Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for March 5, 2015.
NuVasive, Medtronic patent saga continues
The Federal Circuit overturned a previous court's decision in patent litigation between NuVasive and Medtronic. The original jury verdict in the first phase of the litigation awarded NuVasive $660,000 in monetary damages and $102 million to Medtronic, which included lost profits, ancillary sale products and royalties. Now, NuVasive has won an appeal.
Globus Medical has record year, with sales soaring 9.2%
Worldwide sales for the fourth quarter were $128 million, an 11.8 percent increase over the same period last year. Full-year sales were up 9.2 percent to $474 million.
Smith & Nephew acquires Colombian distributor
Smith & Nephew has acquired EuroCiencia Colombia, which has been its sole distributor in Colombia since 2006. The acquisition of ECC is in-line with Smith & Nephew's strategic priority to supplement its organic growth through acquisitions.
Study examines disc replacement vs. spinal fusion for cervical radiculopathy
Both the disc replacement and fusion groups reported significant improvement after surgery. Also, there were nine patients in the disc replacement group who underwent a secondary surgery procedure; three patients in the fusion group underwent a secondary procedure.
Stryker's board of directors authorized a new $2B share repurchase program
The $2 billion is in addition to $583 million currently authorized under the company's share repurchasing program. Stryker's total share repurchase authorization is now $2.583 billion.
LDR, Sentio enter into worldwide distribution agreement for nerve mapping system
The SentioMMG nerve mapping system includes smart sensors that employ accelerometer technology to sensitively measure when muscle contraction occurs, so as to alert surgeons of motor nerve location.
Neurosurgery navigation system expected to grow slowly over the next few years
The largest segment in the Untied States surgical navigation market is represented by neurosurgery navigation systems. The unit sales growth moderately increased last year and the slow growth is expected to continue going forward as facilities replace older systems and new technology becomes available.
Dr. Charles Kuntz IV passes away unexpectedly
Charles Kuntz IV, MD, of Cincinnati-based Mayfield Clinic, passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 50. He was board-certified and a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and North American Spine Society.
More articles on spine:
Spotlight on a Spine Surgeon Leader: Dr. Alexander Vaccaro of Rothman Institute
21 spine devices receive FDA 510(k) clearance in February
Disc replacement vs. spinal fusion: Cervical radiculopathy — 6 key notes