Becker's Spine Review

28 DEVICES & IMPLANTS The Technologies Transforming Spine in 2018: Key Thoughts From Dr. Robert Masson By Laura Dyrda R obert Masson, MD, founder of Ocoee, Fla.-based Masson Spine Institute, examined the key spine technology trends for 2018. Dr. Robert Masson: e trends toward in- creased prevalence of minimally invasive surgery are leading to increased ability to execute outpatient spine reconstruction sur- gery. I see an increase in system organization toward the outpatient spine reconstruction market, simplifying systems and focusing on total solutions for a spine reconstruction problem. I am hopeful that there will be an increase in arthroplasty, at least in the cervi- cal spine in 2018 and messaging will increase the relevance of this true 'sports-spine recon- struction option.' While the buzz has been about 3-D print- ed cages and surface area manipulation, the greatest opportunity for that new technology is blending delivery systems that are truly ad- vanced interventional or microsurgical. So far the advanced surface area cages are im- pressive relative to bone growth but lack any originality as far as how it arrives to the disc space and with what functionality. is is a major opportunity. I, personally, am betting on Misonix and its advanced ultrasonic bone management strategies which are being optimized to mi- crosurgery. MIS surgery requires much more sophisticated decompression strategies and advanced drilling remains high risk for many surgeons, so this safer and improving ultra- sonic technology has the potential to dramat- ically shi surgical decompression strategies. While robotics are on the upsurge I still feel that it is focused on the easiest part of the spi- nal reconstruction platform, the screw place- ment, so I think it is technology and expense waste for that solution. n BCBSA Upgrades Quality Evidence Rating for MIS SI Joint Fusion: 5 Things to Know By Laura Dyrda B lue Cross Blue Shield Association updated its quality evidence recommendation for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular implants. Here are five things to know: 1. BCBSA upgraded its BCBSA rating to "moderate" quality evidence, which indicates there is sufficient evidence to determine the effects tech- nology has on health outcomes. The insurer has a four-tiered rating system outlining evidence as: substantial, moderate, low to none and uncertain. 2. According to the BCBSA technology assessment, individuals with SI joint disorders treated with sacroiliac fusion or fixation with a triangular implant results in a meaningful improvement to the net health outcome. The company used evidence in the literature to assess whether the ex- clusively SI-BONE patented technology in the triangular iFuse implant demonstrates clinical safety and effectiveness. 3. The new assessment also states evidence is insufficient for treating SI joint pain with therapeutic corticosteroid injections, radiofrequency abla- tion or cylindrical threaded implants. 4. BCBSA is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, which cover 106 million members in all 50 states. The new decision could have an im- pact on coverage for all members. 5. There are more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, including two Level I randomized, controlled trials that support the use of minimally invasive SI joint fusion for appropriately selected patients. n Zimmer Biomet Generates $7.8B in 2017 Sales, Spine Segment Sees 14% Growth By Mackenzie Garrity Z immer Biomet released its 2017 fourth quarter and full year financial results. Here's what you need to know: 1. Fourth quarter sales topped $2 billion, an increase of 3 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. Zimmer Biomet's fourth quarter net earnings totaled $1.25 billion. 2. Zimmer Biomet reported $7.82 billion in full-year 2017 sales, a 1.8 percent increase over the prior year. Net earnings for the full year grew to $1.8 billion. 3. The company reported a 1.5 percent increase in its fourth quarter spine sales, reaching $194 million. 4. Full-year 2017 spine sales reached $759 million, representing a 14.7 percent in- crease from 2016 sales. 5. Zimmer Biomet anticipates revenues in the first quarter of 2018 to be between $1.95 billion and $1.99 billion. n

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