ODT’s Most-Read Stories This Week—Sept. 21

Maybe it’s the promise of less pain. Or, perhaps it the technique itself. Regardless of the reason, ODT website visitors overwhelmingly gravitated toward news of an ultra minimally invasive surgery that reduces pain medication use during recovery.

A new study found the emerging type of spine surgery—unilateral bipolar endoscopic discectomy—reduces the use of pain medication during patients’ recovery compared to other less minimally invasive spine procedures, which use larger incisions resulting in more post-operative pain. The technique was developed by the Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program, a part of NYU Langone’s Spine Center; the study results were published in World Neurosurgery. The retrospective 102-patient study found that endoscopic spine surgery reduced the use of opioids by 21% immediately after surgery compared to other less minimally invasive lower back surgeries. The use of non-opioid pain medication was also reduced by 24%. 

Runner-up to news about the new, less painful spinal surgery technique was the O.R. debut of Smith+Nephew’s new CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System. Designed to address the evolving demands of primary hip surgery— including the increased adoption of anterior approach procedures—the CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System features a triple-taper stem design with uniform proximal loading. The reduced distal stem geometry and shorter lengths are ideal for anterior approach but suitable for all approaches.

Biogennix garnered significant reader interest with the market premiere of its new Agilon Surgical Matrix wound care product. Agilon Surgical Matrix is a wound care solution completely derived from bovine Type 1 collagen. Upon contact with a new or open wound—whether surgically or naturally occurring—Agilon Surgical Matrix transforms into a gel, enveloping the entire affected area. The coverage maintains a low pH wound environment that helps form tissue and epithelialization, which is conducive to successful wound healing.

Non-product/new innovation news also proved popular this past week, as Neo Medical and Leap Distributors amassed considerable pageviews for their financial-related news. Neo Medical drove traffic with word of its $68 million Series B windfall, while Leap Distributors followed suit by acquiring Leap Surgical and DUB Enterprises, two privately owned orthopedic device suppliers.

1. New Endoscopic Spine Surgery Reduces Need for Post-Op Pain Medication

2. CATALYSTEM Primary Hip System Makes its OR Debut

3. Neo Medical Secures $68M Equity Investment

4. New Biogennix Wound Care Solutions Make Market Debut

5. Leap Distributors Expands Product Range With Pair of Acquisitions