GlobalDataFriday 19 October 2012, 1:11PM
Media release from GlobalData
LONDON, UK (GlobalData), 18 October 2012 - Back problems are fast
becoming a global epidemic, as aging populations, obesity, and
conditions such as cancer or osteoporosis lead many individuals to
injure their spines, and develop Vertebral Compression Fractures
(VCFs), states a new report by healthcare experts GlobalData.
Vertebroplasty and vertebral augmentation consist of the
insertion of bone cement into fractured vertebrae using a special
needle. The new report* states that these treatments are likely to
become more popular over coming years, due to the launch of new
technologies.
Vertebroplasty device manufacturers have launched new devices which
offer more precise bone cement delivery techniques, reducing the
probability of bone cement leakage and subsequent fracture among
patients.
In addition to better delivery mechanisms, the vertebroplasty
manufacturers are also exploring opportunities to develop
alternatives to poly(methyl methaacrylate) (PMMA), which is
currently used as bone cement in most of the procedures. PMMA used
commonly in both vertebroplasty and vertebral augmentation has a
tendency to leak from the crevices, particularly in vertebroplasty
procedures. This results in increased risk of subsequent fractures
as well as contributing to pain.
To counter this problem, vertebroplasty device manufacturers are
exploring various alternatives to PMMA such as bio-ceramic bone
cement, composite resin cement (such as Cortoss by Orthovita),
calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate cement, carbonated
hydroxyapatite cement, partially absorbable bone cement (Cerament
by BoneSupport) and so on. New PMMA formulations are also explored
as an alternative. These new filler materials have the potential to
show better biocompatibility, biomechanical strength and
radiopacity (for fluoroscopic guided procedures) than previously
used PMMA formulations.
The global vertebral augmentation and vertebroplasty devices market
was valued at $981.8m in 2011 and is forecast to grow at Compound
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.6% in the 2011-2018 period.