Demand for Spinal Non-Fusion Device Has Increased with Increasing Incidence of Spinal Injuries

 

Spinal devices are of two types, such as fusion and non-fusion devices. Spinal fusion devices provide immediate and rigid immobilization, whereas spinal non-fusion devices decompress neural elements, restore spinal alignment, and replace pro-inflammatory tissues rather than preserving functional movements that dispel it. Spinal implants or devices are used to treat deformity, stabilize, and strengthen the spine, and facilitate fusion. Moreover, spinal devices are used to treat several disorders, such as traumatic fracture, kyphosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and several forms of spinal instability.

Spinal implants are made of titanium, titanium-alloy, or stainless steel. While some implants are made of non-metallic compounds such as Carbon/PEEK material. Spinal non-fusion devices help stabilize and strengthen spine. Spinal non-fusion devices are further segmented into nuclear disc prostheses, annulus repair devices, dynamic stabilization devices, artificial disc replacement, among others. With the growing preference for minimally invasive surgeries, the demand for spinal non-fusion device is also increasing.

Spinal non-fusion devices or non-fusion spinal implants enable fusion of two types of metal foils called a fusion core and a metal screw. This enables the fusion of soft tissue structures in the spinal canal and provides stability to the spinal cord. However, there are limitations in what spinal implants can achieve, especially with more severe spinal problems where manual techniques may not be able to achieve the desired results. When non-fusion spinal implants and fusion technologies are combined they can achieve remarkable improvement.

Moreover, with the increasing incidence of spinal injuries worldwide, the demand for spinal non-fusion device is also increasing. For instance, in October 2018, NuVasive (US) announced a strategic partnership with Biedermann Technologies GmbH (Germany) to access intellectual properties and co-develop state-of-the-art complex spine solutions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, around 250,000 to 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury, worldwide. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness, improved quality of life, and improved mobility of procedures in comparison with the non-operative treatment accelerates demand for spinal non-fusion devices.