26 Technologies Receive 2009 Spine Technology Awards
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WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-six new technologies for back care were selected as "Best New Technology for 2009" by a panel of independent surgeon judges in San Francisco. Sponsored by Orthopedics This Week, the largest circulation weekly publication in the industry, the 2009 Spine Technology Awards received submissions from 83 outstanding technologies representing more than 300 individual engineers, inventors and surgeons.

The technologies were judged according to their likelihood to advance the care of back patients using cost-effective innovation. The 30 judges were selected for their clinical experience and independence -- none were affiliated with the winning technologies.

Treating back pain is one of the most complex medical problems. New technologies have historically played a significant role in advancing the cause of patient care.

Speaking at the awards gala, Orthopedics This Week Publisher Robin Young said, "The medical device industry relies on the inspiration and perspiration of engineers and surgeon-inventors to improve outcomes and control costs. Most engineers and inventors are little known, so we are proud to provide these awards and a venue to recognize their great talents and contributions."

Winning spine technologies for 2009, by category, were:

Biomaterials
  • Covidien BioSurgery, DuraSeal Spine Sealant
  • Invibio Ltd., PEEK-OPTIMA Polymers
  • WW Technology, Bonewelding for Spine

Cervical Care
  • Aspen Medical, Symmetrically Adjustable Cervical Collar
  • Pioneer Surgical, nanOSS Cervical
  • Pioneer Surgical, NuNec Artificial Cervical Disc

Diagnostics and Imaging
  • L.I.T. Surgical, ONE HEADLIT
  • Nemaris, Surgimap-Spine
  • Ortho Kinematics, Kinegraph VMA

Lumbar Care
  • Alphatec Spine, OsseoScrew Expandable Screw
  • Ouroboros Medical, Ouroboros Spinal System
  • Spine 21, Bionic Spacer

Minimally Invasive Care
  • Alphatec Spine, GLIF - Guided Lateral Interbody Fusion
  • K2M, Inc., SERENGETI Minimally Invasive Retractor System
  • NuVasive, Inc., XLIF (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion)

Motion Preservation
  • Facet Solutions, Inc., ACADIA
  • Spinal Kinetics, Inc., M6 Artificial Disc (Cervical & Lumbar)
  • NuVasive, Inc., PCM-V
  • Paradigm Spine, DSS Spine Stabilization System
  • Applied Spine Technologies, STABILIMAX

Pain Management
  • Alpha Orthopaedics, Inc., ReleF Technology
  • Vexim, SpineJack

Regenerative Technologies
  • Advanced Biologics, OsteoAMP
  • Aston-Oxford-Keele Universities, Intervertebral Disc Biomaterial
  • Bacterin International, Inc., OsteoSponge Demineralized Bone Matrix

President's Award
  • CrossCurrent, Inc., INCISIVE MD
The Spine Technology Awards bring increased recognition to innovative spine surgery products and their inventors. Eligible technologies are any devices, pharmaceuticals or biologics that were developed to improve spine patient care. Judging is based on originality, clinical relevance, and the likelihood that the technology will improve current standards of care.

Source: Orthopedics This Week