With few new treatment options on the horizon for patients suffering from joint pain associated with hip and knee osteoarthritis, it should come as no surprise that the business of joint replacement is booming and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Even in the current economic environment where elective joint replacement procedures are likely to slow down, there has not (yet) been a significant impact on implant sales.The industry admits it is not immune to the global economic crisis, at least in the short term. However, over the long haul, the general consensus is that this market will remain strong owing to solid growth in the patient pool.

Vertebral compression fracture repair remains one of the fastest growing segments of the spinal market. Although the VCF industry as a whole remains strong, competitive dynamics in this industry are beginning to shift, with a growing number of new products now available to address this expanding market.

The global market for spine implants and products will surpass $6 billion this year. While technological innovations continue to abound and industry proponents forecast sustained double-digit growth, the spine market is entering an unsettling phase of bureaucratic regulation and oversight from regulators and payors who appear intent on putting the breaks on this sector.