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Amedica announces US Spine acquisition

Amedica Corporation (AC), a spinal and orthopaedic implant and instrument company focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic technologies, announced today that it has acquired US Spine, a privately held, well-known medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of advanced spinal implant systems.

21 Sep 2010

Study says PTSD veterans suffer from more medical conditions

Is the US health system comprehensively meeting the needs of returning veterans? With the recent attention to mental illness in returning soldiers, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in particular, little research has focused on the medical care needs of those returning from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to Dr. Susan Frayne, from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University, and colleagues.

21 Sep 2010

Orthovita publishes clinical data from IDE pilot studies

Orthovita, Inc., an orthobiologics and biosurgery company, is pleased to announce the publication of "Clinical Experience Using Cortoss for Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures with Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty" in the September 15, 2010 edition of Spine.

21 Sep 2010

Stanford Cancer Center announces successful treatment of 5,000th patient with CyberKnife system

When Lori Brownell's first tumor appeared − on her left carotid artery − it was surgically removed, leaving an inches-long incision to heal. It was eight years before the feeling returned to that side of her neck, and for a time, she couldn't drive because she couldn't turn her head far enough.

21 Sep 2010

Disabling RGS14 gene helps mice remember better

Deleting a certain gene in mice can make them smarter by unlocking a mysterious region of the brain considered to be relatively inflexible, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found.

18 Sep 2010

Accuray Incorporated showcases CyberKnife VSI System at ESTRO Annual Congress

Accuray Incorporated, a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced today that for the first time in Europe the company showcased its latest offering, the CyberKnife VSI System, at ESTRO 29, the Annual Congress of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in Barcelona, Spain.

18 Sep 2010

Shrink Nanotechnologies files patent for CellAlign tissue engineering technology

Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc., an innovative nanotechnology company developing products and licensing opportunities in the alternative energy industry, medical diagnostics and sensors and biotechnology research and development tools businesses, announced today that certain patent applications related to its advanced tissue engineering technology platform, CellAlign, have been filed.

17 Sep 2010

Simian immunodeficiency virus is at least 32,000 to 75,000 years old

An ancestor of HIV that infects monkeys is thousands of years older than previously thought, suggesting that HIV, which causes AIDS, is not likely to stop killing humans anytime soon, finds a study by University of Arizona and Tulane University researchers.

17 Sep 2010

Endoscopic laser spine procedures replace traditional open back surgery

The Bonati Spine Institute, the leading center for the patented Bonati Spine Procedures for minimally invasive laser spine surgery, supports recent studies by highly respected organizations such as the Journal of the America Board of Family Medicine and Consumer Reports reporting an unnecessary growth in tests and treatments targeting back pain.

16 Sep 2010

Researchers to conduct gene analysis for ankylosing spondylitis

A new study designed to test suspected links between genes and two immune disorders could open the door to better ways to diagnose and treat the conditions that affect a combined total of approximately 2.5 million people in the United States, report scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

16 Sep 2010

Amedica Corporation receives patents for total disc replacement technology

Amedica Corporation, a spinal and orthopaedic implant and instrument company focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic technologies, announced today that it has been granted two United States patents for its total disc replacement (TDR) technology that features the use of silicon nitride in the construction of the complete implant.

16 Sep 2010

Broccoli blocks joint destruction in osteoarthritis: Research

Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) are launching a groundbreaking new project to investigate the benefits of broccoli in the fight against osteoarthritis.Initial laboratory research at UEA has found that a compound in broccoli called sulforaphane blocks the enzymes that cause joint destruction in osteoarthritis the most common form of arthritis.

15 Sep 2010

Integra LifeSciences launches new line of Ruggles kerrison rongeurs for neuro and spine surgeries

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation announced the introduction of a new line of extended length and "detachable" Ruggles™kerrison rongeurs, which are key instruments used in a variety of neuro and spine surgeries.

15 Sep 2010

Harvard neurologist starts new program for doctor education; Study finds journal authors often do not disclose ties to medical device companies

The Boston Globe reports on Dr. Martin Samuels, a Harvard Medical School neurologist, who started "a new company that he says will provide continuing medical education to doctors across the country — without funding from the pharmaceutical industry.

15 Sep 2010

Gilead Sciences announces Quad regimen Phase II clinical trial results for HIV infection treatment

Gilead Sciences, Inc. today announced Phase II clinical trial results showing that its investigational fixed-dose, single-tablet "Quad" regimen of elvitegravir, cobicistat and Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) for the treatment of HIV infection maintained a high rate of virologic suppression through 48 weeks, exhibiting antiretroviral activity comparable to that of Atripla(efavirenz 600 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg).

14 Sep 2010

Structural component inside neurons dances when connections are strengthened

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have uncovered how a structural component inside neurons performs two coordinated dance moves when the connections between neurons are strengthened.

14 Sep 2010

SpineAlign commences enrollment in European Observational Registry for VerteLift System

SpineAlign Medical, Inc. announced today that it has enrolled its initial patient in the European Observational Registry for the VerteLift System, an observation study to further assess the ability of the VerteLift System to treat the pain and dysfunction associated with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF), while providing clinically measurable height restoration based upon previous European experience and analysis.

13 Sep 2010

Fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis in lumbar spine has long-term benefits: Study

A group of children who underwent fusion surgery for spondylolisthesis in the lumbar spine 30 years ago showed a clear reduction in back pain when followed up seven years later. A new study of these patients as adults has found that the benefits have lasted, reveals research from the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital presented this week at the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) annual international conference in Gothenburg.

13 Sep 2010

Ranier's Cadisc-L spinal disc replacement granted CE Mark Approval

Ranier Technology, the medical device development company focusing on the commercialisation of spinal implants, has announced that it has received CE Mark approval for its Cadisc™-L; an elasto-mimetic spinal disc replacement device for the lumbar spine. The CE Mark approval was received following a review of the company's multi-centre European clinical study and its extensive portfolio of biocompatibility and biomechanical testing.

13 Sep 2010

Neck manipulation may be risky without significant benefits: Study

According to new research manipulation for neck pain may carry a risk of serious injury, including stroke. For the study more than 120 patients with neck pain were included. They were randomly assigned to be treated with either manipulation or mobilization - which involves small, rhythmic movements applied to stiff or inflamed tissue. The outcome of both groups was almost identical, prompting researchers to conclude that manipulation may not be worth the risk.

8 Sep 2010