Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: A Market Briefing

With the promise of improved outcomes and shorter recovery times and costs, endoscopic surgery has evolved into an accepted surgical discipline in most therapeutic areas. However, spine surgeons in particular have been slow to embrace this new technology over the past decade or so. Challenges specific to the spinal column have made the adoption of minimally invasive surgery difficult, but endoscope manufacturers have begun to take advantage of technological advances in endoscopic visualization and other arrears to optimize the minimal-access approach in the spine.

This briefing analyzes the potential world market for minimally invasive spinal surgery globally, segmenting the market geographically by region - the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world - making revenue forecasts to 2009. The report generally reviews the nature and direction of research, as well as future markets. This briefing also profiles several companies involved in marketing or developing such products in the field, including Aesculap, ArthroCare, DePuy, Endius, Medtronic and Smith & Nephew, among others.

Market forecasts are based on an examination of current market conditions and on investigations into the development of new products by key companies. This information is also weighted with the projected timing and the potential for receiving regulatory approvals to market products. The information presented in this report is the result of data gathered from company product literature and other corporate brochures and documents, as well as information found in the scientific and trade press. In addition, interviews were conducted with company executives, clinicians, researchers and public health officials.