| | As a medical specialty, the spine industry has experienced steady growth over the past several years, with arthrodesis (spine fusion) recognized as the best current available option for resolution of degenerative disc disease and associated low back pain conditions. However, with a multitude of new technologies and techniques being researched, developed and introduced, there is an evolutionary segment about to be realized. |  | This segment, referred to as "Spine Arthroplasty", encompasses non-fusion techniques and minimally invasive technology surrounding total disc replacement, nucleus replacement, dynamic stabilization, motion preservation technologies, facet joint replacement as well as annulus and nucleus repair and regeneration. Most importantly in consideration of the patient, Spine Arthroplasty will offer significant improvementin pain reduction, re-establishment of a near |  | full range-of-motion, and restoration of natural disc height, while keeping the facet joints and surrounding ligament structures and tissues intact. A key element of Spine Arthroplasty is not only the introduction of a new class of devices and techniques, but a resulting paradigm shift that will change the mindset as to what is seen or expected as successful when treating degenerative disc disease. | |