U.S. Markets for Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Vertebral Augmentation Products and Thermal Intradiscal Devices

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States (U.S.),affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives.  According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, back pain accounts for approximately13.4 million physician office visits annually. In 2009 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), back pain accounted for approximately 3.7 million emergency room visits and spinal disorders accounted for 3.8 million emergency room diagnoses. 

Although many patients who suffer from mild to moderate back pain opt forc onservative, nonsurgical treatment, those with acute, debilitating pain often choose surgical intervention in an attempt to eliminate or reduce pain and restore quality of life.