Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa's premium source for tracking life-sciences deals, the bimonthly Pacts In Medtech feature highlights notable technology alliances, R&D partnerships and commercial collaborations. This edition covers industry pacts that were signed in March and April 2019.

Once considered the high flying segment of the musculoskeletal industry, the spine industry has finally hit a wall as procedure volumes stall, implant prices tumble, and payors push back on authorizing expensive operations for back pain such as spinal fusion. As economic woes heighten, hand in hand with persistent unemployment just as health care and regulatory reforms kick in, many left the North American Spine Society meeting in early October wondering where the bright spots are in this industry.

Hightlights from the 2006 meeting of the North American Spine Society: developments in discs and other spinal devices, bone grafts/fillers, and reimbursement for lumbar fusion.

Resorbable biomaterials and improved arthroscopic tools form the backbone of innovation in sports medicine, and should, along with the aging baby-boomer population, spur growth in the field