A report released by Frost & Sullivan finds that despite the challenges of price erosion, reimbursement issues, and budget constraints, the need for orthopedic implants in Eastern Europe is growing. The increased demand can be attributed to rising obesity rates, the growing aging population, and more minimal invasive procedures. The analysis reports that the Eastern European implant market had revenues of $69.4 million (USD) last year. This number is estimated to reach $97 million (USD) in 2014.
Orthopedic giant Smith & Nephew, along with Corin Group, are hoping to gain the top spot as a leader in hip resurfacing in the United States. Both manufacturers are the only two companies that offer hip resurfacing treatments in America and both are from the U.K. The Sunday Times reports that Smith & Nephew and Corin are fiercely competing to train U.S. surgeons in hip resurfacing to gain market share before companies here get approval to market their own devices domestically. Hip resurfacing is viewed by some as a better option for younger patients, because the metal-on-metal joints are supposed to last longer. FDA approved Smith & Nephew’s Birmingham Hip Resurfacing in May 2006, followed by Corin’s Cormet Hip Resurfacing System in July 2007. Stryker markets and distributes the hip product for Corin. Both companies will need to work quickly on converting and training surgeons, as Zimmer, Biomet, J&J, and Wright Medical are developing hip resurfacing implants that could pose a threat once they receive FDA approval.
Doctors are twice as likely to recommend a knee replacement to a man, according to a recent study. Why? Well, it’s not that men are more likely to need a knee replacement, but rather that some doctors have an unconscious bias. Researchers used a male and female patient who had knee arthritis with the same severity level and sent them to 71 doctors in Ontario, Canada. Despite reporting the same symptoms, 60% of the doctors suggested knee replacement surgery to the male patient versus 33% to the female. In addition, 42% of the doctors (both male and female) recommended surgery to the man but not the woman. According to the study’s senior researcher, James Wright, many doctors think men benefit more from knee replacements than women do, simply based on their experiences or information from other doctors. Wright said the study is the first of its kind. He hopes it triggers doctors to think about whether they have biases that affect their clinical judgement. The research findings were reported in the March 11 edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
