A rising and more active aging population, and a growing incidence of osteoporosis fractures and back pain – as well as other spine-related issues – are paving the way for companies to bring innovative devices into the hands of orthopedic and spinal surgeons in Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK and France. In this feature, we take a closer look at the prevailing surgical approaches and techniques for selected fracture fixation, spinal surgery procedures, joint replacement, and arthroscopy procedures in each of the five major EU countries, as outlined in a new Meddevicetracker report. We also take a deep dive into the various growth opportunities of select procedures in each EU market and discuss trends.

The sports medicine market comprises a number of product segments, many of which span several different orthopedics specialties.This space is expected to experience strong growth going forward as companies develop innovative ways, including some lower-cost approaches, to treat the joint and soft-tissue injuries commonly suffered by athletes and other sports enthusiasts.

Pink Sheet reporters and editors consider the fallout from Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.’s negative US FDA advisory committee decision on its ALS drug, the impact of a government shutdown on the agency, and a study showing only a limited possibility for significant savings in the first round of Medicare price negotiations.