October 17, 2005

For Immediate Release

Novel Devices for the Treatment of Spinal Disc Disease, in October 2005 MedMarkets

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA — Advancements in intraoperative tools, devices and techniques have facilitated minimally invasive surgical approaches to the treatment of spinal disc disease, substantially reducing hospitalization time and improving patient outcomes.  The majority of individuals who suffer from mild to moderate back pain generally opt for conservative, nonsurgical treatments, yet an increasing number of those with acute debilitating pain are pursuing surgery in an effort to improve their quality of life.   The primary disorders and diseases that cause back pain include: degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, congenital deformities, trauma, tumors and infection. Annual U.S. expenditures for management of back pain exceed $60 billion.

"The market for spine surgery devices has evolved from one focused on fixation to one stressing motion preservation," says Patrick Driscoll, publisher of MedMarkets.  "The coming of age of artificial disc technology has upped the visibility of the market opportunity and given rise to a burst of development activity."  The FDA approval of DePuy Spine's Charité in the U.S. in late 2004 opened the U.S. market, which has trailed Europe in the market introduction of artificial discs.

The October 2005 issue of MedMarkets reviews the status of the market spinal disc disease treatment.  Data is provide on the trials, the products and companies in this market.  Coverage of this and other topics in the October issue is outlined here.   The market for spinal disc disease products worldwide is also covered extensively in the MedMarket Diligence report.

MedMarket Diligence provides tactical decision-making solutions on medical technology to the medical products and investment industries. The company publishes the MedMarkets newsletter, a monthly analysis of the market implications of new medical technologies, and dedicated reports on technology markets.  For additional details, contact Patrick Driscoll at email or call 949-859-3401 or toll-free (in the U.S.). 1-866-820-1357.