago has dropped to around 7% now. The spinal market has claimed the spotlight these days with significant growth expected over the next five to six years.

According to a new report, US Spinal Surgery Markets, released by research firm Frost & Sullivan, the domestic market for spinal surgery was $2 billion in 2006 and is estimated to reach $3.67 billion by 2013. And with deals such as this summer’s Medtronic buyout of spine market rival Kyphon for $3.9 billion, it’s clear to see that the big players are planning for expanding markets.

Many companies are betting on the success of motion-preservation therapies such as artificial discs as an alternative to more traditional spinal fusion techniques to help preserve normal motion of the spine. Medtronic recently received FDA approvals for its Bryan and Prestige lines of cervical discs. Prestige was the first artificial disc for the neck approved by the agency.

“In addition to circumventing the need for bone graft and the pain associated with bone graft extraction, motion preservation techniques promise a faster recovery and return to normal activity,” according to Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Archana Swathy. Manufacturers also continue to develop technologies to treat the varying causes of spinal injuries, including degenerative diseases, arthritis, tumors, malformations, infection and trauma.

Nearly 15% to 33% of the US population between the ages of 20 and 65 suffers from back pain annually, the report said. Occupation-related injury is a key factor, and an increasingly older and obese population continues to mean opportunity for spinal implant manufacturers, not to mention other areas of orthopedics.

The report cautions, however, that emerging technologies within the spinal surgery market are “highly challenged by insufficient data supporting the long-term efficiency and durability of the implant. Providing substantial clinical data about the safety and efficacy of the implant proves to be difficult for artificial disc developers.”

Time will tell—and we’ll be waiting to report on industry’s progress in this area.

Just as orthopedic technology evolves, so has Orthopedic Design & Technology. Since our inaugural issue in September 2005, our goal has been to provide a dependable source of orthopedic market news, detailed information on manufacturing innovations and the latest design and development trends. So far we’ve accomplished much of what we set out to do two years ago, but there’s always more work to be done. Our readership continues to increase (thank you), as does the scope and depth of our coverage in each issue. We look forward to the next two years—and more. To help us with our continued growth and ability to serve readers better, your feedback—as always—is welcome and appreciated.

Christopher Delporte
Group Editor