Spine News

Orthobond Corporation announced FDA de novo approval of Ostaguard, an antibacterial non-eluting coating technology for use on a range of medical devices, according to a press release.

Xstim Inc. announced it received FDA premarket application approval of its Xstim spine fusion stimulator to promote bone healing after spinal fusion surgery, according to a company press release.

According to an electronic survey of U.S. medical residents and fellows from various specialties, 85% of respondents prefer in-person medical conferences vs. virtual conferences due to networking opportunities and engagement with peers.

The American College of Surgeons released updated guidelines promoting lifelong competency and ability assessments for surgeons to enhance patient safety and preserve “physician dignity,” according to a press release.

Results showed patients who received liposomal bupivacaine for pain management during open posterior lumbar decompression and fusion required less opioids during their hospital stay vs. patients who did not receive the anesthetic.

Bioretec Ltd. received FDA breakthrough device designation for its RemeOs spinal interbody cage for use during intervertebral body fusion in the cervical spine, according to a press release.

Ventris Medical received FDA 510(k) clearance of its Amplify standalone bone graft putty, according to a company press release.

Results showed orthopedic practices may successfully implement nongovernmental bundled payment models for lumbar spinal fusion, with cost savings similar to those of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement-Advanced Initiative.

Although patients with depression presented with and maintained worse spine disease severity after lumbar spine surgery vs. those without depression, researchers found these groups experienced a similar degree of postoperative improvement.

Screening patients with psoriasis, uveitis or inflammatory bowel disease for spondyloarthritis could improve early diagnosis, but no existing screening tools are generalizable to all who are at risk, according to a scoping review.