Report Shows High Level Growth in Spinal Nonfusion Devices

Toronto, Canada-based Millenium Research Group (MRG) has released data that predicts growth of the global market for spinal nonfusion devices to almost triple its current size in 2022, surpassing $1.6 billion. According to the MRG report, this market will be driven largely by emerging products and approvals, as well as high growth in emerging regions, such as Asia Pacific and Brazil, India and China (BIC).

The introduction of new devices, such as nuclear disc prostheses, annulus repair devices and facet arthroplasty devices, will vary from region to region based on national device approval and reimbursement requirements. Launches of annulus repair and facet arthroplasty devices in particular will boost spinal nonfusion technology revenues in Australia, South Korea and the United States, where the technologies are already or soon to be available. Growth will be especially notable in Australia, where annulus repair devices entered the market in 2013 and cervical artificial discs finally received approval for reimbursement in 2012. New product approvals in particular will promote awareness and confidence in motion-preserving technologies to treat back pain, spurring increased adoption.


According to MRG, the approval of LDR Medical’s two-level cervical artificial disc in 2013, the first in the United States, will fuel market growth and pave the way for growing adoption of two- and three-level total disc replacements (TDRs). Although some surgeons were already performing multilevel TDRs off-label, many were not due to a lack of U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. As a result of this approval, more physicians who would otherwise be deterred from performing these procedures will begin conducting multilevel TDRs, increasing unit sales.

LDR’s device, the Mobi-C, is a cobalt chromium alloy and polyethylene, mobile-bearing prosthesis specifically designed as a bone-sparing, cervical intervertebral disc replacement for both one and two-level indications.

“Although the product launches will have a favorable impact globally, market growth will be tempered somewhat by poor reimbursement and reimbursement cuts in some countries,” said MRG Lead Analyst Deanna Edmunds. “This will cause device prices to fall in certain countries as facilities place increased pressure on manufacturers. In addition, there will be a continued need for long-term clinical data, including comparative effectiveness data in relation to spinal fusions.”