Author(s):

Deanna Vankessel

Introduction:

The most significant factor driving growth in the European market for spinal implants through 2013 will be the continued adoption of nonfusion technologies—the ability for patients to maintain their active lifestyles is the key benefit of spinal nonfusion technologies that do not restrict motion in the operated segment(s) of the spine. This feature of the technology will entice many aging individuals suffering from severe back pain to undergo surgery sooner because the surgery will not limit their lifestyles to the same extent as fusion treatment following recovery. As a result, the growing availability of nonfusion technologies will expand the patient pool for spinal implant procedures in Europe. Reimbursement for spinal nonfusion devices/surgeries varies throughout Europe, however, and insurance providers or governments not covering the procedure will deter many patients from opting for a spinal nonfusion. Leading companies in this segment, such as DePuy Spine, Medtronic Spinal & Biologics, and Synthes Spine, are allocating extensive resources to attaining reimbursement for spinal nonfusion devices by continuously releasing clinical data demonstrating the efficacy and economic benefits that spinal nonfusions offer. This will be a leading factor spurring the expansion of the spinal nonfusion technology market over the forecast period. Despite the impressive growth of the spinal nonfusion technology segment, European spine surgeons will continue to favor spinal fusions as a treatment option for severe back pain. Most surgeons are more comfortable performing spinal fusions and are confident in procedural outcomes of the surgery, which are supported by positive clinical data. In both the spinal fusion and nonfusion segments, a key factor driving demand is the aging European population—this trend will yield an increase in the occurrence of age-related spinal pathologies, such as degenerative disc disease. As a result, the European spinal implant market will grow steadily from 2008 to 2013.

Questions Answered in This Report:

  *   Different reimbursement policies regarding spinal nonfusion technologies are in place in each European country covered. How will the number of spinal nonfusion procedures performed be affected by the differing reimbursement environments in each European country? Will reimbursement change through 2013? How will this impact spinal fusion volumes?

  *   Lateral lumbar interbody fusions (LLIFs) are a growing trend in Europe. To what extent will the growing popularity of LLIF affect the other approaches to interbody fusion? Is procedural growth in this segment sustainable? Are other competitors expected to enter this market over the forecast period?

  *   The growing trend toward minimally invasive (MI) procedures will prevent any drastic shifts toward nonfusion technologies. How will the growing trend of MI procedures favorably impact spinal fusion volumes in Europe? How will it impact spinal nonfusion volumes? Why are MI techniques rising in popularity?

  *   More European surgeons are using traditional hardware in the interbody fusions they perform. Why are surgeons using more hardware in interbody fusions? How will this trend affect the cost of a fusion procedure and of related devices?

Scope:

Regions covered: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK

Segmentation: Our analysis uses the following segmentation of procedures and devices in each country covered:

• Traditional thoracolumbar fusion
  • Degenerative
  • Deformity
  • Tumor/trauma
• Traditional cervical fusion
  • Anterior
  • Posterior
• Interbody device fusion
  • Anterior lumbar interbody fusion
  • Posterior lumbar interbody fusion
  • Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
  • Lateral lumbar interbody fusion
  • Cervical interbody fusion
• Spinal nonfusion
  • Interspinous process decompression
  • Pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization
  • Cervical artificial disc
  • Lumbar artificial disc
  • Nuclear disc prosthesis
  • Annulus repair
  • Facet arthroplasty

Market forecast features: Based on primary research with industry professionals, we use our proprietary forecasting model to provide an in-depth examination of current and future trends in procedure volumes, average selling prices, and market values over a 7-year period (2007–2013).

Competitive analysis: We provide a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape in the market, market shares by country and segment, as well as qualitative discussions of the leading competitors.