The musculoskeletal sector continues to be bogged down by the economic downturn, and particularly hard hit is the industry’s largest segment: the $13 billion total joint market. Companies are now scouting out the next technology wave in orthopedics, and the record attendance at the recent International Cartilage Repair Society meeting may be one indication of where the action will be for some time to come.

The stem cell market is beginning to show signs of significant revenue growth ahead, a development fueled by research in a variety of disease categories, some of which has already produced accepted therapies. In February, about three dozen firms gathered at the 5th Annual Stem Cell Summit, where participants showcased their technology in the hopes of securing financing.

More than 40 companies revealed promising research and clinical results at the 2008 Stem Cell Summit in February. Perhaps most impressive was the number of stem cell therapies already in use or tantalizingly close to market launch.