Trauma Fixation Device Manufacturers' Move to Collaborate with Surgeons Pay Rich Dividends

Business Wire, June 24, 2008

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7e88fc/u_s_trauma_fixati) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "U.S. Trauma Fixation Markets" to their offering.

Research Overview

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled U.S. Trauma Fixation Markets provides technology overview, market share analysis, revenues, procedure, and pricing forecasts in the trauma fixation devices markets. It also offers a complete analysis of key market drivers, restraints, and trends that affect this market. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: intramedullary (IM) nails, plate and screw systems, cannulated screws, hip fixation, and external fixation.

This analysis is available through our Medical Devices Growth Partnership Services program. With continuous access to intelligence and resources from all seven perspectives of the complex business universe, the Growth Partnership Services program ensures that you and your Growth Team[TM] are able to maintain a 360x view of the market. This comprehensive, objective information allows your company to mitigate risk, identify new opportunities, and drive effective strategies for growth.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

* Intramedullary (IM) nails

* Plate and screw systems

* Cannulated screws

* Hip fixation

* External fixation

Market Overview

Trauma Fixation Device Manufacturers' Move to Collaborate with Surgeons Pay Rich Dividends

Rapid technological changes, novel scientific findings, and shifting consumer trends have seen trauma fixation devices evolve considerably over the last decade. On the heels of these developments, less-invasive treatment patterns are gaining prominence, while advances in plating and nailing systems are facilitating the therapy of complicated fractures. Growth factor products and image-guided techniques are expected to be increasingly used in trauma fixation for complex cases for the next three to five years and could become ubiquitous in the long term. As part of these proactive product development efforts, manufacturers of trauma fixation instruments are collaborating with surgeons to aid in the crucial steps of the development process.

Companies have invested substantial effort, time, and resources in making this alliance successful, and have followed up their initial endeavors with the provision of practical training and support to the surgeons. This will create loyalty among the surgeons and encourage them to promote instrumented procedures. The last three decades have already seen the emergence of surgical procedures as the preferred alternative in orthopedics. "The much improved, minimally invasive fixation implants have enabled smoother and quicker rehabilitation periods," says the analyst of this research. "Antibiotic prophylaxis has lowered the infection risk associated with surgery, while instrumented procedures have reduced instances of malunions and inflexibility."

External Fixation Emerges a Highly Competitive, but Lucrative Sector

The external fixation market is experiencing a golden period, with the market having grown from $391.7 million to $580.1 million between 2004 and 2008. It has expanded its application from treatment of fractures to the wrist, knee, tibia and ankle to include therapy for the ulna, distal radius, and fibula. External fixation systems have gained widespread acceptance mainly due to their suitability in the treatment of severe fractures with collateral damage to the surrounding soft tissue, where many bone fragments may be embedded. "Temporary external fixation systems, which are less expensive and optimized for short-term use, have also gained popularity," notes the analyst. "Temporary systems are mainly used before a nailing or plating procedure, and are now considered vital in creating the optimal patient conditions demanded by periarticular plating."

Salespersons have a huge incentive to push external systems since the commissions for these products are almost three times as those for plating systems alone. These systems have received another boost with the government and industry groups greatly increasing their reimbursement and passing stringent regulations that reduce their reuse. "Moreover, the stainless steel rods that are commonly used in older systems have been replaced with carbon fiber rods, which are lighter but do not lend themselves to easy sterilization," observes the analyst. "This, combined with their extensive recognition in the trauma market, has boosted the sales of new assemblies at a steady pace." External fixation systems are also gradually emerging as the standard used in teaching hospitals, which creates a potential user base that will sustain the growth trend.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7e88fc/u_s_trauma_fixati