The sports medicine market comprises a number of product segments, many of which span several different orthopedics specialties.This space is expected to experience strong growth going forward as companies develop innovative ways, including some lower-cost approaches, to treat the joint and soft-tissue injuries commonly suffered by athletes and other sports enthusiasts.

Medtronic's INFUSE bone morphogenetic protein is the only product in the musculoskeletal industry that has changed the bar in terms of bone healing, and it is under fire for complications related to off-label use. As regulators and payors crack down on INFUSE and hospitals restrict access to the product, surgeons are seeking alternatives and there are a number of companies lining up to fill the void

Medtronic's INFUSE bone morphogenetic protein is the only product in the musculoskeletal industry that has changed the bar in terms of bone healing, and it is under fire for complications related to off-label use. As regulators and payors crack down on INFUSE and hospitals restrict access to the product, surgeons are seeking alternatives and there are a number of companies lining up to fill the void

Start-ups and investors are looking to address the large and growing gap between palliative treatment and major joint surgery for patients with cartilage damage in the knee, toes and hands - although the FDA is putting up more roadblocks than ever before. In this issue we profile Articulinx, Carticept Medical and Orthox.